Author: Jodie Michalak

Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Buying a Greenhouse

Buying a greenhouse is an exciting venture. Finally, all those gardening plans and growing goals can start taking root. The process of purchasing a greenhouse involves many considerations, not unlike buying a car or a new home. The following are the top five mistakes people make when selecting a greenhouse, so you leave no stone unturned while finding the ideal setup for your gardening plans, climate, and space.

Don’t Make These Mistakes When Buying a Greenhouse

You’re familiar with the saying, “Measure twice, cut once,” which sums up the cautionary tale you should follow when shopping for a greenhouse.

Although it may seem that any old greenhouse will do, a mistake in the buying journey can be costly and leave all your planting dreams unraveling. Avoid the frustrations by keeping the following common mistakes in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect setup you can enjoy for years to come.

1. Buying Too Small

When planning the space for your greenhouse, always consider sizing up from a smaller model. Gardeners often make this mistake, and it’s hailed as the biggest.

Once those potted plants start to grow and thrive, you can be overrun with plants and have nowhere to work, start those seedlings, or give proper attention to anything else. In the case of tropicals or even tomatoes, this can be a common mistake. So, measure your property and always go larger than you initially needed. It’s better to grow in a greenhouse than be pushed out of it!

2. Inadequate Heating

Don’t rely on those glass panes to keep your plants happy year-round. You’ll still need to keep a heater in your greenhouse to control the temperature, and buying the wrong size can be a huge mistake. A properly heated greenhouse will have a heater and fans to distribute warm air evenly within all four corners.

Avoid cool spots by keeping temperature gauges throughout the greenhouse. Inadequate heating can zap the life out of all your precious plants when an unexpected temperature drop hits, and that can be hard on the pocketbook, as well as your hard work, especially if you’ve been growing a collection of prized orchids.

3. Wrong Material Choice

Make sure the greenhouse material you choose is ideal for your climate. Victorian glasshouses are, without a doubt, lovely, but they can get extremely hot in southern climates. So much that no amount of help can chill them out. Shade cloths, fans, swamp coolers, and AC units can only do so much.

In addition, a polycarbonate greenhouse is the better option if you’re serious about growing crops. These paneled greenhouses diffuse the light, help prevent plant scorching and help filter the UV rays when that protection is built into the panels, such as with a Hoklathern Riga greenhouse.

4. Choosing the Wrong Location

You know what they say about location—it’s everything. Nothing could be more disappointing than placing a greenhouse where there isn’t enough natural sunlight. Unless you plan on growing only shade-loving plants, you should aim to place your greenhouse where it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

5. Buying a Low-Quality Greenhouse

It may be tempting to purchase an affordable, mass-produced greenhouse model. But you’ll often need to replace it faster or deal with structural problems like panes breaking or roofs collapsing in high winds or snow. Worse yet, your greenhouse could spin like Dorothy’s house in The Wizard of Oz and blow up, up and away. Structural integrity is immeasurable when searching for a greenhouse, so do your homework, read customer reviews, and consider your weather to find a greenhouse that can take the heat.

Need Help Choosing a Greenhouse That’s Perfect for You?

We’re here to help. From glasshouses to Victorian models to polycarbonate workhouses and Western Grade A cedar greenhouses built to stand the test of time, we have solutions for every gardener. Contact our team with your questions; we’ll help you avoid all these mistakes when buying a greenhouse. No blown-out panels, no regrets—just sunshine, sprouts, and success!

May 5, 2025
Small Greenhouse, Big Dreams: A Quick Guide

Even a small greenhouse can add value to your backyard, support hobbies and gardening dreams, and become your sanctuary.

If your property is too small to accommodate a larger permanent greenhouse, you can still nurture your gardening goals with a small greenhouse. Here’s a brief look at buying one and gardening in a compact space.

Buy The Largest Small Greenhouse Your Space Allows

Space matters in a smaller greenhouse, so buying the largest model that fits and is within your budget is always best. One of the most common things we hear from greenhouse owners is that they wish they had purchased a larger one. Remember this when you start your journey, even if a small greenhouse is on the horizon.

Take a look at your space, your pots, and your plants, and visualize where everything will fit on a surface level. A compact greenhouse can be practical and efficient for anyone wanting to use it for basic projects, like starting seeds or hardening them off before moving them into the landscape or raised beds.

