Plants essentially depend on three elements: water, light, and temperature. These elements are extremely important for a plant’s growth and survival. If you give a plant too much or too little water, you will see the impact relatively quickly.
The same applies to the temperature in a greenhouse; it must be just right. This is not a problem in autumn and spring, but during summer and winter, extra efforts may sometimes be required.
Winter: heating your greenhouse
Plants can be damaged during freezing weather, even in a greenhouse. Therefore, take the proper precautions during cold temperatures to protect your plants optimally. Keep in mind that the sun can still shine brightly during the day in winter, which means your greenhouse will still warm up naturally.
Before you start using heating appliances, first ensure that all heat in your greenhouse is retained. You can do this by covering gaps and applying insulation material. A well-known solution for this is bubble wrap. This material can be found in most DIY stores.
Have you insulated, but still want to provide your greenhouse with extra heat? Then you can opt for the installation of a heating element. Examples include an electric heater or one powered by paraffin or propane gas*.
* Please note: read the device instructions thoroughly and ensure everything is connected correctly to avoid problems or accidents.
Do not forget to ventilate your greenhouse regularly during frost-free weather.
Summer: cooling your greenhouse
During the warm summer months, the temperature in a garden greenhouse can rise significantly. It is then important to offer your plants the necessary protection. This can be done using various techniques:
- Applying shade cloths
- Sun-reflecting film
- Whitewashing windows
- Hanging white sheets or covers
- Ventilating the greenhouse
