BC Greenhouse Builders Ltd Fall 2009 e-Newsletter

16mm Five-wall polycarbonate offers light transmission of 62% and an R value (thermal resistance) of 3.03, meaning twice the insulating values of regular double glass. Strength in structure makes this material an ideal choice for areas subject to high winds. It is also an attractive looking glazing option. As with any polycarbonate, Five Wall polycarbonate cleans easily with a mixture of dish-soap and warm water applied with a soft cloth.

"We have been very pleased with the overall performance of the Five Wall polycarbonate on our greenhouses which are sold all across North America," says Kyle Exner of BC Greenhouses, "It’s definitely worth spending a bit more to achieve the combination of strength, beauty and energy-efficiency."

Fall is a good time of year to clean your greenhouse when the weather becomes cooler. Cleaning your greenhouse is essential for healthy plants and also allows for maximum light during the winter months when days get shorter.

Start by removing all your plants from your greenhouse. Thoroughly clean the frame, glazing, potting benches, shelves and floor. Polycarbonate and glass can be cleaned with a mixture of dish soap and warm water applied with a soft cloth. For stubborn algae spots on glass use a little bit of bleach.

Before bringing in your plants from the outdoors, check for insects and disease. Plants with insects can be washed with warm soapy water or insecticide soap. Remove all dead and diseased leaves. Finally, disinfect your garden tools to prevent the spread of disease.

In cold winter climates a heater is needed to over-winter your plants. Choose a heater with a thermostat in order to keep your greenhouse at the desired temperature. Insulating your greenhouse with plastic creates an airspace, which will reduce winter heating costs.

Place portable heaters near the floor closer to the entry of your greenhouse so that they will replace lost heat quickly.
Line the inside of your greenhouse with a clear 4 mm plastic. Use special insulating clips or short pieces of rope, pushed into the slot of each extrusion.
Ventilation and air circulation is important in the winter months. To keep your temperature distributed evenly in your greenhouse, keep your circulating fan running. This will reduce the amount of condensation in your greenhouse and help control plant diseases.
Only open vents and doors on warm days. Keep your doors and vents closed at night.
In smaller greenhouses, around 100 sq ft, keep your circulating fan at one end of the greenhouse, opposite the heater / door, at about bench level directing across and slightly up.
After the first frost dig up your summer blooming bulbs. Remove all dead foliage and gently remove bulbs from the soil, careful not to damage the bulbs. Shake off all the dirt and let dry for a few days in your greenhouse. Store in paper bags or any mesh bag with air circulation. Keep in a cool, dry place with plenty of air circulation.
Aphids can be controlled with a strong spray of soapy water or insecticide soap which is best done early in the day to allow your plants to dry before the evening. This helps to avoid and fungal diseases.
Water your tomatoes less frequently to encourage the fruit to mature. Snip off all blossoms, as they will not have time to mature.

Take advantage of our Cross- Country Insulated Greenhouse Fall Special!

Save 5% on all insulated double glass and five wall polycarbonate greenhouses. This offer is available on orders placed between September 15 and October 15, 2009.

Note: savings apply to greenhouse only and do not apply to accessories, shipping or taxes.

'The Winter Harvest Handbook'
by Eliot Coleman

"I just finished picking my first carrots, beets, and radishes from my new acold housea in Bedford, New York. It is so rewarding to harvest fresh vegetables and salads in the middle of winter and I grow them following the techniques of Eliot Coleman. I have been a devotee of Eliotas for years, fully agreeing with his methods for growing in winter, spring, summer, and fall, tasty, nutritious produce with a minimum consumption of fossil fuels. Congratulations on another volume of useful, practical, sensible, and enlightening information for the home gardener".

-- Martha Stewart