It’s only natural for gardeners to ask so many questions about greenhouse gardening, such as “Is an unheated greenhouse frost-free?” With a little research, they’ll soon find out that an unheated greenhouse can keep the temperature inside it as much as about 5˚C hotter than the temperature outside. Generally, this will be enough to keep the plants frost-free.
If you don’t know much about greenhouse gardening, you’ve come to the right place. Check out these frequently asked questions about it.
How Can I Keep My Greenhouse Warm During the Winter Season?
When the temperature drops during the winter season, you can still keep your greenhouse warm with the use of a thermostat, heaters such as a KlimaHeat, and bubble wraps for insulation. You can also try using compost, storing thermal energy, circulating air, ventilating the enclosure, and keeping your plants off the cold ground.
When it’s the winter season, you typically get about 5 to 6 hours of sunlight during the day. However, if you make use of proper insulation, it’s possible to keep your greenhouse to remain up to 30˚ warmer than the air outdoors.
What Plants are Best Grown in a Cold Greenhouse?
If you want to grow plants through the fall and winter seasons, try planting some Chinese cabbage, cabbage, kale, spinach, bok choy, root crops, beets, leeks, turnips, carrots, radishes, parsnips, onions, and rutabagas.
Will My Greenhouse Keep My Plants from Freezing?
Yes, a greenhouse can keep your plants from freezing since it works to trap the heat from the sun during the daytime. However, to be sure that you keep your plants protected during the coldest nights, it’s best to provide them with extra protection such as bubble wraps, heaters, and a thermostat. Your greenhouse, together with these items, should be enough to keep your tender plants from freezing.
Is Greenhouse Gardening Better than Outdoor Gardening?
Yes, countless gardeners all over the world can attest to the fact that growing plants inside a greenhouse offers more benefits than traditional outdoor gardening. Although you may think that setting up your greenhouse may require an initial cost, over time, you’ll be able to recover that cost and then some. Here are some of the best reasons why greenhouse gardening is a great idea.
You can be sure that your plants are protected
Plants that are grown in outdoor gardens are exposed continuously to unpredictable weather. However, plants that are grown in a greenhouse get the protection that they need against harsh weather conditions such as hail, snow, heavy rains, high winds, and blizzards. What’s more, a greenhouse can also protect your plants from insects and animals that can kill them and destroy all of your gardening efforts.
You won’t need to have a garden shed
Your greenhouse can also serve as a storage area for all of your gardening needs – seeds, implements, tools, accessories, and equipment. Aside from the fact that it would be easier for you to organize these items in your greenhouse, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of having them close to where you need to use them.
You can create the best growth environment for your plants
One of the best things about setting up your greenhouse is the fact that you can take full control over your plants’ growing environment. You can use various tools and equipment to keep the heat and moisture inside the greenhouse at consistent levels regardless of the weather outside or the changing seasons.
While a greenhouse allows you to keep the destructive bugs out, it also allows you to keep the beneficial insects in. These include the ladybugs, aphid midges, honeybees, braconid wasps, damsel bugs, ground beetles, lacewings, minute pirate bugs, soldier beetles, spined soldier bug, and tachinid flies.
You’ll extend your plants’ growing seasons
Since a greenhouse is a controlled environment, it allows you to extend your plants’ growing seasons. Aside from the fact that you can do your gardening all-year-round, you can also choose to grow seasonal fruits and vegetables or those that aren’t native to your region.
You gain complete control of your produce
Greenhouse gardening is excellent for your health because you can be sure that the foods that you bring to your table aren’t tainted with pesticides. With a greenhouse to grow your food in, you’ll have continuous access to fresh produce without toxic chemicals that could be detrimental to your health.
You can save money on grocery shopping
Since greenhouse gardening allows you to grow your food, you’ll surely get to save a pretty penny on grocery shopping. What’s more, you can plant your favorite fruits, vegetables, and herbs all-year-round as well!
Final Thoughts on the Answer to “Is an Unheated Greenhouse Frost-Free?”
You need to know the answer to the question, “is an unheated greenhouse frost-free?” and other queries about keeping your plants safe and healthy in the middle of the winter season. This will make a massive difference in the success of your greenhouse gardening adventure. If you’re someone who’s seriously considering greenhouse gardening, don’t waste time on the fence – invest in a greenhouse today because it’s worth it.