Accessible Greenhouse at Selkirk College

Why You Should Consider Greenhouse Gardening in Southern British Columbia and Alberta

Growing your own food offers a wealth of benefits, from the satisfaction of nurturing life to the joy of savoring fresh, homegrown produce. But traditional gardening in Southern British Columbia communities like Nelson and Fernie can be limited by factors like shorter growing seasons, unpredictable weather patterns, and the risk of extreme cold or heavy snowfall. This is where greenhouses come in, offering a controlled environment that extends the possibilities of home gardening and allows you to cultivate a thriving garden for much longer than you could outdoors.

At Argenta Greenhouses, we’ve seen firsthand how much joy a greenhouse can bring. Our clients often tell us about the peace and tranquility they find while tending to their plants, the sense of accomplishment they feel when harvesting their own food, and the delight of sharing their bounty with loved ones.

But the benefits of greenhouse gardening go far beyond simple enjoyment. Studies have shown that gardening can:

Reduce stress and anxiety: A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that gardening can significantly reduce cortisol levels (a stress hormone).
Improve mental well-being: Research from the University of Essex indicates that gardening can improve mood and reduce feelings of depression.
Increase physical activity: Gardening involves a variety of physical activities, such as digging, planting, and weeding, which can contribute to overall fitness.
And when it comes to food, freshness matters. A study by the University of California, Davis, found that produce loses nutrients rapidly after harvest. With a greenhouse, you can enjoy fruits and vegetables at their peak freshness and nutritional value.

Stunning nasturtiums in full bloom in a beautiful Gothic Arch Greenhouse designed by Argenta Greenhouse Company.

Here are even more compelling reasons why you should consider growing your own food in a greenhouse:

- Extended Growing Season: Greenhouses create a microclimate that protects plants from harsh weather conditions, allowing you to start your garden earlier in the spring and continue harvesting well into the fall, and even grow some cold-hardy crops like kale late into the winter. This is especially valuable in regions with shorter growing seasons like ours.
- Improved Crop Quality and Yield: By controlling the environment, you can optimize growing conditions for your plants. This translates to healthier plants, higher yields, and better quality produce.
- Pest and Disease Control: Greenhouses provide a barrier against many common garden pests and diseases. This reduces the need for pesticides and herbicides, leading to healthier food and a more sustainable approach to gardening.
- Water Conservation: In a greenhouse, you can implement water-efficient irrigation systems that minimize water waste and reduce your environmental impact.
- Greater Variety: A greenhouse allows you to cultivate a wider variety of plants, including those that might not thrive in your local climate. Imagine growing exotic fruits or delicate flowers right in your backyard!
- Food Security and Self-Sufficiency: Growing your own food provides a sense of security and self-reliance. You know exactly where your food comes from and how it was grown.
- Therapeutic Benefits: As mentioned earlier, gardening is a relaxing and rewarding hobby that can reduce stress and improve mental well-being. It’s a wonderful way to connect with nature and find peace in the midst of a busy life.
- Educational Opportunity: A greenhouse can be a fantastic educational tool for children and adults alike, providing hands-on experience with plant life cycles and the food chain.
- Increased Property Value: A beautifully designed and well-maintained greenhouse can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property and potentially increase its value.
- Freshness and Flavor: Nothing beats the taste of freshly picked fruits and vegetables. Greenhouse gardening ensures you have access to the freshest, most flavorful produce possible.

Kids and adults working in the Slocan BC Community Greenhouse Built By Argenta Greenhouse Company

However, not all greenhouses are created equal. To truly maximize the benefits of greenhouse gardening, factors like proper installation, ventilation, and custom design are integral to success. A well-designed greenhouse will not only protect your plants but also optimize growing conditions and ensure years of enjoyment.

To learn more about the key considerations for greenhouse design and construction, check out our blog post 5 Essential Factors for Greenhouse Success.

Whether you’re seeking stress relief, a connection with nature, or simply the joy of fresh, homegrown produce, a greenhouse can provide it all. As the BC Brain Wellness Program points out, gardening is a wonderful way to experience the positive effects of nature on your mental and physical well-being.

If you’d like to learn more about gardening’s impact on brain health and well-being, feel free to check out the following resources:

Additional Resources:

West Coast Seeds: Proudly provides high-quality non-GMO seed selections for organic growing, ethically sourced from sustainable growers around the globe
Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association (CHTA): Shares information, resources, and training programs on horticultural therapy, including how gardening can benefit individuals with various cognitive and neurological conditions
Royal Horticultural Society (RHS): Offers gardening advice, resources, and research on the therapeutic benefits of gardening for mental health and well-being

Sources:

“Nurturing Wellness: The Cognitive Benefits of Gardening” article from the BC Brain Wellness Program: https://www.bcbrainwellness.ca/blog/nurturing-wellness-the-cognitive-benefits-of-gardening
“Reducing Anxiety with Nature and Gardening” article from National Library of Medicine: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9100102/#:~:text=Participants%20who%20had%20gardened%20%E2%89%A5,year%2Dolds%3B%20males%20vs.
“How Gardening Nurtures your Health and Wellbeing” article from Garden Health: https://www.gardenhealth.com/advice/general-gardening-advice/health-and-wellbeing-gardening#:~:text=A%20study%20published%20in%20the,feelings%20of%20anxiety%20and%20tension.
“Cultivating wellbeing and mental health through gardening” from article form the British Psychological Society https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/cultivating-wellbeing-and-mental-health-through-gardening

Davide-Luchetta owner of Argenta Greenhouse Co. stands inside a new greenhouse

Davide Luchetta, owner of Argenta Greenhouse Co., crafts stunning gothic arch greenhouses using sustainably sourced wood from a local community forest. A lifelong gardener, he understands the challenges of greenhouse gardening and creates structures that are both beautiful and functional, even in the harshest conditions. Davide prioritizes high-quality materials and customization, ensuring his clients can grow their own food, no matter the climate. He finds immense satisfaction in helping others experience the magic of cultivating their own food. Reach out to Argenta Greenhouse Co. to start growing your own dream today!