While there are plenty of affordable polycarbonate models on the market, if you’re going to invest in a greenhouse, you should prioritize quality. Otherwise, your investment may be short-lived, and the greenhouse’s stability, functionality, and performance may be compromised.

Where to Place Your Small Greenhouse

Once you’ve purchased your new greenhouse, you’ll want to start planning its new home, which includes the foundation and flooring. Make sure you have a flat surface with good sunlight so that your plants can thrive. Be sure to keep a thermometer in your greenhouse, too, to monitor temperatures and add cooling or heating solutions to accommodate all variations.

Shade cloths and roller shades can make a huge difference in cooling your small greenhouse, and in cooler weather, bubble-wrapping your greenhouse can help keep things cozier.

Gardening in a Small Greenhouse

With a well-thought-out organization, a compact greenhouse can provide ample space for growing and be just as fun and fulfilling. Deciding on your crops is the next step, and that’s the best part!

Cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants thrive in the summer. In the fall, try growing Brussels sprouts, radishes, collards, or green onions. For those who invest in heating systems, carrots, leeks, and asparagus can stay growing strong in the winter. But for many people, spring is when a greenhouse really shines and gives you a head start on the season, especially when you plant tender crops like melons, squash, and pumpkins.

Maximizing Space

Vertical gardening

Planning space in a small greenhouse is the most crucial part of growing efficiently. Vertical gardening is an excellent idea for a smaller spaces, and you can easily incorporate it with the following:

Hanging planters
Wall planters
Garden towers
Hooks
Plant stands

Shelving

Old workbenches and potting shelves can really help keep things tidy in a small greenhouse. These pieces can be used to store gardening tools and accessories, place trays of seeds or potted plants on them, and add charm to your compact space.

Is it Time to Size Up?

If you’ve already outgrown your small greenhouse and are ready for an upgrade, fret not! EXACO distributes greenhouses of all sizes, from our smallest Riga ‘s’ to our Janssens Victorian Gigant.

Where to Start

No matter how big or small your space is, you can have a greenhouse that serves its purpose and suits your needs. Even a cold frame can help you protect plants and tender ones during unpredictable weather.
Find an EXACO retailer here or reach out to our team. Start making your dream of greenhouse gardening a reality today!

May 2, 2025
How to Clean Greenhouse Glass
How to Clean Your Greenhouse Glass for Spring

Ready to clean your greenhouse glass? Spring is finally here, and it’s time to get your greenhouse ready for the season ahead! If you haven’t opened it up yet, chances are you will very soon. Before you dive into planting and potting, there’s one job you shouldn’t skip — cleaning your greenhouse glass.

Dirty glass blocks sunlight, and your plants need all the natural light they can get as the growing season begins. A clear, sparkling greenhouse not only looks better but helps maintain the warmth and brightness your plants love.

Why Cleaning Greenhouse Glass Matters

Over time, dust, dirt, and grime build up on your greenhouse glass, especially after a long winter. That buildup cuts down on light transmission, making it harder for your plants to thrive. Clean glass lets in more light, improves visibility, and gives your greenhouse a fresh, welcoming look for spring.

Important: Avoid using abrasive sponges or harsh cleaners. They can scratch your glass and damage the seals. Stick with gentle tools and safe, plant-friendly solutions.

7 Easy Steps to Clean Your Greenhouse Glass

1️⃣ Gather Your Supplies
You’ll need:
- A bucket
- Warm water
- A squeegee
- A lint-free cloth
- A safe cleaning solution (like a vinegar and water mix)
2️⃣ Mix Your Cleaning Solution
Combine equal parts warm water and white vinegar. If you’re using a greenhouse-safe commercial cleaner, follow the directions on the label.

3️⃣ Remove Loose Debris
Use a soft broom or brush to sweep away leaves, cobwebs, and dirt before you start washing. This helps avoid smearing mud around.

4️⃣ Wash the Glass
Dip your cloth or sponge into the cleaning solution and gently wash the glass, working from the top down in sections.
Note: Don’t use a pressure washer — it can damage the glass and seals.

5️⃣ Rinse Thoroughly
Use clean water from a hose or a fresh bucket to rinse away the cleaning solution.

6️⃣ Dry the Glass
Use a squeegee or a lint-free cloth to dry the glass. Start at the top and pull down smoothly to prevent streaks.

