How to Heat Plants in a Greenhouse in Winter

Warming a greenhouse in winter is essential.

Keeping a greenhouse warm in the winter is essential for maintaining steady growth of plants. Whether for profit or pleasure, a greenhouse is a great way to grow plants all year, and plants can be successfully grown in a greenhouse during winter. Heating the greenhouse properly and efficiently is the easiest way to ensure that your plants are able to grow even during the harshest winter weather.

Things You'll Need

• Grow lights
• Greenhouse heating

Instructions

Install Grow Lights

1. Choose greenhouse grow lights that can be installed over your greenhouse staging. Grow lights are lights that provide plants with heat and energy during times of low sunlight.

2. Place grow lights near plants that require a great deal of sunlight or heat to grow successfully. Focused grow lights can be used for individual plants.

3. Install at least one grow light over each table to increase the amount of heat and light all plants in the greenhouse receive. This will help increase the overall temperature.

Greenhouse Heating and Ventilation

1. Install a greenhouse ventilation system that includes a heater. This will allow you to ventilate the greenhouse if it becomes too hot, and increase the temperature in winter when it becomes cold.

2. Run the heater throughout the winter, increasing the heat at night to compensate for colder nighttime temperatures. Maintain a temperature that allows plants to grow successfully.

3. Ensure that all windows and doors are shut to keep heat trapped in the greenhouse. Check all seals and glass for cracks that can release heat. Ensure that the greenhouse is sealed tightly to keep heat inside.

References

• Centre for Alternative Technology: What's the Best Way to Heat My Greenhouse in Winter?
• Sherry's Greenhouse: Greenhouse Winter Preparation

Resources

• West Virginia University Extension Service: Planning and Building a Greenhouse