Looking to turn your Calgary home into a green oasis? Then, you’re in the right place! In “Greenhouse Gardening: A Comprehensive Guide for Calgary Residents”, you’ll discover the how-tos, tips, and techniques of running a successful greenhouse operation right in your backyard. This guide is tailored specifically for the unique climate of Calgary, ensuring your venture into greenhouse gardening is a flourishing one. Brace yourself as this turns a new leaf in your gardening experience!
Understanding Calgary’s Climate
Calgary is characterized by its continental climate, with four distinct seasons that you must learn to navigate when planting and growing your garden.
Overview of seasonal weather patterns
In the winter months, you could see a lot of snow and some incredibly chilly temperatures. Spring brings a slow, gradual warming, with summer hitting its peak in July. Autumn sees a cool down once again, with temperatures dropping off towards the end of September.
Impact of Calgary’s climate on gardening
This variety of weather patterns can make traditional gardening a challenge as different plants thrive at different times of the year, and some may not survive certain seasons at all in open ground.
Benefits of greenhouse gardening in Calgary
Greenhouse gardening offers a way to control these factors, by providing a consistent and stable environment, regardless of the external climate. You can grow plants that wouldn’t typically survive Calgary’s winters and extend growing seasons of others.
Types of Greenhouses
Cold Frames
Cold frames are simple and affordable greenhouses ideal for beginner greenhouse gardeners. They are low to the ground and used to protect plants during the cold months. They’re a good starting point, but might not be enough for Calgary’s intense winters.
Hoop Houses
Hoop houses are larger and offer more protection than cold frames. They’re also relatively inexpensive and straightforward to construct, making them a popular choice. However, they can be prone to damage from Calgary’s high winds without appropriate anchoring.
Glass Greenhouses
Glass greenhouses are the most traditional type, offering strong insulation and high levels of light transmission. These are usually the most expensive and require careful handling to avoid glass damage.
Polycarbonate Greenhouses
Polycarbonate greenhouses are durable and offer good insulation, making them suitable for Calgary’s harsh winter. Also, they diffuse the light to prevent plant burn during the sunny summers.
Choosing the right type for Calgary’s weather
Your choice should consider Calgary’s harsh winters and windy conditions. That means you need something sturdy, well-insulated, and able to maintain a consistent internal environment.
Planning and Designing Your Greenhouse
Location and orientation
Find a place in your yard that gets plenty of sunlight, ideally with a south-facing orientation to maximize sun exposure.
Size considerations
Your greenhouse size will depend on the number of plants you plan to grow, and remember, it’s always better to overestimate than underestimate.
Ventilation and insulation needs
Having good air circulation is vital to prevent diseases. Adequate insulation is also necessary to protect your plants during the cold Calgary winters.
Watering systems
A proper irrigation system is critical for a successful greenhouse, providing your plants with consistent, regular waterings.
Heating and lighting solutions for Calgary winters
Prolonging your growing season into the colder months will require some form of heating to maintain a steady temperature. Consider also supplemental lighting for darker winter days.
Greenhouse Foundation and Materials
Choosing a foundation: natural ground, gravel, or concrete
Each has its benefits. Natural ground is good for drainage, gravel is cheap and easy to put down, and concrete is permanent and sturdy.
Frame materials: wood, aluminum, or steel
Wood is aesthetically pleasing and insulates well but needs maintenance. Aluminum is lightweight and resistant to corrosion, and steel is exceptionally strong, though it can rust.
Covering options: glass, polycarbonate, or plastic film
Glass is traditional and time-tested, polycarbonate is sturdy and diffuses light well, and plastic film is affordable but needs replacing often.
Durability and insulation properties
Whichever materials you choose, ensure they offer the durability to withstand Calgary’s weather and provide sufficient insulation.
Plant Selection for Calgary Greenhouses
Vegetables and fruits suitable for Calgary’s climate
Even in a greenhouse, selecting plants adapted to Calgary’s climate will give you a head start. Some good options include tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.
Herbs and flowers that thrive in greenhouses
Many herbs and flowers also perform well in the greenhouse environment. Basil, dill, and chives are among the herbs you might consider, and dahlias and begonias are some flowers that will give you gorgeous blooms.
Year-round vs. seasonal planting
With a greenhouse, you can potentially grow some crops year-round. Others will still perform best at specific times of the year, aligning to their natural growth cycles.
Starting seeds in greenhouses
Starting your seeds in the greenhouse can give them a strong start, protected from variable outdoor conditions.
Managing Temperature and Humidity
Understanding the importance of temperature control
Each plant has an optimal temperature range for growth. Too hot or too cold, and they can suffer or even die.
Techniques for cooling the greenhouse during summer
Proper ventilation, shade cloths, and evaporative coolers can help keep things cool in the summer.
Heating your greenhouse in the winter
Heaters, whether gas, electric, or even solar, can help your greenhouse maintain an ideal temperature in the winter months.
Maintaining optimal humidity levels
Too much humidity can encourage disease, and too little can cause water stress in your plants. Striking a balance is key.
Irrigation and Fertilization
Setting up an irrigation system
Consistent watering is crucial in your greenhouse. Setting up an automated system can ensure your plants get the water they need.
Watering strategies for different plants
Some plants love a lot of water, while others can thrive in drier conditions. Understanding each plant’s needs is crucial.
Choosing fertilizers for greenhouse gardening
The right fertilizer can make a huge difference in your plants’ health and yield. Consider the different options from organic to inorganic ones.
Organic vs. chemical fertilization methods
Organic fertilizers can improve your soil health over time and are environmentally friendly. Chemical fertilizers can give you quick results, but be careful not to overuse them.
Pest and Disease Management
Common pests in Calgary and how to combat them
Common greenhouse pests include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Using organic or chemical controls, or introducing beneficial insects, can help maintain a healthy plant environment.
Preventing diseases in greenhouse plants
Good hygiene, air circulation, and not overcrowding your plants can help prevent the spread of diseases in your greenhouse.
Biological control methods
Biological controls, like predatory insects or fungi, can reduce pesticide use and are often more environmentally friendly.
Chemical treatments: when and how to use them
Pesticides can be effective in controlling pests and disease outbreaks, but always follow application instructions carefully to avoid harming your plants or the environment.
Seasonal Greenhouse Gardening Tips
Preparing your greenhouse for spring planting
Cleaning out your greenhouse and preparing your beds or containers before the seed starting season will set you up for success.
Summer maintenance tasks
Regular checks for pests, watering, and ventilating your greenhouse to prevent overheating will be crucial in summer.
Winterizing your greenhouse
In fall, prepare your greenhouse for winter by checking your heating system and ensuring your plants are suitable for colder temperatures.
Crop rotation and soil management through seasons
Practicing crop rotation and managing soil health will keep your greenhouse productive year after year.
Sustainability Practices in Greenhouse Gardening
Using rainwater collection systems
Collecting and using rainwater for your greenhouse not only saves on water but is often better for your plants.
Solar panels for greenhouse operations
If possible and feasible, running your greenhouse on solar power can greatly decrease your environmental impact.
Composting and recycling organic waste
Returning organic material back into your soil through compost enriches your soil and creates a closed loop in resources.
Integrating biodiversity with companion planting
Introducing a variety of plants encourages a balanced ecosystem which can control pests and diseases naturally. Companion planting lets you make the most of this natural advantage.
