A greenhouse kit extends the growing season in the North

April 11, 2016

Whitehorse – Yukoners can add up to 3 months to the growing season thanks to a greenhouse design supported by Yukon Research Centre’s Cold Climate Innovation (CCI). Bob Sharp has created a greenhouse kit that makes food production more reliable and economical for Yukoners.

The Solar Growing greenhouse kit has been designed to handle the challenges of northern growing conditions. Sharp created a system that automatically controls extremes in temperature thereby optimizing plant growth. This eight piece kit made of durable materials can be readily assembled.

“This system has been designed, tested, and manufactured in the Yukon by my son and I,” said Bob Sharp, Owner, Solar Growing. “Greenhouses are an important part of growing our own food in cold climates, and a well-designed greenhouse allows us to extend our growing season with little cost and effort. These kits are meant to make growing food an easy and successful endeavor for northerners without interfering with their play time.”

The Greenhouse kit is a result of over forty years of experimentation. The kits come in two different sizes: eight feet wide by eight or 16 feet long with a range of exterior options.

“Cold Climate Innovation is here to support innovations that benefit Northerners both environmentally and economically,” said Stephen Mooney, Director, Cold Climate Innovation. This greenhouse was built for, and by Yukoners who are committed to the issue of food security in the North.”

These greenhouses will be placed at three different schools in Whitehorse: Elijah Smith, Golden Horn and Whitehorse Elementary Schools. Viewing can be arranged at Whitehorse Elementary School through the contacts below.

For more information on this product, please visit our website.

Cold Climate Innovation is one of seven key programs that operate under the Yukon Research Centre at Yukon College. The others include: Biodiversity Monitoring, Northern Climate ExChange, NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Mine Life Cycle, Resources, and Sustainable Development in the Arctic, Science Adventures, and Technology Innovation.