All-Season Growing

All-Season Growing Setup Guide for Glory & Bella Greenhouses in Canada

If you're looking to grow plants year-round in Canada, the Glory Greenhouse and the Bella Greenhouse by Canopia-Palram are top-tier choices. Designed to withstand harsh weather, they provide a reliable base for four-season gardening.

However, growing through a Canadian winter requires more than just a sturdy structure. To keep things thriving when the temperature drops well below 0°C, here is what you’ll need to ensure a successful all-season setup.

Why the Glory & Bella Are Solid Foundations

  • Twin-wall polycarbonate panels: The Glory features extra-thick 10mm panels, while the Bella offers 6mm panels. Both provide strong thermal insulation and diffuse light to help protect against leaf burn.
  • High snow load capacity:
    • Glory: Handles up to 20.5 lbs/ft² (100kg/m²).
    • Bella: The bell shape helps snow slide off easily, supports up to 20.5 lbs/ft² (100kg/m²).
  • Durable frame: Rust-resistant aluminum that stands up to extreme weather.
  • Ventilation: Both models include roof vents, automatic openers are highly recommended to manage humidity and airflow.

Essential Add-Ons for Year-Round Growing

1. Heating System

Palram-Canopia fan heater with digital thermostat

To keep internal temperatures above freezing and suitable for plant growth, relying on sunlight alone isn't enough in January.

  • Heater: Use a robust electric or propane greenhouse heater.
  • Control: Install a thermostat for automated temperature control, so you aren't waking up at 3 AM to check the gauge.

2. Thermal Mass (Passive Heating)

Black water container used for thermal mass in a greenhouse

Stabilize temperature fluctuations using physics. You want materials that absorb heat during the day and release it at night.

  • Black water containers: One of the most effective passive heating methods.
    • Why black? Dark colours absorb solar radiation much better than light colours.
    • How it works: Place large black barrels or containers filled with water along the north wall of the greenhouse. They act as a heat battery, soaking up warmth during the day and slowly releasing it as the temperature drops at night.

3. Insulation and Sealing

Horticultural bubble wrap installed inside a greenhouse for insulation

Retaining heat is just as important as generating it.

  • Horticultural bubble wrap: A game-changer for Canadian growers.
    • The benefit: Clip UV-stabilized bubble wrap to the interior of your frame to create an extra air gap. This mimics the effect of triple-pane glass, reducing heat loss without blocking vital light.
  • Weather stripping: Apply around doors and louvres to help prevent cold drafts.

4. Supplemental Lighting

Palram-Canopia Brighton full spectrum LED grow light

Daylight hours are limited in winter, so grow lights are necessary to keep plants vegetative.

  • LED grow lights: Recommended for energy efficiency and low heat output.
  • Timers: Use timers to simulate 12–16 hours of daylight.

What Can You Grow?

With the right setup (heat, light, and insulation), you can grow:

  • Winter-hardy greens: Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, arugula.
  • Herbs: Parsley, mint, oregano, cilantro.
  • Root vegetables: Radishes, carrots, beets.
  • Fruit-bearing plants: Peppers and tomatoes (require consistent heat and strong supplemental light).

Pro Tip: Install a remote thermometer with a smart sensor. This lets you monitor and adjust temperature or humidity from the comfort of your home, so you don't have to trudge through the snow just to check the thermostat.

By enhancing your Glory or Bella greenhouse with the right equipment, specifically using black water barrels for thermal mass and bubble wrap for insulation, you can achieve year-round gardening in Canada’s diverse climate.

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