Why Your Plants “Pause” in Winter

How New Brunswick Gardeners Can Garden Year-Round Indoors

September 15th, 2025

If you’re a gardener in New Brunswick, you know the struggle: our winters are long, cold, and dark. By late October, most gardens are tucked away, and we’re left waiting until May or June to get our hands back in the soil. But what if gardening didn’t have to stop when the frost hits?

 

Enter the grow tent — a simple, effective way to keep gardening all year long, right inside your home. These tents create a controlled environment that mimics outdoor conditions, allowing you to grow everything from fresh lettuce in January to healthy seedlings ready for spring planting.

 

And here’s something important: grow tents aren’t just for marijuana (a common misconception). They’re a versatile tool for any gardener, whether you’re a first-timer wanting fresh herbs in your kitchen or a seasoned grower looking to get a jumpstart on spring.

 

In this post, we’ll cover:

  • What a grow tent is and how it works.
  • Why it’s so useful for New Brunswick gardeners.
  • What you can grow indoors all winter.
  • A mini step-by-step guide to setting one up.
  • Common mistakes to avoid.

By the end, you’ll see that year-round gardening in our maritime climate is not only possible — it’s fun, practical, and rewarding.

What is a Grow Tent & How Does it Work?

A grow tent is essentially a portable, enclosed gardening space designed to let you control light, temperature, humidity, and airflow — the big four factors plants need to thrive.

 

Most grow tents are made with a sturdy fabric exterior and a highly reflective interior lining. That shiny interior bounces light back onto your plants, ensuring they get consistent coverage without wasted energy. Add in ventilation ports, zippers, and support bars for lights and fans, and you’ve got a mini indoor garden that can mimic summer conditions in the middle of February.

 

Here’s what makes them work so well:

  • Reflective Walls: Ensure plants receive even light from all sides.
  • Light Control: Keep natural cycles with timers — 16 hours of light, 8 hours of dark is common for leafy greens.
  • Ventilation: Built-in ports allow fans and filters to bring in fresh air and regulate humidity.
  • Compact Design: Tents come in many sizes — from small 2’x2’ cubes for herbs to larger 8’x8’ setups for ambitious gardeners.

🌱 Myth-busting: While grow tents are often associated with cannabis, they’re fantastic for vegetables, herbs, and even flowers. Think of them as a greenhouse for indoors — only smaller and more controlled.

Why Use a Grow Tent?

Here in New Brunswick, our climate poses some unique gardening challenges. With an average of only 120–140 frost-free days per year, the growing season is short compared to other regions of Canada. Spring often brings late frosts, summers can be unpredictable, and by October, most outdoor gardens are done for the year.

 

That’s where grow tents shine. They give you the power to:

  • Extend the Season: Keep your hands in the soil even when the snow piles up outside.
  • Enjoy Fresh Food Year-Round: Imagine harvesting crisp lettuce or fragrant basil in January.
  • Get a Jump on Spring: Start your tomato, pepper, or cucumber seedlings weeks earlier, so they’re strong and ready for transplant when the ground thaws.
  • Control the Environment: Say goodbye to pest invasions, drought stress, or wild temperature swings. In a tent, you set the rules.

For many NB gardeners, a grow tent isn’t just a winter project — it’s a way to bridge the gap between outdoor seasons and keep the gardening spirit alive year-round.

What Can You Grow in a Tent?

One of the best parts about grow tents is their versatility. Whether you’re craving fresh greens in the middle of winter or want to get a head start on your spring garden, there are plenty of options for New Brunswick gardeners.

Here are some of the easiest and most rewarding crops to try:

Leafy Greens

Lettuce, spinach, kale, and arugula thrive indoors.

 

They grow quickly — some varieties are harvest-ready in as little as 30 days.

 

Perfect for continuous harvests: snip a few leaves and let the rest keep growing.

Herbs

Basil, parsley, cilantro, mint, and chives are excellent choices.

 

Most herbs reach harvest size in 4–6 weeks.

 

Great for windowsill kitchens — but even better under controlled grow tent lighting.

Seedlings for Spring

Tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers are staples for NB gardens, but they need a head start.

Starting them in a tent in March or April gives them weeks of growth before transplanting outdoors.