7️⃣ Check for Missed Spots
If you notice any streaks or grime left behind, go over those areas again for the best result.

Pro Tip: Clean your greenhouse on a sunny, mild day. If the glass is too hot, the cleaning solution can dry too quickly and leave streaks.

4 Simple DIY Greenhouse Glass Cleaners

Vinegar Solution
Mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar. Great for breaking down grime and leaving glass clear.

Baking Soda Paste
Combine baking soda with a little water to form a paste. Gently scrub any stubborn spots and rinse well.

Lemon Juice Solution
Mix equal parts lemon juice and warm water. It’s natural, effective, and leaves a fresh, clean scent.

Soapy Water
A few drops of mild dish soap in a bucket of warm water. Gentle on your glass and safe for your plants.

Time to Let the Sunshine In

A clean greenhouse means more light, healthier plants, and a fresh start for the growing season ahead. It’s a simple job that makes a big difference — and you’ll feel good seeing those sunbeams pouring through clear, sparkling glass.

Now’s the perfect time to roll up your sleeves and get it done!
April 18, 2025
Elevate Your Garden: 13 Handcrafted Outdoor Water Fountains That Redefine Tranquility
Transforming your garden into a serene retreat just got easier — and more beautiful — with our newest addition: a stunning collection of handcrafted outdoor water fountains made in Indonesia. Each piece is a work of art, blending natural materials, thoughtful design, and the soothing sound of water to create an ambiance that invites peace and reflection.

Whether you’re seeking a bold, sculptural centerpiece or a subtle, space-saving accent, these 13 distinctive designs offer something for every aesthetic. Handcrafted with care, each fountain is a testament to quality craftsmanship and timeless beauty. Let’s explore the latest offerings that promise to transform your outdoor space.

Why Choose an Indonesian Handcrafted Outdoor Water Fountain?

These aren’t just fountains — they’re functional art pieces. Crafted by skilled artisans in Indonesia, each fountain showcases a deep respect for material, form, and flow. Designed to enhance your garden’s natural beauty, they offer:
- Soothing soundscapes for stress relief and relaxation
- Eco-conscious craftsmanship from durable, natural materials
- Artistic designs ranging from whimsical to contemporary
- Effortless integration into various garden styles
Whether you’re creating a meditative Zen corner or a vibrant floral paradise, a handcrafted water feature can tie it all together.

The 13 Must-See Fountains in EXACO’S Galleria Collection

Aquarius
A sleek, contemporary design with smooth lines and a calming water stream — ideal for modern landscapes.

Buddha Bowl
Inspired by tranquility and mindfulness, this fountain brings spiritual energy to any garden corner.

Cascade
Layered tiers create a gentle water flow, perfect for those who love the sound of moving water.

Cigar
Unique and sculptural, this cylindrical fountain stands out with minimalist charm and subtle sophistication.

Eclipse
A round, celestial-inspired form that mimics the moon’s quiet presence — visually captivating and peaceful.

Frogs in the Pond
Playful and whimsical, this fountain brings a smile to every guest and a splash of fun to your space.

Laguna Wall
A wall-mounted beauty that’s great for patios and smaller gardens — space-saving without sacrificing style.

Luna Ball
Elegant and round, this globe-shaped fountain bubbles gently, offering understated luxury.

Monaco
Channeling old-world elegance, Monaco is a show-stopping centerpiece with timeless appeal.

Moon Pot
A glowing, modern vessel that looks particularly magical at twilight — perfect for evening garden vibes.

Trevi
With its nod to classical Roman fountains, Trevi adds a touch of European romance to your outdoor design.

Trio Bowl
Three stacked basins create a peaceful trickling sound, ideal for intimate garden seating areas.

Wagon Wheel
Rustic charm meets function in this nostalgic piece, a favorite for cottage or farmhouse-inspired gardens.

Designed to Complement Any Garden Style

These fountains aren’t just decorative — they’re designed to blend seamlessly into your garden’s layout and theme. Whether your outdoor space leans modern, boho, rustic, or Zen, you’ll find a design that feels tailor-made for your setting. Available in a range of color tones and finishes, they can be easily customized to match your landscaping palette.

Low Maintenance, High Impact

Every fountain is constructed to be weather-resistant and durable. With basic maintenance — such as cleaning the pump, checking water levels, and seasonal care — your fountain will continue to flow beautifully year-round.

