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Here are some Greenhouse winterizing tips!
* Start at ground level:
Whether your on cement, wood or even grass you will need several layers of protection. Outdoor carpeting with a thin moisture barrier underneath is ideal.
* Greenhouse:
Repair broken glass and cracked polycarbonate panels.
Caulk around the foundation of the greenhouse wherever gaps occur, however thin or small. Caulk in other places, such as around windows, as necessary. If a gap is too large for caulk, apply foam sealant. Caulking also keeps out bugs - pests.
Ensure your roof events and windows are closed shut. Some prefer to tape the edges to ensure a tight seal. Inspect your front and back doors for gaps, cracks and ensure they close properly.
* Added Insulation:
Tape translucent bubble wrap to the inside walls, windows and ceiling of your greenhouse. This novel insulation lets light in while helping to keep the inside of the greenhouse warm and reducing heating costs.
Some prefer to add other forms of insulation to the back wall or side walls - locations where the sun will not be blocked from entering the greenhouse.
If your plants are raised and sitting on benches you could put thin plywood or a something similar on all sides about 12" - 24" high and place them against the sides to help stop the freezing temperatures.
Some prefer to add other forms of insulation to the back wall or side walls - locations where the sun will not be blocked from entering the greenhouse.
If your plants are raised and sitting on benches you could put thin plywood or a something similar on all sides about 12" - 24" high and place them against the sides to help stop the freezing temperatures.
* Heating:
1) Solar Air Heaters are an option as an additional heat source.
These should not be used as the primary heat source since they only operate when the sun is out and do not work at night.
2) Portable electric heaters are the best option to ensure your plants survive the cold winter months. Patron E1.5 commercial grade heater should be on your list for this winter! Ensure the electric heater has enough BTU's to heat your greenhouse.
3) Greenhouse thermometers are inexpensive and ideal. Purchase a two piece thermometer kit (Grandio Greenhouse have these models in stock)
One thermometer stays in the greenhouse while the 2nd piece is brought into your home. You can view the temperature of your greenhouse while never leaving your house.
* Frame:
Perform a thorough inspection of all joints, hinges and panels. Tighten and adjust all wherever possible. Winter will bring high winds and potential heavy snow. The structure must be in top shape to withstand a harsh winter!
* Use horticultural fleece - On extra cold nights a layer or two of horticultural Fleece will provide several degrees more protection to your plants without the need to turn up the thermostat. Crops in greenhouse border soil can be protected by a handy fleece cloche. Remove fleece during the day to ensure that plants receive adequate light and ventilation.
* Don’t forget to ventilate - One drawback of heating your greenhouse is the problem of increased humidity. Good ventilation is essential to prevent the spread fungal of diseases and maintain a healthy growing environment. You can prevent moisture from building up by watering plants sparingly, and early in the day. Clear condensation by opening greenhouse vents on warm sunny mornings. Close them again before the sun goes down to trap the daytime warmth in the greenhouse and keep it warmer for longer.
* Heated propagation - Invest in a heated propagator to help your seeds germinate. Heated propagation mats are also useful for rooting cuttings and keeping your seedlings warm after germination. Turn your greenhouse staging into a handy heated bench.
