How to Warm a Greenhouse in the Winter
Maintaining the appropriate temperature inside a greenhouse during winter is essential to ensure the survival of the plants. Conventional space heaters are often used, however they are costly to run and not safe in a moist greenhouse environment. Among the simplest and most effective ways to warm a greenhouse in winter is to employ a passive heat sink. Heat sinks trap the warmth of the sun and release it slowly, raising the temperature of the greenhouse to an acceptable level during the night. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Compass
- 5-gallon plastic water bottles
- Funnel
- Pea gravel
- Oscillating fan
Instructions
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1
Determine with a compass which wall of the greenhouse faces south. Southerly exposure is important because it receives the highest level of sunlight during the day.
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2
Clear away any tree branches, shrubbery or other obstructions to allow the greatest amount of light to hit the southerly greenhouse wall.
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3
Line the interior south-facing wall with 5-gallon plastic water bottles. Other large, clear containers will also work. The containers must be lined up side-by-side along the wall as close to the glass as possible.
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4
Insert a funnel into the top of the 5-gallon plastic water bottles. Pour pea gravel or other small stones, sand or chipped glass through the funnel and into each bottle. Fill each bottle to within 2 inches of the neck. As the sun penetrates the glass, the radiant heat is stored within the pea gravel. During the night, it radiates out and maintains the interior temperature of the greenhouse at between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
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5
Place an oscillating fan above the heat sinks to help distribute the warmth and maintain constant air flow.
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Tips & Warnings
Water-filled bottles also work, however the heat radiates out much faster than from gravel.
Do not attempt to move the heat sinks without help since they are extremely heavy and may cause injury when lifted.
