by MARK ST.J. COUHIG
Sequim Gazette
Mike Gates says you really need one. You just don’t know it yet.
Gates is talking about his greenhouses, which he’s now selling on his property at South Ninth Avenue, just west of Costco.
Mike Gates with one of his company’s garden sculptures and his new line of greenhouses. With help from his family, Gates’ retail operation by Costco quickly is adding new product lines. Sequim Gazette photo by Mark Couhig
Gates said he bought “a couple greenhouses a coupla years ago,” and now he’s a true believer.
“These are perfect for peppers and tomatoes,” he said. “If you started them a month ago, you’d be picking them until October.”
The greenhouses even can be utilized through the winter. “I don’t use heat, but they’re tight enough,” he said.
Gates said he chose the models he sells based on their quality. “A lot of the new greenhouses have plastic corner connectors. These are aluminum and stainless steel.”
He said the translucent material is a polycarbonate with a 10-year UV coating. “They diffuse the light,” he said. “You won’t have your plants burning up.”
Some people already are figuring out they need one. Gates only has been in business a brief time, but so far, “I’m selling the heck out of them.”
The greenhouses are sold as kits and can be placed on the ground. “They’re light enough to put on a deck, too,” Gates said. If you like, Gates and Co. can assemble yours on your property.
The kits come in several sizes, from an 8-foot by 8-foot to an 8-foot by 14-foot.
The greenhouses are the latest addition to the Gates family enterprise, with wife Kathryn Gates and son-in-law Woo Haskins also adding inventory. In addition to the greenhouses, arbors and handmade metal sculptures from Mexico and southern Texas are now available. Live plants soon will be added, as will outdoor fireplaces and “cool log signs.” Mike Gates is restoring a historical home on the site to serve as the office and showroom for the family’s growing business.
For more information, drop by between 10 a.m.-5 p.m. “most every day,” or call Gates at 206-719-3438.
Reach Mark Couhig at mcouhig@sequimgazette.com.
