Winterizing the Greenhouse

The best season to prepare the greenhouse for winter is every fall. A word of caution though, no matter how well the greenhouse is winterized, there will often be unexpected things and needs that will arise. To better prepare for this, have an extra winter shield, a backup heater and keep a checklist handy when working on the winterization. Emergencies like power failure can happen. For this, gas or propane heaters and battery powered temperature alarm will be handy. If you are located in areas where freezing cannot be avoided, drain all water lines before the frost sets in. Except for some tropical plants, most plants could survive and even get some protection from cold temperatures with a coating of ice.

When working on winterizing the greenhouse, include in the to do list the following:

Heat insulation and conservation

The one thing that the greenhouse will need most during winter is heat. Replace then all ageing poly cover and broken glass. Airtight the doors and vents by applying foam tapes. Caulk also if needed. To make heat conservation more efficient, install bubble-sheet insulators. Bubble insulators are very efficient; it cuts down heating cost by as much as 45%. If upgrades are needed, this is the best time to do that. Most garden stores have sufficient inventories during this period and will supply whatever is required including the cutting to size sheeting, glazing, and other greenhouse needs. All you need to do is send them dimensions and sizes preferred.

Insure that the heater is in good condition

Check the heater for efficiency. Replace all worn down parts and parts that are showing wear and tear. All components in the heater should be in good shape as there is nothing more bothersome than running a greenhouse in winter with a defective or insufficient heater. The heater should run well in the lowest as well as in the highest temperature settings. Variations and deviations in temperature must max at 4 deg. F. more than that and the heater must be investigated.

Clean

This is the best time to clean house. Take all the plants out of the greenhouse. Clean the greenhouse and all its components and parts including benches and glazing with warm water and household detergents. Disinfect the greenhouse and repaint frames with latex paints. Algae spots are washed easily with household bleach. After that, apply oil to hinges, metal frames, couplings, and vents.