Plunging temperatures and winter storms could threaten your plants if you’re not careful.
But you can protect and extend the efforts of your green thumb this winter.
Winterizing your greenhouse helps ensure your vegetables and flowers can survive and thrive despite the frightful weather outside.
Follow these seven essential steps to help ward off everything from frost to pests this season:
- Clean your greenhouse. Start with a clean slate by removing everything and giving the structure a good scrubbing. Don’t forget to wash any pots you are moving into the greenhouse during the winter to prevent introducing pests.
- Inspect and make any necessary repairs. Your ultimate goal during the winterizing process is to keep cold air out, so now is the time to replace any broken glass and ripped coverings, and caulk or seal any openings—even those that are thin or small.
- Test your heater and the accuracy of your thermostat. Give your heater a test run before you have to rely on it. Perform any needed maintenance and even stock up on key parts that may be needed for routine service. While you’re testing your heater, check the accuracy of your thermostat to ensure all systems are functioning properly.
- Determine the warmest and coldest areas in your greenhouse and plan accordingly. You can make use of the naturally warmest areas of your greenhouse if you know when and where it reaches an optimal temperature. By also knowing the coldest areas, you can isolate plants, even raising them off the ground or covering them with blankets if needed.
- Store heat from the sun or heaters to maximize efficiency. Lower your heating costs naturally by making use of planters filled with soil or even large closed containers of water. Both options store heat, providing you with even more ways to seal in warmer temperatures inside your greenhouse.
- Add circulating fans. Make sure the heat you’re working so hard to create is circulated properly with circulating fans. Besides moving heat, circulating fans also help minimize mildew and mold and create a healthier environment for your plants.
- Have an emergency plan. Despite your best efforts to plan, emergencies can happen. Develop an emergency checklist and have needed supplies on hand in the event of a freeze. Invest in things like a backup heater, temperature alarm, extra poly coverings and repair tape just in case you need them.
Need help winterizing your greenhouse this year? Gothic Arch Greenhouses offers a wide range of the greenhouse supplies you need.
Call us today toll-free at 1-800-531-4769 to talk with one of our representatives or visit our website at www.GothicArchGreenhouses.com to learn more.