Greenhouses make a lovely addition to any property. Find out whether a greenhouse is right for you and all the benefits you can take advantage of if you do decide to build or buy one.

To someone who loves gardening, there’s often nothing more useful than a greenhouse–especially in Canada. If you’re feeling up to a DIY project, you can build one yourself. Or, you can always pick one up from your home hardware store. Either way, you’ll get to enjoy the bountiful results of the climate-controlled greenhouse environment. Professionals and home growers alike can benefit in many ways from these handy structures.

An Extended Growing Season

The main benefit of a greenhouse is that it can considerably extend your growing season. You’ll be able to get plants started sooner than outside and continue growing even after you’ve had to put your outdoor flower beds to bed for the season. An extended growing season also means that you will be able to grow a much wider variety of fruits and vegetables that would otherwise be unsuitable for your climate.

Depending on where you are in Canada, you may not be able to use your greenhouse year-round. However, in the wintertime, a greenhouse can act as convenient storage for all of your gardening equipment until you are ready to start growing again the following spring.

Protection from the Elements

Greenhouses provide a much more stable growing environment than outdoor gardens, especially in Canada. They act as a buffer against large temperature fluctuations and direct protection against harsh weather conditions like wind, rain, snow, and hail. If you’ve ever had saplings drowned by heavy rains or a growing season cut short by a hailstorm, then you’ll appreciate the controlled greenhouse environment. While plants that grow sheltered from the wind may develop weaker stems, you can always help prop them up with sticks and twine.

Protection from Pests

Greenhouses not only offer your plants protection from the elements but from pests as well. Planting outdoors in the open air makes it a lot easier for all manner of bugs and animals to damage your garden, and it can be hard to get rid of pests once they are established. The more controlled conditions of a greenhouse can help prevent these issues. Locking it up at night will keep animals at bay while maintaining a neat and tidy greenhouse can help discourage insect infestations.

Aesthetic Appeal

Another great thing about greenhouses is that they most often add to rather than detract from the overall look of your yard. Greenhouses are simple structures made of materials like wood and glass or another see-through covering that allows you to see the green foliage and colours of the plants inside. Place some garden decor like a bird bath and windchimes around it to incorporate it into your overall outdoor design and create a relaxing backyard sanctuary.

Give your garden an upgrade with a greenhouse that extends your growing season, protects your plants, and even boosts your outdoor appeal. If you enjoy gardening and you have a good spot for a greenhouse, then it might be just the right choice for you.