Updated at: 29-09-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Has the thought occurred to you, “How can I winterize a greenhouse of this size?” That being said, there are certain basic things you need to know before getting started, such as how to clean and inspect the equipment.

Cold weather can bring with it a variety of unpleasant experiences, such as bitterly cold temperatures and howling winter winds. If you’re not careful, these situations can be harmful to your plants.

The good news is that if you follow this guidance, you can genuinely safeguard your children from harm.. Let us first point out something that will make you want to prepare your greenhouse for the colder months ahead.

7 Vital Ways To Winterize Your Small Greenhouse

Preparing your plants for this season is just as important as preparing yourself. Temperature is a component in their growth, so keep that in mind. That means there’s nothing to worry about if everything goes as planned. You should always question yourself, “How do I winterize a greenhouse?”

For those who are uncertain, we’ll go over the few steps required to properly winterize a tiny greenhouse.

#1 Clean the greenhouse

You should always clean your greenhouse, even if it isn’t the cold season. You need to start with a clean environment. It is imperative that the greenhouse measurements be correct. Get rid of all the clutter and clean up the mess.

How Do I Winterize A Small Greenhouse - Krostrade

In order to avoid the spread of pests, wash and disinfect the pots you have brought into the greenhouse. You don’t want them invading your tiny greenhouse, do you?

In other words, hygiene is key while preparing a tiny greenhouse for the winter months.

#2 Inspect and make repairs or replacements

To keep the cold air out, you must winterize a small greenhouse. For this reason, you’ll need to check for ripped covers and shattered windows. If you discover a problem, it’s time to fix or replace it.

Also, if necessary, you can seal or caulk any gaps. Keep in mind that you don’t have to leave apertures if the hole is small or thin. It would be useless if you didn’t have a greenhouse. In order to protect your plants from the cold, you’ll need to keep the cold out of your greenhouse.

It’s done! In order to properly winterize a tiny greenhouse, you will need to perform any necessary repairs or substitutions.

#3 Test the heater

Even if the heater you recently bought or previously used was effective, this could alter over time. Don’t only rely on it. That’s why it’s important to run a test. In addition, it should be serviced on a regular basis, if necessary.

Aside from that, make sure your thermostat is accurate. You’ll need to check sure the system is working properly. Remember that it’s the sensor that measures temperature, and you’ve already figured out what you want to do!

In other words, if you are presented a temperature that’s incorrect, and the temperature is actually low, you won’t be able to take action. If you want to winterize a tiny greenhouse, run a few tests on your gear. It will be well worth your time.

#4 Know the temperature of the areas in your greenhouse

You can build an outstanding plan if you know the temperature of a specific section in your greenhouse. Plants put in an area that is naturally warm don’t need a lot of isolation.

But in colder climates, plants may need to be isolated. Depending on your options, you can either raise them off the ground or cover them with blankets.

#5 Increase efficiency by storing heat

You may be wondering how much it will cost you to keep your greenhouse at a constant temperature. You don’t need to be alarmed; learning how to get the most out of your heating system can actually save you money.

It’s a straightforward process that can be carried out without effort. In reality, you have a number of possibilities; the choice is ultimately up to you. Heat can be stored in planters. Either dirt or water will be used to fill it. Your small greenhouse will remain comfortably heated regardless of how you do it.

#6 Attach circulating fans

Yes, you may believe that you’ve built up enough heat by now. It’s not enough, mind you. For optimal heat distribution, you should install greenhouse circulation fans within your home..

These fans do more than just move heat; they also help keep mold and mildew at bay. There are no doubts about the health and well-being of your plants. Then again, ask yourself, “How do I winterize a little greenhouse?”.

#7 Prepare an emergency plan

Emergencies are bound to happen. That is why it is imperative that you keep an emergency checklist on hand at all times. It also implies that you should stock up on essential goods that you can get to in case of a power outage or other emergency.

What do I need to do to winterize a greenhouse of this size? A temperature alarm, repair tape, poly coating, or a backup heater are also essential. If conditions worsen, having these goods on hand will be beneficial.

