Where It All Began
Every homestead has a beginning — a moment when a simple dream starts to take shape. For J & J Homestead, that beginning was our Mont Greenhouse from Riverstone Industries.
Long before the garden expanded and the chickens began to roam, there was the greenhouse. It became our first “working” space — a place that felt alive even in the heart of winter. When the cold winds blew and the rest of the world turned gray, I could step inside, smell damp soil, and see rows of tiny green sprouts promising spring.
That feeling — hope taking root — is exactly what started it all.
Why We Chose the Mont Greenhouse
When we began researching greenhouses, we wanted something durable, functional, and built to last. Virginia weather can be unpredictable — hot summers, freezing winters, and everything in between — so we needed a structure that could handle it all.
The Mont Greenhouse by Riverstone Industries checked every box:
- Heavy-duty extruded aluminum frame
- Polycarbonate panels that hold heat yet allow plenty of sunlight
- Modular design for expansion
- A sleek, professional look that fits right into our homestead aesthetic
You can learn more about the model we use here: Riverstone Industries Mont Greenhouse.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that this greenhouse changed everything.
How We Use the Greenhouse Through the Seasons
Early Spring: The Season of New Beginnings
Every February, when the nights are still cold but the days start to lengthen, we move into seed-starting mode. The greenhouse becomes our nursery — filled with trays of tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, spinach, and bok choy.
The consistent warmth and protection of the Mont Greenhouse let us start plants weeks earlier than we could outdoors. By the time the last frost passes, we already have a head start on the growing season.
We use small fans for airflow, water trays for humidity, and grow lights to supplement sunlight on cloudy days — all part of maintaining the perfect little ecosystem inside.
If you’re new to greenhouse growing, University of Missouri Extension has a helpful guide on temperature and humidity management (MU Extension: Greenhouse Growing).
Summer: A Break from the Heat
Summer in Virginia can be brutal — even for heat-loving plants. During the summer months, the greenhouse becomes more of a storage and propagation space. We use shade cloths to prevent overheating and keep delicate seedlings or transplants out of the blazing sun.
Our herbs, like basil and oregano, thrive in pots inside the greenhouse where we can control water levels and airflow.
Fall: Growing Season Extended
As temperatures begin to drop, we transition to cool-weather crops — lettuces, spinach, kale, and bok choy — all of which thrive in the mild, protected environment. The Mont Greenhouse gives us an additional two to three months of fresh produce each year.
That means we’re still harvesting long after the garden has gone dormant — a huge benefit for self-sufficiency and sustainability.
Winter: Growing in the Quiet Months
During winter, the greenhouse becomes a sanctuary — both for the plants and for us. We plant hardy greens, experiment with root vegetables in containers, and even keep a few herbs alive through the coldest weeks.
It’s peaceful in there — the world outside may be frozen, but inside, life keeps quietly growing. The rhythmic sounds of water dripping, the smell of soil, and the glow of morning light through frosted panels make the greenhouse feel like the beating heart of our homestead.
The Greenhouse as the Heart of Our Homestead
Looking back, that first structure wasn’t just a tool — it was a symbol. It represented our desire to build something lasting, to grow food with our own hands, and to live more intentionally.
Everything that came after — the chickens, ducks, bees, and garden expansion — grew from that same seed of motivation that sprouted inside the greenhouse.
Homesteading isn’t about having everything at once; it’s about starting small, building steadily, and growing from the ground up.
For anyone dreaming of starting their own self-sufficient journey, I can’t recommend a greenhouse enough. It’s the perfect first step — a space where the possibilities are endless, and where every new leaf reminds you that growth takes patience and care.
Final Thoughts
Our Mont Greenhouse from Riverstone Industries will always be one of the coolest — and most meaningful — things on J & J Homestead.
It gave us the ability to grow earlier, harvest later, and keep learning all year long. But more importantly, it gave us a place to begin — a structure that taught us that every great homestead starts with one small, hopeful step.
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