Welcome, Caroline--I am on the other, sheltered side of Vancouver Island--a small island halfway between Vancouver and Victoria. The ferries go by my front door--so you may have seen my house on the right, heading south. Tofino and Clayoquat Sound are beautiful--much more wild and rugged than here.
Microwaving soil is not really very smelly--I leave out the fresh manure! Wouldn't want to do it in the house, though! My garden shed is well ventilated. I always have 2 fans going in the attached greenhouse, and leave the doors open.