Result: stronger plants and earlier harvests in your summer garden.

Other Options

Microgreens (super quick — harvest in 10–14 days).

 

Flowers for transplanting outdoors.

 

Even strawberries or dwarf fruiting plants if you’re feeling 

adventurous.

👉 Tip for beginners: Start with greens and herbs. They’re forgiving, fast-growing, and give you a taste of success before you move on to bigger crops.

How to Set Up a Grow Tent (Mini Guide)

Setting up a grow tent may look intimidating at first, but once you understand the basics, it’s pretty straightforward. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get started:

Step 1: Choose the Right Tent Size

 

Small Spaces (2’x2’–3’x3’): Great for herbs, leafy greens, or one tray of seedlings.

Example from Scott’s: Secret Jardin 2’x2’ or Gorilla 3’x3’.

 

Medium Spaces (4’x4’–4’x8’): Enough room for multiple trays or larger crops.

Examples from Scott’s: Mammoth Classic 120 (3.9’x3.9’), Gorilla 4’x8’, AC Infinity Cloudlab 642 (4’x2’).

 

Large Spaces (5’x9’–8’x8’): For serious indoor gardeners.

Examples from Scott’s: Gorilla 5’x9’, Mammoth Pro 240 (7.9’x7.9’).

Step 2: Set Up Lighting

LED grow lights are efficient, long-lasting, and don’t produce much heat.

Hang them from the support bars inside the tent.

Use a timer to mimic daylight cycles (e.g., 16 hours on / 8 hours off for leafy crops).

Step 3: Ventilation & Airflow

Most plants thrive at 20–24°C (68–75°F) and 40–60% humidity.

A small digital thermometer/hygrometer is a must-have.

Step 4: Containers & Growing Medium

LED grow lights are efficient, long-lasting, and don’t produce much heat.

Hang them from the support bars inside the tent.

Use a timer to mimic daylight cycles (e.g., 16 hours on / 8 hours off for leafy crops).

👉 Bonus Tip: Keep your tent in a basement or spare room where the temperature is steady. Avoid drafty areas.

With this setup, your grow tent is essentially a mini indoor greenhouse that you can manage season after season.

Common Mistakes & Tips for Success

Like any gardening project, there’s a learning curve with grow tents. The good news? Most mistakes are easy to avoid once you know what to watch for.

Common Mistakes

Overwatering: Indoor plants need less water than outdoor ones — soggy soil leads to root rot.

 

Wrong Light Height or Timing: Lights too close can scorch leaves; too far away and plants get leggy. Forgetting a light cycle timer throws plants off rhythm.

 

Poor Ventilation: Stale air encourages mold and mildew.

 

Overcrowding: Trying to grow too many plants in a small tent reduces airflow and light coverage.

 

Choosing the Wrong Crops: Large fruiting plants (like full-size tomatoes or squash) may outgrow smaller tents.

Tips for Success

Start Small: Begin with herbs or greens before moving to more demanding crops.

 

Use Timers: Automating light cycles keeps plants consistent and removes the guesswork.

 

Monitor Regularly: Check temperature, humidity, and plant health daily.

 

Journal Your Progress: Note what works and what doesn’t — next season will be even better.

 

Ask for Help: Local expertise (like the team at Scott’s Nursery) can save you from common pitfalls.

By paying attention to these details, you’ll set yourself up for healthier plants and a more rewarding growing experience.

Tips to Help Plants Thrive Until Spring

For gardeners in New Brunswick, the growing season might feel too short — but with a grow tent, it doesn’t have to be. These portable indoor gardens give you control over light, temperature, and humidity, letting you grow fresh greens in winter, start seedlings early, and keep your passion for gardening alive year-round.

 

And remember: grow tents aren’t just for one type of crop. They’re versatile tools that open the door to experimenting with herbs, vegetables, flowers, and more — even when there’s three feet of snow outside.

 

If you’re curious about getting started, drop by Scott’s Nursery in Lincoln, NB. Whether you’re a first-time gardener or an experienced grower, our team is here to answer your questions and help you choose the right setup for your space.

 

Gardening doesn’t end in October — it just moves indoors.

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