How to grow in a greenhouse over winter

Can’t bring yourself to down tools and stop gardening over the colder months? Here’s five things to bear in mind that will ensure successful winter greenhouse gardening!

For those overwintering with a greenhouse or a glasshouse for the first time, there are a few things that all gardeners need to know before getting started. The cold months are the quietest for green-fingered growers, but for keen beans looking to get going as soon as possible, there are ways and means to get around this. A greenhouse is the best way to increase growing opportunities year-round.

Anything planted or sown over autumn and winter will need extra-attention, and tender plants temporarily taking up residence are vulnerable, too. Making sure the greenhouse provides the best possible environment at this time will be the best way forward for all new greenhouse owners.

1. Cleanliness

Keeping the greenhouse clean and tidy is the simplest way to improve conditions for plants. Clean windows will maximise light levels and clean interiors will stave off diseases and pests. With fewer plants being sheltered inside, autumn is a great time for a thorough clean. Greenhouse disinfectants can be found in garden centres, but soapy water and a soft brush or sponge will do.

2. Frost Protection & Monitoring Temperature

The main struggle for all greenhouse gardeners in winter is frost. It is vital that frost be kept at bay to ensure plants remain healthy. Even those with unheated greenhouses must make efforts to insulate and monitor the temperature inside. If running a greenhouse heater is not viable, a variety of methods can be employed. The most common method is to line the walls with horticultural bubble wrap.

3. Ventilation

Even at very low temperatures, greenhouses need to be ventilated regularly. Neglecting to open vents during cold weather is perhaps one of the most common errors made by gardeners who are eager to keep heat in. Stagnant air will encourage the spread of mould and unwanted pests. Plants also require good airflow to breathe. Quality greenhouses will usually feature more ventilation. Rhino Greenhouses offer the maximum roof ventilation possible as well as louvre vents down low. Air will circulate more successfully with both upper and lower ventilation.

4. Water Collection

Autumn and winter are notoriously wet in the UK. Rainfall dramatically increases and plants love rainwater, so gardeners should take advantage. A greenhouse with gutters makes collecting water easy. Downpipes and a water butt are all that is required to start collecting natural and nutritious water for the entire garden throughout the year.

5. Patience and Planning

Growing during the off-season can be challenging, but it is very possible to sow and grow year-round with a greenhouse. Even heated greenhouses cannot emulate the warmth of spring or summer, but having a plan will make all the difference. Gardeners should research what plants can be sown and planted, learn what temperatures are required for gemination and how long it will take. Autumn and winter sown flowers and vegetables are slow growers, so practising patience is key.

This is a promotional blog post provided by Rhino Greenhouses Direct.

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