How to Heat a Portable Greenhouse
Solar heat gains in greenhouses can be significant throughout the day. Water barrels, stones and other heat sinks can help stop heat loss at night. Sealing drafts with caulk or repair tape helps, too. So does covering tender plants with spun-bond polyester row covers or even old bed sheets. Still, when the forecast calls for dangerously low temperatures, it's time to add supplemental heat. Kerosene and propane heaters are widely available for heating garages and workspaces. With care, these small heaters will work in a portable greenhouse. So will many electric heaters. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Electric heater
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1
Choose a small heater that is rated for the correct square footage of space to be heated, or use a BTU calculator to determine what size heater is needed.
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2
Clear a space at or near the center of the greenhouse that is larger than the base of the heater. Lay paving stones to form a stable, level surface for the heater.
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3
Place the heater on the paving stone base, making sure it won't wobble or tip over. Trim or move any plants with leaves within 1 foot of the heater.
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4
Turn the heater on to make sure all connections and settings are working properly. Test the timer, too, if there is one. Reset the timer to the correct time and settings before leaving the greenhouse.
Kerosene or propane heater
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5
Complete the instructions in Steps 1 and 2 for electric heaters.
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6
Place the heater on the paving stones, taking extra care to assure there is plenty of space between the heater and plants to prevent scorching. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the amount of clearance space.
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7
Add fuel to the heater. Make sure all connections are secure and all parts are in proper working order.
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8
Open a door or window for ventilation. Test and check settings to make sure the heater works properly.
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9
Close the greenhouse securely to limit heat loss overnight, and be sure to ventilate well before entering again.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Most major greenhouse and space heater retailers have BTU guidelines on their websites.
Hardware stores and home improvement centers often sell small portable heaters.
BTU calculators are widely available on the Internet.
Make sure there is sufficient ventilation when people and pets are present to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Some plants are sensitive to the gasses created when kerosene is burned. Ventilate when possible or switch to a different type if damage occurs.
Plug in the heater using an extension cord rated for outdoor use. Local regulations may require use of a ground-fault circuit interrupter outlet (GFCI) to protect against electric shock.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit greenhouse image by ann triling from Fotolia.com
