When pondering the question “will a greenhouse keep plants from freezing?” The answer is yes, but it’s accompanied by a nuanced explanation that every gardener should explore.
This article delves into the mechanics of how greenhouses provide a warmer microclimate for plants during the cold months, the limitations of this protection against extreme cold, and practical tips to enhance the warmth within your green sanctuary.
By unpacking these layers, we aim to equip you with the knowledge to prevent your plants from freezing and thrive throughout the winter season.
Will a Greenhouse Keep Plants From Freezing?
The short answer is yes, a greenhouse can indeed keep your plants from freezing. But, as with all things in gardening, there’s more to it than just that.
From our experience, a greenhouse acts like a protective layer, trapping heat and creating a significantly warmer microclimate than the outside world. However, it’s not an impenetrable fortress against extreme cold.
According to our research, if the mercury outside plummets well below freezing, a standard cold greenhouse will only offer a temperature bump of about 2ºC. That might not sound like much, but in the world of frost protection, every degree counts!
If you find that your greenhouse is too cold and your plants are still being affected by the chill, there are several things you can do to raise the temperature of your greenhouse further, such as using a heater.
How to Keep Your Plants Warm in Winter
As the winter chill sets in, safeguarding your plants becomes a top priority. Here at PandaSunshade, we’ve gathered some tried-and-tested strategies to keep your greenery thriving, even when the snow starts to fall.
Insulation
Bubble wrap insulation
One of the most effective ways to shield your plants from the cold is by insulating your greenhouse. Applying a layer of bubble wrap around the interior not only reduces heat loss but also maintains a more consistent temperature.
This method is particularly useful for glass greenhouses, where thermal retention can be significantly improved without compromising light transmission.
If you’re wondering why are greenhouses good for plants, it’s because an insulated greenhouse can protect them from harsh winter temperatures.
Other winter insulation materials
Beyond bubble wrap, consider using specialized greenhouse insulation materials. These can range from horticultural fleece to reflective foils, each designed to trap heat effectively.
Remember, the goal is to create a barrier against the cold, ensuring that the warmth generated during the day doesn’t escape as temperatures drop.
Heating
Electric Heaters
Introducing a heating element, such as an electric heater, can make a world of difference in maintaining a stable environment for your plants.
By setting the heater to activate only when temperatures dip below a certain threshold, you can provide a safety net against frost without incurring excessive energy costs. This makes a heater one of the most crucial greenhouse accessories you can get.
Geothermal heating
For a more targeted approach, pipes can be laid beneath the soil surface or within propagation benches. By burying the pipes deep enough within the soil, they can be warmed by the earth’s underground temperature before running back through the greenhouse proper.
These pipes then gently warm the root zone, protecting the most vital part of the plant from cold damage. This method is energy-efficient and particularly beneficial for seedlings or sensitive species.
Water moderately
Overwatering in winter can lead to root rot and increased susceptibility to freezing. By reducing the frequency and volume of watering, you allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, which can help insulate roots against cold snaps.
Always check the moisture level of the soil before watering to ensure it’s necessary.
Create microclimates
Positioning plants with similar temperature requirements together can create beneficial microclimates within your greenhouse.
This clustering effect helps to retain heat more effectively and can shield more sensitive plants from colder spots in the greenhouse. Consider using plant stands or shelves to organize your plants according to their needs.
It’s always important to check how many plants can fit in a greenhouse when creating these microclimates. Using a mini greenhouse will be different from using a larger one.
Make use of thermal mass
Incorporating elements like water barrels or large containers filled with water can serve as a thermal mass, absorbing heat during the day and releasing it slowly overnight.
This passive heating method can help moderate temperature fluctuations, providing a more stable environment for your plants.
