Although a winter season has its own benefits, winter weather condition has a huge potential to damage your plants.
A greenhouse is just what you need for your plants’ safety. However, you will need to set up your greenhouse’s standards in a way that severe winter conditions will not damage your plants. This article shares a few ideas that you can incorporate into your greenhouse in order to make it safe for your plants.
As you set up your warehouse to handle the winter, ensure you are big on temperature regulation and insulation. Your plants will need consistent air and warmth in order to continue thriving.
Why Winter is Dangerous to Your Greenhouse and Plants
As you have already experienced, winter temperatures are below zero degrees. Extremely low temperatures will leave your plants gasping for both light and air, and you might even lose them. To avoid these risks, consider the following hacks:
- Temperature control: The temperatures inside your warehouse need to be consistent. Ordinarily, they should range somewhere between 55-70°F. Any temperatures below that will create dormancy, especially with plants like citrus and tropical.
- Light management: Your plants need photosynthesis. The sunlight not only has weaker rays, but the sunlight hours are also less.
- Humidity and ventilation: The soil hydration and transpiration will be severely reduced during winter since the air is drier during winter. You will need to maintain the greenhouse humidity at roughly 70% at night and 85% during the day.
Insulate Your Greenhouse
Plants need a consistent temperature for consistent growth. Adequate insulation provides the temperature consistency required for healthy and continuous growth.
When insulating, consider using materials that can raise your greenhouse’s R-value. A higher R-value indicates powerful insulation, which in turn leads to high heat retention.
Some of the common greenhouse installation types are:
- Bubble wrap: Bubble wrap is an insulation that traps the air in its little bubbles while allowing light to pass through.
- Polycarbonate panels: You will need heat to be trapped inside your greenhouse as long as possible. Polycarbonate panels have a multi-layer structure, which creates a thermal barrier. The barrier will prevent any heat loss, and your plants will enjoy warm environment for longer.
- Reflective thermal liners: Install these liners to reflect the heat back into the greenhouse. There will be less heat loss.
Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation is as important in the winter as it is during winter. Greenhouses require a consistent flow of fresh air in order to avoid molds and mildew.
However, you need the right ventilation balance. The air should just be enough to keep the inside of the greenhouse steady but not too much that it leads to very low temperatures.
In order to get the right greenhouse’s ventilation, consider the following:
- Automated ventilation systems: Preferably use a system you can control with your thermostat. Such systems ensure the vents open and close as the temperature and humidity levels change.
- Circulation fans: Find a strategic position for the fans in order to evenly distribute heat all across the greenhouse. Poor air circulation will lead to some plants missing out on the much-required heat.
- Timed manual venting: If for any reason you cannot have the automated systems, set specific times for vents. Keep the vents brief and consistent in order to balance the air coming in and the heat going out.
Other Extreme Weather Preparations
When managing a greenhouse, winter is not the only problem you got. There are other extreme conditions you will need to properly prepare for. Such conditions include heavy snowfalls and high winds. The following simple measures can go a long way:
- Structural checks: Ensure you inspect examine your structure for any damages. Continually strengthen your joints to enhance the greenhouse stability.
- Wind preparedness: Add extra anchoring to ensure your greenhouse is stable enough to withstand the strength of high winds. You might have to add more hedges to lower wind impact.
- Snow and frost management: Before you buy a greenhouse, ensure the roof is strong enough to withstand the weight of snow loads. To prevent any frost build-up, properly install the heating cables.
Conclusion
As you approach the winter, ensure you prepare for it. Greenhouses can still thrive during winter, but you will have to be very proactive with great tools and strategies to get your plants through unharmed.
