Why Do I Need a Greenhouse?

                       

Typically when we receive a call from a customer to place an order for one of our greenhouses, they have already answered the question, "Why do I need or want a greenhouse?" And they have done their research on why specifically purchase a Yoderbilt Greenhouse (this was covered in our last blog post). But, in summary of that question, they choose a Yoderbilt Greenhouse as they are of the highest quality, a beautiful greenhouse for your space, and one that is highly functional with extreme attention to detail. We invest our time into your greenhouse from the moment we take your call with questions, placement of the order, and well past the time we have delivered.   

Along the way, we've had many conversations that give us insight as to why a greenhouse was a good fit for them in their gardening endeavors. We hope to shed some light on this process for those considering one. We have spoken with a lot of people throughout the years, and we often hear the same statements made over and over. There are many different reasons, and we'll list those below, but a pattern we see and often hear is, "It's something they've always wanted at from a very young age." "It's a dream come true!" "I can grow my own food year-round." (in combination with the greenhouse, a garden/containers depending on your zone) "It's my beautiful get-away!" "It allows our family to be more self-sustaining." "I can have florals year-round." "I finally have my She-Shed." "I can grow organically." Although everyone purchases for their own reason, we've had the honor of dealing with so many customers and making certain our Yoderbilt Greenhouse serves and fulfills the need or desire they have identified for themselves as given us a great perspective from their viewpoint.  

Personally, we built our first greenhouse years ago for a combination of reasons.  We wanted our family to be more self-sustaining, we wanted it to be well-made and beautiful and we had simply had always wanted one but couldn't find an affordable one to meet our standards.  So, after many attempts, we perfected the one we love and that our customers do as well.   

Why Do I Need a Greenhouse? And, Things to Consider When Buying One. 

• Being able to start your seedlings is a great way to get a jump start on the season. Gardening year-round? It's a wonderful option to have!  
• People find great rewards in starting your plants from seed - from anticipation to harvest and everything in between. 
• You have the means to grow your own healthy food year-round.  
• Your food budget can be drastically cut. 
• It lends to a more self-sustaining life.
• It allows you to easily save and grow from your own seeds, making it possible to avoid having to purchase from commercial growers or local nurseries. 
• It saves you money, for the price of some seeds, water and your time, you can produce massive amounts of food. 
• It allows you to grow and manage your own food organically, saving money in the grocery store.  
• You can have fresh vegetables year-round without pesticides. 
• A greenhouse allows you to grow varieties of food and flowers that your local nursery does not carry.  
• To fill your garden fast, it is the most affordable way.  
• You can have fresh flowers to enjoy and share all year long.
• You are no longer limited by a growing season.   
• By getting an early start on the season, you can set out larger, hardened plants when the weather has warmed, and the risk of frost is gone.   
• Fast-growing plants like annuals (such as sunflowers and zinnias) can be started 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost. 
• Slow growing plants like perennials can be sown 10-12 weeks before the last spring frost.  
• (Our) greenhouses are used by hobbyists as well as commercial growers. 
• In many zones, seedlings can be started in a greenhouse in late January. And, depending on the crop, they can be started weekly after that. 
• You have an all-in-one gardening location; a garden shed is not required.  
• You can have consistent gardening with plant protection in an optimum environment.  
• A beautiful, well-designed greenhouse can add to your landscaping, not take away. 
• You can winter your plants, allowing you to have them again for spring instead of re-purchasing everything from a local nursery and starting over year after year.  
• Every spring, you can spend hundreds of dollars on plants. Even in doing that, you often want more. With a greenhouse, you have the option to grow about as many seeds and varieties as you wish. 
• You can grow an abundance and share with family, friends, and food banks. 
• It makes it feasible to start your own seedling company, farmers market vendor, or jump into the growing cut flower market. It can yield a high return on your investment.  
• A greenhouse can be great for your mental health (just ask someone who has one) as well as your physical health in keeping you active, outdoors (even when it's cold out, the greenhouse is warm and cozy), and doing something you love. 
• A greenhouse purchase should be made with quality in mind; cheap greenhouses tend to have a very short functional life-span. 
• It can be such a peaceful retreat and can give you hours of enjoyment, especially on those dark winter days.  
• We've heard countless times from customers, to buy as big as you can afford, and that your site will allow.  
• It allows you to propagate your plants on a large scale. 

When is the best time to order a Yoderbilt Greenhouse?