What Does It Mean to Winterize a Greenhouse?

To winterize a greenhouse is to get it ready for the bitter cold and howling winds of the coming winter. If you heat your greenhouse, you can save money on heating expenditures by winterizing it properly, and you can be assured that your growing space will be intact when the warm air returns.

Overwintering plants in a greenhouse necessitate ensuring that temperatures never fall below those that are safe for fruit, flowers, and vegetables to thrive. During the winter months, if you want to close down the greenhouse, it can handle more cold air, but should be protected from any damage that would affect its future usage.

Winterize Your Greenhouse - Sturdi-Built Greenhouses

How to Winterize a Greenhouse

For the coldest months of the year, growers should follow these steps to prepare their greenhouses for the winter.

  1. Repair any panels that need it. Make the necessary repairs to strengthen the structural integrity of your glass or polycarbonate walls.
  2. Caulking and sealing should be strengthened. Drafts between wall panels are a major source of heat loss. Cracks in your greenhouse’s framework can be sealed using caulk or foam sealant. Make sure to seal the foundation as well.
  3. Heating systems should be checked. Ensure that your thermostats, soil cables, space heaters, and/or generators are in good operating order if your greenhouse has a heating system. Make sure heaters and fans are free of dust.
  4. Make sure that any pipes that could freeze are drained of water. If you’re storing plants for the winter, you’ll need to hand-water them. It’s not worth the risk of a burst pipe during their dormant months.
  5. Make sure the entire greenhouse has been thoroughly cleaned. It’s a great excuse to clean and disinfect your greenhouse throughout the winter months. To get rid of any mold or mildew, use bleach. Empty pots should be sanitized to ensure they are free of pests. Make sure the windows on your walls are clean so that as much ultraviolet radiation as possible gets to your plants during the winter.
  6. Bubble wrap can be used to insulate. It is possible to use bubble wrap as a kind of greenhouse to keep warm air inside. To protect your polycarbonate and glass surfaces, wrap them with clear bubble wrap and attach them with tape.
  7. Install circulating fans to help move the air. Fresh air circulation is essential for maintaining constant temperatures and humidity levels in greenhouses of all sizes. For the duration of the winter, be sure to run these circulating fans constantly.
  8. Frost-sensitive plants should have plastic sheets placed around them. Support the sheeting with stakes and make sure it is close to, but not touching, the leaves of your plants. Remove the plastic sheets as soon as the temperature rises above freezing.

Why winterize your greenhouse

In order to keep plants safe from the cold while still letting in enough light for them to photosynthesize, greenhouses include a variety of features. Some materials are better at retaining heat, allowing more light to pass through, or resisting degradation than others. Preventative maintenance, structural repair, and pest control techniques are all part of winterizing. This guarantees that the greenhouse is ready on all fronts at the most critical period of the year.

Heated greenhouse during winter

The variety of plants and vegetables you can produce in a heated greenhouse throughout the winter is far broader, and you can start producing spring veggies earlier than you can in an unheated greenhouse.

With a heated greenhouse, you don’t have to start from scratch when it’s time to plant again in spring. In the winter, you won’t be able to keep it as warm as a greenhouse would be, but you’ll still be able to eat fresh, homegrown vegetables all year long. The best way to heat your greenhouse is detailed in our guide on greenhouse heating.

Is your greenhouse ready for the winter? Do you have any insider knowledge about winterizing a greenhouse? Let us know how we can help you!

Heating Our Greenhouse At CMBG During The Winter | Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Conclusion

It’s time to put everything you’ve learned about how to winterize a tiny greenhouse into practice. You just need to be patient and adhere to each step meticulously.

Keep in mind that you can’t get the most out of your greenhouse if you neglect a single step. Always ask yourself, “How do I winterize a tiny greenhouse?” if you want to protect your plants from the cold weather.

Hopefully, this information has been useful to you.? Save your green thumb this winter by taking action!