What This Site Is
OliveJournal publishes practical notes on growing leafy crops in Canadian greenhouses through winter. The articles focus on three variables that most directly determine whether a small structure can maintain productive growing conditions from November through February: the thermal envelope, supplemental lighting, and humidity management.
The material is intended for backyard growers and small commercial operations in Zones 3–6 — roughly the conditions found across Ontario, the Prairie provinces, and the interior of British Columbia — where growing through winter requires deliberate management rather than simply extending summer practices into cold months.
Approach to Content
Articles are written to reflect what is documented in publicly available horticultural and agricultural research rather than anecdotal experience. Where specific figures are cited, sources are linked. Where data is not available or varies too widely for a specific figure to be meaningful, the text uses ranges or qualitative descriptions.
Content does not include affiliate links, sponsored material, or product endorsements. External links point only to government agricultural resources, university research programs, and similar institutional sources.
Geographic Focus
The site focuses on conditions relevant to Canada, with particular attention to the range of climate zones spanning from Zone 3 in northern Ontario and the Prairies to Zone 6b in southern Ontario and parts of British Columbia. Latitude ranges from approximately 43°N (Windsor, Ontario) to 52°N (Edmonton, Alberta) are referenced in articles on lighting and solar gain.
Contact
Questions or corrections related to the content on this site can be submitted using the form below. Technical errors, outdated information, or suggestions for additional topics are welcome.
Disclaimer
The information on this site is provided for general informational purposes. Growing conditions vary significantly by location, structure type, and crop variety. Information here should be treated as a starting point for further research rather than definitive prescriptive advice.
Last updated: May 20, 2026