We often get asked when is the best time to order one of your greenhouses.  The answer is now.  We have a steady influx of orders year-round, but we have different peak seasons here at Yoderbilt in which our customers are ordering.  And, we are right in the middle of one of those peaks now.  Summer tends to slow down a bit, with the exception of last year.  The orders came in year round in an even pace.

Here in Arkansas, it seems like we've had countless dark, cloudy, rainy, cold days this year.  For weeks and weeks on end.  We currently include parts of Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Tennessee into our regular regional area.  We do occasionally go outside that area, but for the most part,  our weather can be similar.  With the cold and often rainy days of approaching spring,  that actually means it is the perfect time to be thinking about getting your greenhouse ordered and set-up.   We work diligently to get your greenhouse built and delivered once your purchase is made.

January through early summer is a busy time at Yoderbilt.  Many plants can be grown from fall straight through February and beyond, and then March changes everything.  By March, seed catalogs have been set aside as orders have arrived, and gardeners will already have their seed packets lined up ready to go.   March is usually "go time" for many seedling varieties to be planted.  So, as March progresses and the garden continues to hibernate, seedlings are growing like crazy in the protected greenhouse.   If you truly want to steal a couple of months to add to your gardening year.....now is the time to give us a call at 479.849.4385,

Why a Yoderbilt Greenhouse?

Many of you know our story, but some of you may not.  Our life is pretty simple as it is all about our deep love of family, a slower pace, farming, gardening, and the outdoors.  On the business side, some days we still look at each other in disbelief that Yoderbilt is what it is today.  It has been an incredible experience sharing this love of greenhouses and gardening with so many, and we hope it is a fantastic thing for our customers as well.  It's definitely not what we set out to do when Travis built that very first greenhouse for me.

A little back story, Travis and I got married in 2006 here in Arkansas, surrounded by family and friends, and moved to Colorado the NEXT day for a job opportunity he had. We loved everything Colorado had to offer so incredibly much.  But we soon had Olivia on the way, and we were far away from both of our families.  He had a wonderful job, but it lent to a lot of travel.  Once Olivia made her debut, and we made our first trip back home, we realized we wanted to "be" back home.  Amazingly, the farm RIGHT NEXT door to my parents was for sale.  We knew it was the answer for us. 

Travis still had a lot of travel and did not like being away from us. So we purchased a fifth wheel and traveled with him.  IT was an incredible experience. During this period, we were settling into farm life, a simple life that we both loved so much with a little one running around.  He had always wanted cattle.  We got cattle.  I had always wanted a garden and a greenhouse, we had the garden, but the greenhouse was a bit more challenging.  Our only options were ordering online at prices that were quite high and still have to assemble it ourselves; most of the reviews on quality made us shy away.  We visited our local big box stores in person and online, and it was pretty much the same.  We had friends and family who had purchased some of the same, and they were flimsy and wouldn't often make it through one single season.  So, Travis decided he would build us one under the shade tree in our front yard.  That is a story all in and of itself that I'll come back on and share someday.


A greenhouse business was nothing we ever set out to do; I just wanted a pretty and well-made greenhouse.    But, as friends and family began to see them and want them, you know what they say about word-of-mouth being the very best marketing tool out there, let's just say, the rest is history.

We KNOW what we've poured into these greenhouses to make them the very best on the market.  And, our customers time and time again, sing that same sentiment.   But why should new customers choose Yoderbilt as their greenhouse provider?  Let me share what we've heard and in the actual words of some of our customers.

Yoderbilt is known for a well-made quality product made of the very best craftsmanship.   Every single greenhouse is assembled in our manufacturing plant with an inspection before delivery and after.   We received a call last week with someone wanting to buy one of ours because he had purchased another one elsewhere, and it had fallen apart. Trust me; we, unfortunately, hear that so often.   Here are more words we'd like to share from our customers.

"Hello. My name is Mechelle Tournear, and I live in Midwest City, Oklahoma. I got my greenhouse in September 2017. It’s an 8x16. I love how well it holds up to the Oklahoma wind and heat. I recommend it to everyone that asks what kind I have."

"I am Debra Whaley, and we live in NE, Arkansas, Piggott, close to the Missouri state line. I have one of the greenhouses brought to me by Travis when he first started his business! I love it so much and have made several referrals to people that ask. We live right on Highway 62, and lots of people comment on my greenhouse, I keep it lit up in white lights year round!! It is full as I winter all my ferns here that I use in my yard in the summer!! Can’t wait for nice weather!! And love my Yoderbilt greenhouse!!"