Bring the Art of Water to Your Home

Exaco’s Galleria Imports Collection isn’t just a product launch — it’s an invitation to elevate how you experience your garden. Whether you’re entertaining guests, practicing yoga on your patio, or simply sipping coffee outdoors, these fountains set the perfect tone.

🌿 Ready to find the one that speaks to your space?
Explore the full Galleria Imports outdoor water fountains collection here.
April 16, 2025
7 Steps to Growing Perfect Peppers in Your Greenhouse
Have you ever dreamed of picking spicy and fresh homegrown peppers straight from the vine? A greenhouse gives gardeners the upper hand, allowing successful pepper growing well beyond the typical season. Even a cold frame can allow for pepper-growing fun when the temps drop. Though both environments can provide the warmth that peppers love, not all varieties play nice.

These seven tips will give you an edge to grow perfect peppers packed with flavor (say that three times)!

7 Tips for Greenhouse and Cold Frame Peppers

Choose the Right Greenhouse Variety

There are thousands of pepper varieties worldwide, and choosing the best ones to plant is key. The following list of peppers is ideal for controlled environments like a greenhouse or cold frame.
- Bell peppers
- Habaneros
- Cayenne
- Mini-bell
- Jalapenos
Create the Right Greenhouse Environment

Peppers need full sun and a consistent temperature of 70-90 degrees to blossom and fruit. In some areas, such as the south, a greenhouse can get far too hot to grow peppers in the summer. Consider planting them in pots or raised beds outside if that’s the case.

For northerners, a greenhouse or cold frame can be perfect for these sun-loving plants. No matter where you grow your peppers, try not to mix plants with other species from the nightshade family, like tomatoes, eggplant, and potatoes, because they can share the same pests and diseases. Instead, plant your peppers with companion plants like carrots, nasturtiums, basil, cilantro, and marigolds for natural pest prevention.

Provide Healthy Soil and Compost

Peppers love to eat, and soil that lacks nutrients can madden them to the point where they produce smaller fruit, yellowed leaves, and less-than-impressive growth. One or all three of these mean a reduced harvest, so make sure you hit that sweet spot for healthy soil and commit to an optimal feeding schedule.
- Ideal pH: Peppers thrive in 6.0-7.0 Ph.
- Soil Prep: Add compost and organic matter before planting peppers.
- Fertilize: A fertilizer high in potassium and phosphorus can boost fruit production. However, a balanced 10-10-10 should be used at a minimum.
Water with Care

Peppers aren’t too thrilled with water. They despise soggy roots and will throw a fit with blossom end rot. It’s best to water your peppers deeply, 2-3 times weekly, rather than everyday.

If you’re growing peppers in a cold frame, water them early in the morning so the soil soaks up excess moisture before nightfall.

Drip irrigation systems are excellent for peppers and keep the soil hydrated without over-watering. Peppers planted in raised beds or pots dry out quickly, which means peppers can soon take a turn for the worse. So, make sure you check potted peppers frequently.

Stake and Support

If you’re growing your peppers in a greenhouse or cold frame, they’re happy soaking up the sun, which means they tend to get bigger and even heavier than their outdoor neighbors. You’ll need to support the plants with cages, trellises, or stakes to keep them from toppling over. You should also prune the lower leaves so light can penetrate the base of the plant.

Bonus tip: Although it may seem counter-intuitive, removing the first few flowers on your plant will help redirect energy to leaf and root growth, encouraging even bigger peppers later.

Prevent Pests in Your Greenhouse

They’re everywhere in the garden! Spider mites, whiteflies, and aphids can attack pepper plants and spread quickly. Beneficial insects like ladybugs can help solve the problem. If pests get out of hand, spray your plants with neem oil or insecticidal soap. If you’re growing peppers in a cold frame where plants are close to the earth, keeps slugs and snails away naturally with crushed eggshells or a sprinkle of diatomaceous earth.

Happy Harvesting

Ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor? Harvest your peppers once they’ve reached their ideal color and size. Be sure to use pruning shears to avoid damaging your pepper plants.

If a frost is on the way and you’re growing your peppers in a cold frame, pick them a little earlier and let them ripen indoors.

