Greenhouse Setup & Planting Questions

Late spring through early summer (May-June) is ideal for installation, as you'll have stable weather and can start growing right away. However, if you're planning ahead for next year, autumn installation (August-September) gives you time to set up systems before winter and prepare for spring planting without rushing.

You'll want at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily—south-facing spots are best in our climate. Check that the ground is relatively level and has decent drainage (you don't want standing water after rain). It's also worth thinking about access to water and whether you're sheltered from strong northern winds, which are common here.

Start seedlings indoors in March-April, then transplant them into the greenhouse after the last frost date (mid-May for our region). Peppers prefer to go in slightly later (late May) since they're more frost-sensitive. You can actually get a second crop of some varieties by planting again in late June for an autumn harvest.

Opening windows helps, but our winters are cold enough that you'll need some heating if you want to grow through November-February. A simple space heater or heated propagation mat is often enough for most home setups. For summer cooling, good ventilation plus shade cloth usually does the job—you don't always need air conditioning.

Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula), kale, and Asian greens like bok choy thrive in winter greenhouses because they don't need as much heat or light as fruiting crops. Radishes and green onions are also quick wins. You won't get much from tomatoes or peppers, but these cold-hardy crops let you harvest fresh vegetables all winter long.

Daily checks are best, especially during growing season—just take a quick look in the morning and evening. Humidity should stay between 50-70% to prevent mold and pests. A basic thermometer and humidity gauge are all you need; if you want to automate it, inexpensive sensors with phone alerts make life easier during unpredictable spring and autumn weather.