"My name is Gena Alderman, and I live in England, AR, and I have a Yoderbilt greenhouse! I love my greenhouse! The only problem is that I need a bigger one! Mine is 8 x 8."

"Hello, my name is Kim Penrod, and I live in Hinton, Oklahoma. I got my Yoderbilt greenhouse this fall and am in love! I have been looking for about a year, and these are the best, and they withstand our crazy Oklahoma wind! I have an 8X16 Yoder Gray with the electric package, and my only complaint is it's already too small! The perfect place to have coffee or afternoon tea until the weather gets warmer. I absolutely recommend these greenhouses as a wonderful investment for your peace and outdoor enjoyment".

"My name is Pam Stanlick, and I live in Sulphur Oklahoma My only complaint ( to me) that I didn’t buy a larger greenhouse I bought an 8x8 because I couldn’t get a larger one down my alley and into my backyard
I love my Yoderbilt greenhouse and could not recommend Travis and his crew more. They were very courteous and did a super job of delivery and set up and the product is the best I have recommended your greenhouses; as a matter of fact, I did again this morning".

The investment of a greenhouse is an investment on any platform.  However, we only strive to provide greenhouses of the utmost quality but still make them something you thoroughly enjoy spending your time in.   We also work hard to keep our prices low in comparison to what others offer on the market.  Our greenhouses begin at $2195, and this includes free delivery, leveling, and set-up within 250 miles of our manufacturing facility in Mansfield, Arkansas. 

We hope this gives you a little insight into why we do what we do.  And, we are very aware that we wouldn't be on this journey to provide such a quality product without our amazing customers.  In our next segment, we'll go into why people even purchase a greenhouse.  There are so many reasons, so check back in! 

  

How Do I Heat My Yoderbilt Greenhouse

One of our most frequently asked questions, "How do I heat my greenhouse?" There are many things to consider when answering this question: type of heat source, 4 mm or 8 mm twin wall polycarbonate, size of the greenhouse, and climate zone. We will address each of these issues to inform our customers of how to have a successful experience with their Yoderbilt Greenhouse.

 Systems:

1. The size of your greenhouse will determine the amount of heat needed. For example, an 8x8 or 8x12 will require different heating as opposed to an 8x16 or larger. For an 8x8 or 8x12, we recommend the use of one electric oil-filled radiator heater. For an 8x16 up to a 12x28, we recommend the use of two electric oil filled radiator heaters. Greenhouses larger than a 12x28 may require the use of more than two oil-filled radiator heaters.
2.  We also recommend a second source of heat, such as propane or natural gas, in case of a power outage during below-freezing temperatures. Ventilation and airflow are key to the health of your plants when heating your greenhouse.  We typically  have a fan blowing at all times to keep the air circulating.  This also prevents cold pockets of air from forming.
3.  We also have auto-vents and side windows to pull in fresh air on days above 50 degrees or on sunny days. On sunny days, we typically turn off the heat sources until dusk and then turn them back on going into the evening. Remember that your plants need fresh air and circulating air.   
4,  We offer two plastic coverings for your greenhouse; 4 mm or 8 mm twinwall polycarbonate. We use an 8 mm twinwall polycarbonate on all of our personal Yoderbilt Greenhouses.
5.  Greenhouses located in Northern states will require more heat than those located in Southern states.  There is no magic formula.  Climate zones, temperatures, cloudiness, greenhouse size, and covering material will affect your ability to  heat your greenhouse properly. Keeping all of those factors in mind will help you have a successful experience with your Yoderbilt Greenhouse.

**Disclaimer - I had a new greenhouse put into place over the last week and am in the middle of moving and separating my plants.  Once I get those moved and things settled, I will add pictures of my current heating set-up as these pictures were taken this past summer.

The Cut Flower Farm Industry

The Cut Flower Farm 

We've been seeing a new customer base at Yoderbilt Greenhouses over the past few years, Cut Flower Farmers.  We recognize that this is an emerging industry nationwide but is hitting our region in a big way as well.  And, it's exciting to see it grow and afford so many families so much! 

What has been so alluring to us {besides the gorgeous blooms of course!} is the stories behind this new crop of farmers.  However, with Farmer's Markets popping up in so many areas, the ground is ripe for the picking!  Some begin it as a hobby, and it becomes a career path almost by accident.   Again, usually motivated by pure love of gardening and all of the benefits it brings, but then it progresses to a business.   Another group tends to be the young, stay-at-home moms looking to supplement their family income by doing something that they enjoy, that allows relaxation, can begin at a minimal start-up expense,  and includes family involvement.  The third group we often see as branches from the other two groups, full-time cut flower farmers in which their primary income streams from this newfound market.