Whether jumpstarting seedlings or extending your harvest, a greenhouse or cold frame provides the perfect environment to grow peppers year-round. Spice up with your garden with a few pepper plants and see if your skills can take the heat.
April 11, 2025
Transform Your Outdoor Space with Nordic Garden Buildings

Transform Your Outdoor Space with Nordic Garden Buildings

Looking to create the perfect home office, relaxation space, or creative retreat? Now you can do it with our brand-new outdoor garden structures from Nordic Garden Buildings! These modern, stylish buildings offer an easy way to expand your living space without the hassle and cost of a significant home renovation.

Why Choose Nordic Garden Buildings?

Whether you need a dedicated workspace, a cozy escape, or a functional guest suite, these beautifully designed garden buildings bring comfort and convenience to your backyard. Here’s why they’re the perfect solution:

✅ Year-Round Use – Crafted with insulated panels and double-glazed windows, these buildings keep you comfortable in any season.

✅ Zero Maintenance – Made from durable materials, they require no upkeep.

✅ Quick & Easy Installation – No messy construction projects—just a sleek, high-quality structure that comes partially assembled.

✅ Versatile Designs – Whether you need a workspace, an art studio, a reading nook, or a guest cabin, these buildings adapt to your lifestyle.

Meet Our Three Stunning New Models

We’re excited to introduce three new structures from Nordic Garden Buildings, available now through EXACO partners:

The Madison

A sleek and modern garden room with plenty of natural light, ideal for work-from-home professionals or creative minds.

The Greenwich

A classic and elegant design, perfect for relaxing, entertaining, or even hosting overnight guests. Model includes a shed extension for extra storage.

The Melbourne

A spacious, contemporary space designed for ultimate flexibility—whether you need a gym, an office, or a peaceful garden sanctuary.

Make Your Backyard a Destination

Forget the stress of home renovations! With Nordic Garden Buildings, you can add valuable space to your home—quickly, affordably, and beautifully. Dreaming of a private office, yoga studio, or cozy hideaway? These stunning structures make it easy to bring your vision to life.

Ready to transform your backyard? Contact us today to learn more about our Nordic Garden Buildings and find the perfect fit for your home!

March 24, 2025
A Cold Frame: The Gardener’s Secret for Spring
“Gardeners should dedicate a monument to the cold frame.” – Eliot Coleman. (The Four-Season Harvest, 1999, page 80.)

Eliot Coleman, one of the leaders in four-season gardening and an organic farming expert, went as far as to call the cold frame the magic box, and we couldn’t agree more.

Cold frames are simple and affordable outdoor structures that help gardeners protect young plants from cold weather while capturing the heat. Just like a mini greenhouse, which is exactly how a cold frame behaves but on a smaller scale, they shelter plants and can help growers start seeds earlier by capturing solar radiation and creating a warmer microclimate.

What is a Cold Frame?

A cold frame is a small bottomless box made from polycarbonate or glass that is designed to allow direct planting into the soil of a garden. You can purchase cold frames from local and online garden supply retailers or make your own if you’re crafty and up for a gardening project. Exaco has several excellent ones from Europe.

How Cold Frames Benefit Gardens in Early Spring and Late Fall

Temperatures are unpredictable in the spring, so much so that many areas experience a cold, “false spring,” where the climate feels unseasonably lovely and warm. People are excited to get outside and enjoy it. And then, snap! Mother Nature pulls the reins on all those spring gardening projects. This often leads to nipped plantings when temperatures return to their cooler norms.

But there’s a way around all that with a cold frame. Some key benefits of utilizing a cold frame in the spring include:
- Get a head start on seeds: Seeds can germinate weeks before they would outdoors.
- Protection: Delicate plants and seedlings can harden off before transplanting into prepared beds.
- Extend harvest: Greens like lettuce, kale, and spinach love cold frames and can produce in these structures long after the rest of the garden crop.
- Protection from late frosts: Those sudden drops won’t risk plants as they’ll stay insulated and safe in their cold frame.
Where to Position a Cold Frame

Just like a greenhouse, you want to ensure your cold frame is placed correctly in the garden to maximize its exposure to the sun. Usually, this means it should be south-facing and near a wall or up against a greenhouse for extra protection and warmth.

