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Caring for a greenhouse during winter can be a unique experience for every gardener.
For many people, a greenhouse acts as a protective haven during the winter. They use it to shield plants from the harsh frost that the season brings. One popular way to use the greenhouse is by setting up a "cold frame." This simple setup doesn't require high temperatures. It keeps the plants slightly warmer than the outside, preventing them from freezing. The goal is to ensure the soil temperature remains above freezing, creating a safe zone for delicate perennials to survive the winter.
However, there are garden enthusiasts who take a more proactive approach. They view winter as a golden opportunity to grow cool-season crops. They maintain their greenhouses at a cozy nighttime temperature range of 45 to 50 degrees. Vegetable like cauliflower, carrots, and broccoli can survive and thrive at this temperature.
But let's not forget the tropical plant enthusiasts who dream of harvesting fresh vegetables all year round. With this, 55 to 60 degrees night temperature is the go-to choice. This setting not only fosters the growth of vegetables but also welcomes a variety of tropical plants.
Now, regardless of your chosen route, setting up your greenhouse to weather the winter months involves a careful balance between heating and ventilation. While prioritizing heating is natural, remember that a well-ventilated greenhouse can be the secret to a thriving winter garden.
Why You Shouldn't Keep Your Greenhouse Totally Sealed
Keeping a greenhouse warm during the colder seasons would mean keeping it sealed tight, right? You'd want to keep every precious bit of warmth inside. But it might surprise you to learn that bringing in some cold outdoor air is not just a good idea but also necessary. Let's dig into why.
First, high humidity can become your greenhouse's worst enemy during winter. It's not just uncomfortable for us, but it can foster plant diseases and mildew. This is especially a concern when outside temperature dips below 50 degrees, which is why humidity control is essential. Ignoring this can even lead to structural issues, particularly with wooden greenhouses.
The Importance of Ventilation In The Greenhouse During Winter
Now, you might wonder why we need ventilation. When the warm air meets the cold surfaces, it causes condensation, or what you might call "sweating." This phenomenon is even more pronounced in greenhouses with metal frames or single-walled glazing as they conduct heat more efficiently, cooling the warm air swiftly.
But it's not all about avoiding the negatives. Fresh air brings in a supply of carbon dioxide, which is good for your plants. Not to mention, oxygen is a must-have for gas heaters and for plants to carry out their nighttime transpiration processes smoothly.
While it might seem counterintuitive, when the temperature difference inside and outside the greenhouse isn't significant in the summer, you can worry less about humidity levels. But winter calls for a careful approach to ventilation to foster a healthy, thriving environment for your plants.
Therefore, even though it might be tempting to seal every nook and cranny in your greenhouse during the winter to trap the heat, resist the urge. Embrace the cold, fresh air, and you'll sidestep many potential issues down the line.
Gas vs. electric heater: Which is better?
Selecting the right heater for your greenhouse hinges on its size and location. Essentially, you've got two options: gas or electric.
Gas heaters are a favorite among many greenhouse enthusiasts. They are more economical. In terms of safety, you could never go wrong with gas heaters. They come with safety sensors. If the oxygen levels drop too low, the heater automatically shuts off. However, this neat feature can be a double-edged sword. Without proper ventilation, you might find your heater switching off when your plants need warmth the most. Unfortunately, many have learned this the hard way, ending up with damaged or lost plants. Simply put, improper ventilation can cause it gas heaters to turn off just, putting your beloved plants at risk.
On the other hand, electric heaters require less ventilation than their gas counterparts. So, when weighing your options, consider the needs of your greenhouse and pick what's best for your leafy friends. Remember, a warm plant is a happy plant!
Proactive Ventilation Matters
Here's a fun fact: Smaller greenhouses can experience quick environmental changes because they have many exposed surfaces compared to their covered area. Controlling temperature and humidity becomes a breeze if you can automate your greenhouse's operations.
But how exactly do you ensure good ventilation?
It's all done by facilitating regular air changes. The said air changes refer to the number of times the air in the greenhouse is completely replaced with fresh air each hour. Aim for at least two complete air changes per hour for your greenhouse during winter.
Setting up a natural ventilation system is an effective strategy to ensure you reach the required air changes. It works when warm, moist air is released from the greenhouse. It then causes a change in pressure that pulls in cool air at the greenhouse's base. Then, this air gets heated, creating a cycle that maintains a healthy environment for your plants.
To streamline this process, consider installing a thermostatically controlled exhaust fan. Doing so will automatically release damp air as needed. Hence, it helps to keep the temperature and other conditions just right, giving your plants the optimal environment for growth. These steps ensure a smooth operation that keeps high humidity and other issues at bay.
Circulation fans for greenhouse ventilation
Why not try circulation fans to maintain a consistent greenhouse temperature during winter? Running them non-stop helps fix temperature variation issues. These fans prevent warm air from rising to the top and cool air from staying on the floor. As a result, you'll be able to create a balanced environment for your plants.
Here's a bonus tip: Keep these fans running all the time. Why? Well, they stop warm air from going up and cold air from staying low. In addition, for the best result, pair these fans up to form an oval airflow pattern. This setup helps circulate air evenly.
So, to maintain a healthy greenhouse environment, make circulation and ventilation your top priorities. Use fans effectively and strategically to get the most out of it.
Tips and takeaways
Running a home greenhouse is not as tough as it may seem. The first step is determining your greenhouse's CMF (Cubic Foot per Minute) requirement. It will then guide you to choose the right products.
But remember, your keen observation skills are irreplaceable. Regular checks, especially after a cold winter night, will give you a sense of how things are going. This hands-on approach allows you to notice problems right away.
Thus, knowing what signs to look out for means you can make small tweaks before they become big issues. For instance, spotting condensation early means you can ramp up the ventilation to prevent potential problems. Similarly, boosting circulation can be a quick fix if the temperature isn't evenly distributed.
In the warmer months, you'll need to ramp up the ventilation in your greenhouse. A good rule of thumb is to get a ventilation fan capable of facilitating 1 to 1 1/2 air changes every minute.
Are you wondering how to figure out the right fan size? Do not hesitate to reach out to us for a CFM calculation.
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