There are several avenues in which they make an income.   Farmer's markets are great sources, along with subscription services, becoming a wholesaler to florists, directly selling to brides, providing complete floral packages for weddings, photographers, wedding planners and some allow, cut-your-own evenings from their gardens, whether large or small. Regarding Farmer's Markets in particular - if you've gone to one, you understand.  There is just SOMETHING about buying fresh and local that feels so great!  People love it!  

Another thing we have learned is that they don't require much land, but some have acres.  The ones who have smaller plots tend to start in what one would consider a "flower bed" and stick to prolific producing florals such as zinnias and sunflowers.   They tend to almost thrive in hot, dry beds {although we're big proponents of watering appropriately to optimize your crop}, and if you keep snipping them, they keep producing.  

So, where does Yoderbilt come in to play?  For a relatively low start-up to have your own business, one of our greenhouses reaps the rewards quickly.  And, that is why we keep getting orders from these new entrepreneurs.  Our greenhouses allow you to grow your seedlings early, therefore producing early and getting that return on investment back.  They allow you to skip the garden centers and save money from the very start with seeds.  They allow you to also produce gorgeous holiday blooms well past the regular season.  Some of our clients force their tulip bulbs to provide gifts throughout the holiday season - something magnificent and different than a poinsettia {although we love those too!}  

Once ordered, we build and deliver it fully-assembled, level it, and set it up.  You can be planting as we are driving back down your driveway.   It appears this new farmer is here to stay, and you just   can't beat getting to work with gorgeous florals every day!   

My Lemon Tree

This picture is such a realistic example of how plants can thrive, in a healthy way, inside a greenhouse.  There is a practical side to greenhouses, but also, such a fun, fulfilling side as well.  The lemon on the left is purchased from a grocery store.  The lemon on the right, I picked from my greenhouse this morning with a few honey bees buzzing about.   No chemicals or pesticides were used on mine other than diluted lavender in a spray bottle.  

My sweet mom gifted me a dwarf Meyer's lemon tree a few years ago.  It is one of my most cherished plants.  If you care for these little gems properly, they can yield loads of fruit in just a couple of years.  In the meantime, the foliage and the fragrant blooms make it worth the wait.  

I keep mine in a large container inside my greenhouse and make sure that the soil can drain well.  It's an easy plant to care for, and they make for a fun harvest.  

Mine is loaded with baby lemons right now. I'll soon be asking me to send all the lemon recipes!  

Thank You Yoderbilt Greenhouse Customers

We are Growing and We are Grateful 

2020 - it seems surreal.  A new year, let alone a new decade.  Never, ever in our wildest dreams, did we ever expect to be here with all of you.  I've always been in love with gardening and simply needed  {and, wanted!} a greenhouse.  I will admit, I did cave and order one that didn't withstand a season.  So, Travis decided he would build me one - it would be a pretty {of course!} but functional and reasonably priced greenhouse.  That first one wasn't perfect, but who knew it would lead us down the path to all of this, to all of you.  Our customers truly are our greatest asset.  We wouldn't be here without you.

That first year in my sweet little greenhouse was like heaven on earth.  But, I didn't exactly know what I was doing, and I didn't seek out a lot of resources, so it was a lot of trial and error.   Even though my learning curve was a big one, I still enjoyed every single moment of it.  Olivia was little at the time and was always by my side digging and planting on her own, painting pots of chasing butterflies.  Travis would pop in and out as he could.  It became a sacred time and place for me.  For us.

Never did we intend for that first greenhouse to lead to a business.  Throughout the years, we have perfected the greenhouse design to allow beauty, superb quality at a reasonable price.  We've met the best people.  And, we receive the sweetest thank yous.  We've grown tremendously, thanks to you!

2020 is a new year for us in many ways.  We are implementing numerous resources to help you along the way.  To make your learning curve not as big as mine was.   We think all that we have to offer will be second to none in the world of greenhouses.

We could not have dreamed of where we'd be today in the greenhouse industry.  And this will be the best year yet!   Every day, we are doing something we love immensely and meeting the sweetest garden-loving friends from across several surrounding states.  We hope that you experience the same happiness every time you step into your Yoderbilt Greenhouse and gardens that we do.  It never gets old.

xo, Angela and Travis