What to Grow in a Cold Frame

Cold frames and spring bounties are a match made in heaven. These veggies and flowers go hand in hand:
- Root veggies- Beets, carrots, radishes
- Herbs- Chives, cilantro, parsley
- Flowers- Violas and sweet peas
- Leafy greens- Arugula, Swiss chard, lettuce, spinach
Cold Frames Work in Fall and Winter, Too

double cold frame

Cold frames aren’t just for spring. They can extend the growing season for summer veggies like cucumbers and protect them from October’s frost. You can also overwinter fuchsia, geraniums, nasturtiums, tomatoes, or tomatillos with great success. The secret is to give plants some fresh air and open the frame so that the air can circulate, but never when the temperatures are at or near freezing.

Cold frames are an excellent addition to any garden, and if you don’t have the place for a full-size greenhouse, don’t let that stop you from extending your growing season. Look at our Australia brands that include a year-round, a double-frame, the Juwel Biostar 1500 Cold Frame which comes with automatic heat activated openers, or the Kombi Raised Bed and Cold Frame, (perfect for apartment-dwelling gardeners) and show Mother Nature you’ve got this!
March 11, 2025
Victorian Greenhouse Charm: 5 Decorating Essentials

When you think of a Victorian greenhouse, you probably imagine ornate finials, a small chair tucked in the corner, and glass walls showcasing a sunrise with promise. Roses may grow in beds nearby, and perhaps a cat or two wanders the gardens, waiting to rush inside and nip at the plants.

A Victorian greenhouse isn’t just a functional structure for controlled growing; it’s a mood that transports you to a simpler time and leisurely lifestyle, inviting you to stop and smell the roses. Originally symbols of luxury and botanical curiosity, these enchanting structures housed exotic plants and created year-round gardens, making them as much about beauty as function.

Ready to create your Victorian greenhouse escape? Incorporate these essentials to capture that timeless elegance. These five tips will have you searching flea markets and nurseries for charming additions to your retreat.

5 Must-Haves for Every Victorian Greenhouse

Lighting

Whether you run power to your greenhouse or rely on candles, nothing says elegance like a touch of crystal. A vintage crystal chandelier reflects light onto glazed pots and petals, creating a luminous effect under the moonlight. Many people also string twinkle lights for an enchanting glow. If fire risk or power access is a concern, opt for a candelabra with battery-operated candles. However you let light in. it’s one of the most impactful ways to add Victorian charm to your glass house.

Chair

Whether a rocking chair, old wooden stool, or patinaed patio settee, every Victorian greenhouse needs a place to rest to survey your growing plants. An antique piece adds character but avoid putting anything too sentimental or valuable in a greenhouse unless you’re okay with potential damage from moisture.

Rug

A printed rug adds personality to your Victorian greenhouse without costing a fortune. You can thrift or shop for an antique Persian wool rug, but affordable waterproof options are also effective for greenhouse chores. Muted hues add Old World style, and round shapes balance a square or rectangular greenhouse frame. A rug adds beauty underfoot and offers a cozy nap spot for furry friends to rest.

Gardening tools and kitsch

No greenhouse is complete without gardening tools for planting, watering, or adding charm. Look for brass and copper hangers, soap stone sinks, raised beds, kitschy gardening signs, enamel or galvanized watering cans, old garden tools, and wooden tool caddies to organize your implements.

Shelves and tables

Whether attached to the greenhouse or freestanding, shelving is essential for function. Get creative with salvaged dressers or writing tables, and use baskets for twine, gloves, and seed packets—a tiny stained-glass lamp on top casts warm rainbows that invite onlookers in.

Have fun with seasonal decorations too such as pumpkins for Halloween, Christmas lights, and shade cloths. With plenty of space to tend plants and seedlings, you’ll create a greenhouse where imagination blooms.

Shop for a Victorian Greenhouse

Decorating a Victorian greenhouse adds extra fun, but ensuring it is structurally sound and made from quality materials is key to long-term enjoyment of your greenhouse.

Explore our Janssens line of Victorian greenhouses and contact one of our partners to start your greenhouse journey. Thinking about a custom greenhouse? We can do that, too. Use our greenhouse configurator tool to design a charming, antique-inspired space ready for all your special touches.

March 11, 2025
Change Your Gardening Game with Planting by the Moon

You may have heard of planting by the moon, but have you tried it? Farmers and gardeners have used this age-old technique for hundreds of years, and some swear by its success.

If you want healthier plants and a more productive garden, this interesting planting method could be the winning card in your gardening game. Here’s what it entails.

