Have you asked yourself, how do I winterize a small greenhouse? Well, there are a few steps you should learn, such as cleaning, inspecting, testing, and so forth.
Extreme cold, plunging temperatures, and winter winds are just some of the instances you will expect during the cold weather in the UK. For sure, these instances can be detrimental to your plants, especially if you’re not cautious.
The good news is that you can protect them as long as you follow this guide. But, before we will proceed, there’s one thing you should know that will compel you to winterise your greenhouse.
Plants- fruits and vegetables- will indeed survive no matter how the weather is intense outside. Just read on to learn more!
7 Vital Ways To Winterize Your Small Greenhouse
Just like you, your plants also need to be prepared for this season in the United Kingdom. Remember, one of the factors affecting their growth is temperature. So, if all set, then there’s nothing to worry about. Always ask yourself, how do I winterise a small greenhouse?
If you’re not sure you’re just in the right place, let’s learn the few necessary steps to winterise a small greenhouse.
#1 Clean the greenhouse
Well, even if it’s not wintertime, this is the fundamental thing to do- clean your small greenhouse. It would help if you began with clean surroundings. Make sure the polytunnel is exact. Get rid of everything unnecessary and scrub all the dirt.
See to it that the pots you have transferred into the polytunnel are washed and cleaned to prevent pests. You don’t want them to intrude on your small greenhouse, right?
So if you want to winterise a small greenhouse, maintain cleanliness.
#2 Inspect and make repairs or replacements
The main reason why you winterise a small polytunnel is to keep the cold air out. So, you have to inspect for ripped coverings and broken glasses. If you find one, then it’s time for you to make repairs or replacements.
Also, you can seal or caulk any openings if necessary. Remember, even if the hole is small or thin, you need not leave openings. Otherwise, your polytunnel would be of no use. It would not effectively protect your plants from the cold if they can still pass through your greenhouse.
That’s it! Winterising a small polytunnel in the UK requires you to make necessary repairs and replacements.
#3 Test the heater
Don’t just rely on the heater you have just bought or have used before; even if it used to be effective early, this might change through time. That’s the reason why you should perform a test run. Also, it should undergo maintenance and routine service, if needed.
Aside from that, see to it that you have an accurate thermostat. Well, you have to make sure that the system is properly functioning. Remember that it is responsible for sensing temperatures, and you know your main goal!
Otherwise, if you see the wrong temperature, and the temperature is, in reality, low, you wouldn’t be alerted, and you can’t do the right thing. For you to winterise a small greenhouse, test your devices, it will surely be worth it!
#4 Know the temperature of the areas in your greenhouse
If you understand the temperature of the specific area in your British greenhouse, you can make an excellent plan. If it’s naturally warm in such an area, plants placed therein don’t require much isolation.
On the other hand, plants placed in the coldest areas may require isolation. Also, you can either cover them with blankets or raise them off the ground, depending upon what’s feasible.
#5 Increase efficiency by storing heat
Perhaps, you’re thinking about how much it will cost you to control the temperature of your greenhouse. Don’t worry a lot; you can save heating costs when you know how to maximise efficiency.
It’s straightforward, and one can do it naturally. There are varying options; it depends upon your discretion. You can use planters to store heat. Either you will fill it with soil or water. Either way, it is sure to secure a warm temperature inside your small greenhouse.
#6 Attach circulating fans
Yes, you might think that you’ve already accumulated ample heat. But that’s not enough. There’s still a need for you to add greenhouse circulation fans inside, allowing heat to circulate properly in the entire space.
Aside from moving heat, these fans are also helpful in reducing mould and mildew build-up. With this, you’re sure that your plants will have a healthier and better environment. Then again, ask yourself, how do I winterise a small greenhouse.
#7 Prepare an emergency plan
It is inevitable for emergencies to occur. That’s why you need to have an emergency checklist. It also means that you should also prepare for necessary supplies, accessible in case of a freeze.
How do I winterise a small greenhouse? Winterisation is also a must; you should have a temperature alarm, repair tape, poly covering, or a backup heater. Investing in these things will help, especially if things get worse.
Conclusion
Now that you already know the steps on how you should winterize a small greenhouse, it’s time for you to apply it. The steps are very straightforward; you have to be patient and follow religiously each.
Don’t miss a step; otherwise, you can’t reap the utmost benefits of your greenhouse. If you want to save your plants from the freezing UK temperature outside, always ask yourself, “how do I winterize a small greenhouse?”
Hopefully, this article has helped you. Go, act, and save your green thumb this winter!