Get growing
Greenhouses enhance your gardening experience all year long
Looking to extend your gardening time beyond the seasons? A greenhouse could be the answer. Gardeners can benefit from a greenhouse for plenty of reasons, says Alvaro Barrenechea, greenhouse buyer for Costco.
“Greenhouse gardeners can get a jump-start on the season, extend it on the other end or even grow plants that are outside their plant hardiness zone,” says Barrenechea. Greenhouses can also protect plants from being overrun by weeds and from critters and pests that normally haunt hedges and shrubs..
Additionally, a greenhouse shields plants from inclement weather, keeping wind, sleet, snow and heavy rain from destroying young seedlings and other fragile plants.
And there are styles and models for every type of gardener, explains Barrenechea. Here’s a look.
From novice to pro
If you’re a greenhouse gardening newbie, Barrenechea recommends the Palram Harmony Greenhouse with Starter Kit (Item 741353).
“This is a great entry-level greenhouse,” says Barrenechea. At 6 feet by 8 feet—the smallest greenhouse available at Costco this season—its compact footprint can fit beautifully into a suburban backyard. The aluminum and polycarbonate structure includes a heavy-duty shelf, an automatic vent opener and 10 plant hangers.
Stepping up a notch is the Yardistry Cedar Greenhouse (Item 1902493), the newest addition at Costco. Barrenechea admires Yardistry’s attention to detail and craftsmanship, such as 32-inch-high tongue-and-groove-style cedar base walls. Six-foot-tall side walls maximize interior space and increase light and air volume to aid plant growth.
As well, Yardistry uses cedar that is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, meaning it meets the FSC’s strict environmental and social standards.
Exaco is known for its high-end greenhouses made in Germany and Belgium. The Exaco Royal Victorian Glass Greenhouse (Item 178575) is available in two sizes: 10 feet by 20 feet, and 10 feet by 15 feet. Each has a heavy-gauge aluminum frame with a deep-green powder-coated finish, and tempered glass panels that provide good insulation to support plant growth. The Victorian comes with a long list of features, including tall glass side panels for improved headroom, roof windows with thermal automatic opening devices, a misting system, a large potting bench and full-length gutters. Decorative roof finials are the icing on the design.
“It’s exactly what you imagine when you think of a classic greenhouse,” says Barrenechea.
Greenhouse considerations
A greenhouse is more than just a covered structure. Before committing to any purchase, Barrenechea recommends thinking how you actually want to use your greenhouse, and knowing what kind of plants you want to grow.
“It isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s finding the right design for you. Make sure you do your research,” he says.
For example, kits come with window panels made of clear or opaque glass, or polycarbonate, a lightweight, glass-like polymer. Different types of windows let in specific amounts of light and have varying insulation properties. Clear panels are best for starting seeds, whereas di used light is preferred for cultivating plants. Roof windows that open automatically when the temperature goes up will save you from having to run outside to rescue your plants when the temperature soars.
For example, kits come with window panels made of clear or opaque glass, or polycarbonate, a lightweight, glass-like polymer. Different types of windows let in specific amounts of light and have varying insulation properties. Clear panels are best for starting seeds, whereas di used light is preferred for cultivating plants. Roof windows that open automatically when the temperature goes up will save you from having to run outside to rescue your plants when the temperature soars.
Whatever the reason for upgrading your garden with a greenhouse this year, Costco.com carries a wide selection.
“We stand behind our products and provide the best value for the same unit compared to what else is out there in the market,” says Barrenechea. “If you want a high-quality greenhouse with a trusted company backing it up, look to Costco.”