What is Planting by the Moon?

As fun as it may sound, planting by the moon isn’t a magical, celestial endeavor where you grab your trowel and get to digging under the moonlight. Instead, the concept of planting by the moon is based on the idea that the moons phases can affect plant growth. How so? The moon causes tides to rise and fall with its gravitational pull. It also affects soil because it pulls more moisture to the surface. When seedlings are planted during the full moon and the new moon, they absorb more water and swell, resulting in more effective germination.

Lunar Cycles for Moon Phase Gardening

Now that you have a basic understanding of planting by the moon, you’ll need to follow two periods in the lunar cycle when planting.

Waxing– The time between the new and full moon.

Waning– The time between the full and the new moon.

What to Plant and When

The waxing and waning lunar cycles determine what you should plant. During the waxing moon, anything needing plentiful leaves and stems, such as annuals and above-ground fruits and veggies, should be planted. The moon’s light increases night by night from the new moon till it’s at it’s fullest. This helps upward stems grow healthy and strong.

For tubers, bulbs, and any plant needing extra root growth, you should plant during the waning moon. The moonlight decreases nightly from the full moon until it’s new again, and this extra darkness encourages plants to focus on growth beneath the soil. Below-ground crops such as onions potatoes and carrots benefit when planted during a waning cycle.

In addition to the moon cycle, your climate will determine when to plant tender seedlings. You can find dates for all the popular food crops in The Old Farmer’s Almanac Spring planting calendar.

Gardening is already a dance with nature, but adding a sprinkle of the moon’s influence makes it even more exciting. Have you tried planting by the moon? Keep a garden journal, track your success, and let us know if the moon’s magic works for you.

Source: Gardening by the Moon

March 7, 2025
The Orangery Greenhouse: Past and Present
For many plant lovers, an Orangerie or orangery greenhouse adds a new dimension to gardening and allows tender and exotic plants to be nurtured and grown. Long before modern orangeries began gracing the yards of gardening enthusiasts, the original Orangeries were mainly used for growing (you guessed it!) oranges.

History of the Orangery Greenhouse

Originating in England in the 17th century, these structures were first designed to cultivate fruit trees and became a symbol of wealth and prestige for the elite. Groundskeepers imported orange trees, banana plants, and pomegranates and nurtured the exotic fruits in Orangeries.

Versailles, St. Petersburg, and Vienna were home to some of the most well-known examples of orangery architecture. Some were completely freestanding, while others were attached to houses, where exotics could be grown and protected from harsh frosts.

As the understanding of plant care evolved and the cost of glass diminished, Orangeries became prominent in more estates and served as an architectural feature of the garden.

What Do People Grow in Orangeries Today?

Today, Orangeries can be used to grow various fruits and plants, including figs, avocados, bananas, and citrus. They’re also suitable for cultivating herbs, tomatoes, and peppers. For those seeking a decorative space, an Orangerie can be an excellent solution for growing succulents and cacti. Unlike traditional Orangeries, which were mainly for citrus cultivation, modern Orangeries blend the aesthetics of a conservatory with greenhouse functionality, serving as a stylish space for both plants and relaxation.

Discover Janssens Junior, Royal, and Antique Orangerie Greenhouses

With their T-shaped design, the Janssens line of Orangeries captures the charm of English greenhouses. Despite their heirloom aesthetic, they are made with 4mm tempered glass and a 17-gauge aluminum frame. They’re not just attractive; they’re also designed to withstand strong winds and moderate hail.

Janssens Orangeries Feature:
- Glass panels secured with heavy-duty rubber seals provide superior insulation to other glass greenhouses. This results in lower energy costs and more consistent temperatures.
- 4mm tempered glass, which is 1mm thicker than that offered by most competitors
- Seamless vertical glass panels to enhance both appearance and ease of cleaning
- Elegant roof edge and classic English design
- Thicker and stronger aluminum profiles for added durability
Consider your primary goals when choosing between a traditional greenhouse and an Orangerie. A traditional polycarbonate greenhouse may be more suitable if you seek optimal plant growth and functionality. However, an Orangerie can deliver if you desire an aesthetically pleasing space with lots of sunlight for gardening and relaxation.

Need help finding your dream garden structure? Contact one of our partners for more information about our Janssens line of Orangeries, modern, antique, and Victorian greenhouses.
March 4, 2025