How to Grow Year-Round Without Heat: A Smart Greenhouse Solution for All Climates

Imagine growing fresh food 365 days a year—even in freezing climates—without any additional heating. It’s not only possible, it’s already happening.

In this interview, OneSeason Farmers Co-Founder David Owen speaks with Chris Uhlig, CEO of Ceres Greenhouse Solutions, to explore how their innovative greenhouse technology is helping farmers—from backyards to commercial farms—build energy-efficient, profitable indoor farms in nearly any environment.

Can you grow food year-round without using heat? In this interview, our Co-founder David Owen talks with one of our strategic partners, Ceres Greenhouse Solutions, about how they are doing it from Alaska to Texas.

Solving the Year-Round Growing Problem

Traditional greenhouses in cold regions like many of those in the Northern U.S. and Canada typically require costly heating systems just to stay above freezing. But with Ceres’ passive solar greenhouse design, it’s a different story. They have found a way to turn the earth into an energy battery!

💡 This system maintains a steady 45°F (7°C) all winter—without added heat.

How to Grow Year-Round Without Heat?

The answer lies in a smart combination of design elements that work with nature, not against it. First, high-performance insulation helps retain heat, reducing the need for external energy inputs even during the coldest months. Second, strategically designed airflow systems help regulate internal temperatures and prevent hotspots or cold zones, creating a stable growing environment. Finally, the system incorporates geothermal heat exchange, which uses the earth’s natural temperature to help maintain consistent conditions inside the greenhouse. This integrated approach allows farmers to produce food 12 months a year while drastically cutting energy costs and improving sustainability.

“In a place like Ottawa, you simply can’t keep a greenhouse above freezing without major heating. This system solves that—without any added heat."

Tested from Alaska to Texas

What began as a series of 10x12 backyard greenhouses in Colorado quickly proved its value and resilience. After demonstrating consistent performance in challenging climates, the technology was successfully scaled to serve commercial farms with greenhouses 3,000 square feet and larger. This scalable model empowers farmers to start small, validate their investment, and expand over time—all while maintaining high-quality growing conditions and a clear path to profitability. It’s a flexible system designed to grow with you, no matter your starting point.

This isn’t theory—it’s real. Ceres has installed greenhouse systems in:

• Alaska

• Canada

• California

• The East Coast

• Texas and the South

This wide range of climates proves that the greenhouse works in both extreme cold and hot environments, making it ideal for farmers and ranchers across North America.

“We’ve built everywhere—from Northern Alaska to Southern Texas. That’s what makes this system powerful: it’s adaptable and proven."

Powered by Partnership: OneSeason Farmers + Ceres Greenhouse Solutions

At OneSeason Farmers, we believe in long-term success for small and mid-sized growers. That’s why we partner with innovative companies like Ceres Greenhouse Solutions to deliver:

• Year-round growing systems

• Energy-efficient greenhouse builds

• Tech + support to improve profitability

• Design-to-operations guidance

We don’t just sell solutions—we build them with you. Want to know how to grow year-round without heat -- or how we help you handle any number of other challenges? Send us an email!

Ready to Build Your Profitable Indoor Farm?

Whether you're growing in a backyard or planning a commercial operation, OneSeason Farmers is here to help! Click the link below to send us an email and let us know how we can help you!

👉 Contact us today to learn how to get started.

📺 Learn more about how we make indoor farming easy on YouTube