Decorating & Design
Greenhouse 101: How To Make Your Greenhouse Dreams A Reality
Updated on November 28, 2023
Inspired to create your own greenhouse? You’re not alone. Sales of greenhouses, and the flowers and plants to go in them, rose to $5.2 billion in recent years.
Scroll down for answers to some common questions, plus get inspired with some of our favorite greenhouse kits!
What’s The Average Cost?
Greenhouses typically range from $800 to $8,000, depending on size, frame and whether they use glass or polycarbonate panels.
Can I Use It All Year Long?
With the addition of extra insulation and heat mats, some hardy gardeners use their greenhouses year-round, but since plants prefer temperatures between 15 and 30°C, most Canadians in colder zones opt for seasonal growing. When building a greenhouse in Northern areas, a good foundation of concrete blocks and rebar at the first line is essential. “A glass eight- by 12-foot greenhouse can weigh 1,400 pounds,” says Angela Drake of BC Greenhouse Builders. “You don’t want that to heave.”
What Can I Grow?
Peppers top the list when it comes to Canadian greenhouse produce, followed by tomatoes, cucumbers and gherkins.
Keep scrolling for greenhouse kits for every budget and style!
Cute & Compact
This gemlike facetted version is a good fit in urban yards.
Classic All-Rounder
This kit was customized with a steeper roof to accommodate tall plants and hanging baskets.
The Cadillac
Spires top a classic Victorian glass greenhouse made from eco-friendly recycled aluminum.
Cool Tools:
A potting bench with a built-in soil tray container makes transplanting or sowing from seed much easier. The aluminum counter is durable and easy to clean.
Cool Tools:
This automatic attachment opens greenhouse or cold-frame windows when you’re not around. As temperatures rise, a gas-charged cylinder expands, lifting the windows open, then closes when the temperature drops. Set the operating range according to your climate and the season.
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