How One Gardener Grew a Year-Round Vegetable Garden with a Riverstone Monticello Greenhouse
Imagine harvesting fresh tomatoes in December or picking crisp lettuce in the dead of winter. For Sarah Thompson, a passionate gardener from Oregon, this dream became a reality thanks to her Riverstone Monticello Greenhouse. In this blog, we’ll share Sarah’s inspiring journey of creating a thriving year-round greenhouse gardening setup, even as a beginner. Whether you’re exploring greenhouse kits, drafting DIY greenhouse plans, or looking for the best greenhouse designs, Sarah’s story will show you how to turn your gardening dreams into reality.
Meet Sarah: From Beginner to Year-Round Gardener
Sarah had always loved gardening but struggled with Oregon’s unpredictable weather. After researching greenhouse for beginners, she decided to invest in a Riverstone Monticello Greenhouse. Its elegant design, durable greenhouse materials, and reputation for quality made it the perfect choice for her small greenhouse idea.
Why She Chose the Riverstone Monticello Greenhouse
1. Stylish and Functional Design
The Monticello’s classic Victorian-style design added charm to her backyard while providing ample space for growing.
2. Durable Greenhouse Materials
The aluminum frame and polycarbonate panels offered excellent insulation and durability, perfect for Oregon’s rainy winters.
3. Affordable and Beginner-Friendly
While not the cheapest option, Sarah found it to be a worthwhile investment compared to other affordable greenhouses she researched.
Step 1: Setting Up the Greenhouse
Choosing the Right Location
Sarah placed her greenhouse in a sunny, south-facing spot to maximize sunlight exposure. She also ensured the area had good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Greenhouse Insulation Tips
To prepare for winter, Sarah added bubble wrap to the walls and installed a thermal curtain. These simple greenhouse insulation tips helped her maintain a stable temperature without skyrocketing heating costs.
Step 2: Planning the Layout
Small Greenhouse Ideas for Maximum Space
Sarah used vertical gardening techniques to make the most of her space. She installed shelves for herbs and hanging baskets for strawberries, leaving plenty of room for larger plants like tomatoes and peppers.
Companion Planting
She planted basil alongside her tomatoes to naturally deter pests and improve flavor—a trick she learned while researching year-round greenhouse gardening.
Step 3: Growing Year-Round
Winter Gardening
With the help of a small heater and her insulation efforts, Sarah grew cold-hardy vegetables like kale, spinach, and carrots throughout the winter.
Summer Harvests
In the summer, she focused on heat-loving plants like cucumbers, peppers, and eggplants. Proper ventilation and shade cloths kept the greenhouse from overheating.
Year-Round Favorites
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Lettuce: Grown in succession for a continuous harvest.
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Herbs: Basil, parsley, and cilantro thrived in the controlled environment.
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Tomatoes: Sarah’s pride and joy, producing fruit even in colder months.
Step 4: Sustainable Practices
Composting
Sarah set up a small compost bin inside the greenhouse to recycle plant trimmings and kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil.
Water Conservation
She installed a rainwater collection system to irrigate her plants, reducing her reliance on tap water.
Seed Saving
By saving seeds from her best-performing plants, Sarah avoided the need to buy new seeds each season.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Pest Management
Sarah faced a few pest issues but tackled them using natural remedies like neem oil and introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Temperature Control
Learning to balance heating and ventilation was a challenge, but Sarah’s greenhouse insulation tips and a reliable thermometer made it easier.
Why the Riverstone Monticello Greenhouse Worked for Sarah
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Durability: Withstood Oregon’s harsh weather conditions.
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Aesthetic Appeal: Added beauty to her backyard while being highly functional.
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Beginner-Friendly: Easy to assemble and maintain, even for someone new to greenhouse for beginners.
Tips for Starting Your Own Year-Round Greenhouse
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Start Small: If you’re new to greenhouse gardening, begin with a small greenhouse idea and expand as you gain experience.
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Invest in Quality: Choose a greenhouse made from durable greenhouse materials that will last for years.
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Plan for All Seasons: Research year-round greenhouse gardening techniques to maximize your harvests.
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Use Insulation: Follow greenhouse insulation tips to maintain a stable temperature and reduce energy costs.
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Grow What You Love: Focus on plants that you enjoy eating or that grow well in your climate.
Ready to Grow Your Own Year-Round Garden?
Sarah’s story proves that with the right tools, knowledge, and a little determination, anyone can create a thriving year-round garden. Whether you’re exploring greenhouse kits, drafting DIY greenhouse plans, or looking for the best greenhouse designs, the Riverstone Monticello Greenhouse is a fantastic option for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
At Mulberry Greenhouses, we offer a wide range of options to help you get started, from affordable greenhouses to high-quality kits and materials. Visit us today to explore our collection and take the first step toward your own year-round gardening success!
Happy growing! 🌱
