Located in Central Alberta, just south of Gull Lake, Gull Valley Greenhouses is a family-owned and operated greenhouse, run by Phil, Carolyn, Levi and Carmen Tiemstra.

Before the greenhouse, Phil was following in his father’s footsteps by raising chickens, but said he needed something more challenging. Gull Valley Greenhouses was started by Phil and Carolyn in 1991 and was just under half an acre in size. Over the years, the business has continued to succeed and today houses four acres of greenhouse space – the latest acre being equipped with LED lights to accommodate year-round growing.

In those early days Gull Valley Greenhouses started out growing beef steak tomatoes, but the Tiemstras continue to diversify, now offering about a dozen different types of high-quality tomatoes.Offering fresh, locally grown and sustainable produce has been a passion of the family since day one – a principle that has carried throughout the business to the present day.

For the Tiemstras, they take pride in their operation, and it’s rewarding for them to know that people are enjoying a high-quality, nutrient-filled, tasteful product.

And here's how we do it!

Biological Control

In order to control pests, beneficial bugs are introduced into the crop. This is a natural alternative to using harmful chemicals. Using biological control methods leaves a smaller impact to the environment.

Lady Bugs

Generalist Predator that we use to control aphids.

Mullen Plants

The mullen plant is a home for beneficial predators to lay their eggs. This predator (Dyciphus) feeds on a variety of pests including white fly and aphids.

Parasites

Parasites are introduced into the pepper crops to control aphid populations.

Sticky Tape

Sticky tape is used to trap adult white fly. white fly can be a major pest in greenhouse crops.

Advanced Technologies

Gull Valley Greenhouses is committed to using up-to-date and sustainable technologies that are energy efficient.

Active Ventilation System - AVS

Energy Savings of up to 40%
A reduction in disease pressure
An improved micro-climate
De-humidification of the greenhouse air without added heat
Actively ventilating our greenhouse with relatively dry outdoor air. The outdoor air contains less moisture then the air in the greenhouse. The greenhouse is dehumidified by blowing outdoor air into it

Energy Curtain

Provides approx 30% savings in the heating requirements
Mainly during winter evenings or very cold or dark periods the curtain is deployed to reduce the area requiring heat
Allows humidity to pass through

LED Lighting

Allows us to grow year round
Finely tuned light recipe
Up to 40% less energy used compared to HPS

Recycled Water

Water is recycled to reduce water and fertilizer usage

CO2 Usage

Carbon dioxide is captured from boilers and is given as food for the plants

Natural Pollination

Bumblebees are introduced into the greenhouse to ensure good quality pollination. Advantages include labour savings and increased fruit quality.

Hydroponics

All vegetables at Gull Valley Greenhouses are grown using hydroponics. The growing medium is coconut fibre, which is simply ground up coconut husks. This is a great growing medium because it holds water extremely well and allows for increased oxygen, which is important for healthy roots. The plants are given just the right amount of water and nutrients each day. Hydroponics have huge advantages over conventional farming including the ability to produce high yields on a small area and the efficient use of water and fertilizer.