In 2015, I decided to share a greenhouse with a neighbour. His place was only a three-minute walk from mine and as I had no room for one this was a good solution.
I have been thinking about greenhouse growing; had done considerable reading and talking with greenhouse owners and operators. Now here was an opportunity I could not turn down. Why?
Here in Campbellton New Brunswick, the growing season is short. We get about 90 days from start to finish. The greenhouse, as it is, has extended this by 45 days. It maybe possible to grow longer, time will tell.
The past three years the weather has been unusual. This year even more so than last. The greenhouse is helping us adjust to the changing weather realities.
There is still much to learn and that is part of the fun, part of the ongoing adventure that growing your own food can be.
If you are thinking about buying or building a greenhouse, there are a few things to consider. One is location. There is some debate as to whether the greenhouse should be located on a north-south orientation or an east-west one. I say, regardless of the orientation, unless the greenhouse is in shade, any location will improve the yield.
As you can see, our greenhouse sits under a row of trees and this does cast some shade. This will slow down the growth of the sun and heat lovers such as tomatoes but the longer growing season can offset this.
I was able to transfer four cherry tomato plants from under artificial lights to the greenhouse in early May. This is four to five weeks earlier than would normally be possible. The greenhouse should also keep the plants producing until early October.
Situate the greenhouse reasonable close to your main home. Plants growing in a greenhouse may need watering more frequently than those planted outside and directly into the earth. If you are growing greens, keep a close eye on them, especially on hot days. Lettuces, spinach and other green, leafy plants will bolt or go to seed, fast, when the weather is warm.
Humidity can be a significant problem in a greenhouse. Ventilation can offset this to some extent. Our greenhouse has a window that can be shut or left open. The door is divided so the top or bottom half can be left open on hot days. This allows a draft, if the wind is blowing, to go through the greenhouse.
Inside greenhouse: A very basic design
When it comes to selecting a greenhouse, the possibilities are vast. You can build your own. The Internet has plans aplenty when it comes to greenhouses. Choose the plan that suits your needs and abilities.
You can buy one. Again there are many options. Ours was purchased from the local French high school. The students in the woodworking shop built it.
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The raised beds at the rear of the greenhouse were made for me by an acquaintance. I have osteoarthritis in both knees and bending down or kneeling is simply not desirable. So I am able to use my gardening stool and can sit comfortably and tend the garden.
The ability to spend time in the greenhouse on stormy days is another benefit. The rain rolls off the roof and into the attached rain barrel, my greenhouse partner set up, and not on me as I tend my tomatoes.
Next year, tomatoes and peppers are out and Brussels sprouts and cauliflower are in, maybe. Time will tell.
Nice build out. I am an architect/artist fabricator, and love seeing people going out there an building things for themselves. You've totally inspired me to build one in my yard. Keep living the dream.
Thanks, gardening lends itself to working with hands, heart and head. have a great day.