How to keep your greenhouse warm this winter

Gardeners have been told how to keep their greenhouse warm this winter to stop the cold weather ruining plants and shrubs.

Glass experts at MeandMyGlass.co.uk have shared how to easily insulate greenhouses by using bubble wrap, heaters and mirrors.

Covering the greenhouse in bubble wrap and adding a layer of cardboard or old scraps of carpet on the floor will help prevent heat loss.

Another inexpensive option involves painting water barrels black and placing them inside the greenhouse. This will absorb the heat during the day and release warmth into the air overnight.

Installing heaters and using automated temperature systems will also help to keep greenhouses warm over winter.

John Cutts, founder of MeandMyGlass.co.uk said: “Over the winter months our greenhouses can get really cold and could even cause our plants to suffer and freeze.

“There are several affordable and quick hacks that gardeners can do to keep their greenhouses as warm as possible and prevent the heat from escaping.

“Add a layer of bubble wrap to trap in the heat and place mirrors around the greenhouse to reflect warmth back onto your plants.

“Gardeners can also install heaters to warm up the air throughout the colder months, or add mulch to their plants to stop heat from escaping.”

Here’s how to keep your greenhouse warm this winter: 

1. Bubble wrap

Cover the greenhouse frame in bubble wrap to add an extra layer of heat protection and insulation. This will help to retain heat and help to keep plants warm overnight.

2. Heaters

Install electric, gas, or oil filled heaters in your greenhouse to keep the air warm during the colder months. Opt for energy efficient devices and ensure there is sufficient ventilation if using a gas or propane heater.

3. Water barrels

Fill up a barrel or jug with water, paint it black and place in a sunny spot in the greenhouse. These heat-storing barrels will absorb the heat throughout the day and then release warmth overni

4. Thermostats

Use heat sensors and thermostats to monitor the temperature inside your greenhouse to check it isn’t too cold over winter. Control the temperature with automated systems based on the conditions during the day. 

5. Mulch

Adding a layer of mulch around your greenhouse plants will add an extra layer of insulation to the soil and will give roots more protection from the colder weather and frost. 

6. Mirrors

Place reflective panels such as mirrors around the greenhouse to bounce sunlight directly onto the plants. Attaching mirrors onto the greenhouse frame will also reflect warmth into the air and help stop heat loss. 

7. Keep the floor warm

Stop the cold coming in from the ground by insulating the floor of your greenhouse. Add a layer of bubble wrap, artificial grass, cardboard, rubber mats, old scraps of carpet or hay to keep the warmth in.