Recently, a reader asked us: How do you overwinter an unheated greenhouse? Overwintering in an unheated greenhouse might seem challenging, but with some simple tips and strategies, you can ensure your plants thrive during the cold winter months. Let’s discuss some key techniques for successfully overwintering crops in an unheated greenhouse.
Choose Cold-Hardy Plants
First and foremost, selecting cold-hardy plants that can withstand winter conditions is crucial. Here are some plants that thrive in cold weather:
* Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, bok choy, kale, Swiss chard
* Root Vegetables: Carrots, radishes, turnips, onions, leeks, celery
* Brassicas: Broccoli, cabbage
These plants can tolerate frost and grow well even with shorter daylight hours in winter.
Keep the Greenhouse Warm
While a heating system is a straightforward way to maintain greenhouse temperature, for those without one, here are some measures to keep your greenhouse warm:
* Use Double Layer Covering: Using two layers of covering materials like plastic film or row covers inside the greenhouse can create a warmer microclimate.
* Choose a Sunny Location: Ensure your greenhouse is situated in a sunny spot during winter to maximize solar energy.
* Ground Planting: Planting directly in the ground or in raised beds, rather than containers, helps retain soil warmth better.
Control Temperature and Humidity
Controlling temperature and humidity inside the greenhouse during winter is vital:
* Ventilation: Adjust coverings based on weather forecasts and temperatures to avoid overheating.
* Watering: Water only when the soil is dry and temperatures are above freezing to prevent plant damage.
Protect Your Plants
Protecting plants from frost damage in cold weather is essential:
* Insulating Materials: Use horticultural foam or bubble wrap on greenhouse windows to effectively insulate.
* Mini Greenhouses: Purchase or DIY mini greenhouses (like cloches) to provide extra protection for individual plants.
Additional Tips
* Avoid Harvesting Frozen Plants: Harvesting when plants are frozen can damage them.
* Regularly Check Soil Moisture: Avoid overwatering to prevent root, crown, and leaf diseases.
These tips are suitable for winter temperatures down to -5 to -6°C. If temperatures drop below -10°C, we recommend using a heating system to prevent crop damage. Chengfei Greenhouse specializes in designing greenhouses and their supporting systems, providing solutions for greenhouse growers to make greenhouses a powerful tool for cultivation. Contact us for more information.
Email: info@cfgreenhouse.com
Phone number: +86 13550100793
Post time: Sep-12-2024
