If you want to know how to keep plants warm inside a mini greenhouse, we’ll help you with that. You simply have to consider various factors such as ventilation, circulation, temperature, and so much more.
Plants grow well in a warm controlled environment. Using a mini greenhouse alone can already provide you that. But, there will always be instances wherein the temperature inside is not enough for your plants to survive.
Since we want to make things easier for you, we have compiled some of the best ways on how to keep plants warm inside a mini greenhouse. Let’s delve further!
Contents
6 Ways In Keeping Your Plants Warm
We have here six useful ways on how to keep plants warm inside a mini greenhouse. The list includes creating adjustments to your mini greenhouse or purchasing equipment to warm up the place.
#1 Proper ventilation in the greenhouse
We all know that plants use carbon dioxide for their growth, and in return, they release oxygen and moisture into the air. Ventilation is essential to keep the insides of the greenhouse free of humidity and CO2 depletion.
When the greenhouse is humid, there is a massive tendency for mildew, molds, and fungus to grow inside. But, if the ventilation is adequate inside the greenhouse, the air circulation also enhances. The exchange of Carbon dioxide and oxygen is much more efficient.
#2 Make use of a thermostat
The ideal temperature for a mini greenhouse is at 24 degrees to 28 degrees Celcius. With this, your plants will be able to survive the cold winter weather. Take note that this range of temperature is when the lights are on. If your lights are off, then we suggest you up the temperature to a few degrees higher.
A thermostat serves as an excellent way for you to monitor the temperature inside your mini greenhouse. If you see that the temperature is lower than the suggested range, then you better adjust the heater to bring it back to normal.
With the technological advancements today, numerous products can help you with your greenhouse temperature and heating control. We suggest you take a look at thermostatically-controlled heaters.
These heaters have accurate temperature controls, so you won’t need to adjust it every time it gets too hot or too cold. It quickly adapts to your desired temperature. When it seems to get too hot, it will run slower to keep up with the chosen temperature range.
#3 Make use of a heater
Like we have stated above, the best kind of heater to work well in a mini greenhouse is a thermostatically-controlled heater. Heaters such as this do not need to be warmed up. It can automatically start, and when the temperature is enough, it will automatically stop as well.
There no need for you to be always on guard to check up on it. It can save you money on electricity too since it doesn’t use as much as regular heaters.
There are concerns about heaters and how they produce too much carbon dioxide. But, always remember that plants take in carbon dioxide. And, with the right ventilation, there will be no issues about too much CO2 circulating inside your mini greenhouse.
If you do decide to use a heater, the location of where you put it must be considered a priority. Place the heater at the back of your mini greenhouse, then create ample space between it and the plants. If the heater stands too close to your plants, it can damage the leaves with its heat.
#4 Proper air circulation
Heaters and air circulation go hand-in-hand. You cannot solely rely on your heater, since the distribution may not be equal around your mini greenhouse. Here are some basic ideas on air circulation in your greenhouse.
Airflow in the room must be even. It has to be warm all around, or else you’ll get colder places than others. If this happens, the temperature reading in your greenhouse becomes inaccurate.
To solve this problem, make use of an air circulator. This machine evens out the distribution of the heater throughout the place. Or, so to save money, buy a heater with a built-in air circulator. Purchasing a separate one is not costly, but if you can find a heater that already has one, then better buy that one.
#5 Use bubble wrap for insulation
Bubble wrapping your greenhouse is the simplest and cheapest way to keep your plants warm. In choosing the bubble wrap, get the ones with the bigger bubbles. It offers better Insulation than the usual package-wrapping kind.
But, if you already have enough bubble wrap lying around in your house, then do not buy the bigger one anymore. Make use of the ones you already have. Insulate only the end glass and the roof area of your mini greenhouse; the whole place will get damped.
The front should be free from any obstruction so that you can easily open and close the doors for ventilation and let sunlight pass through it. Seal up gaps in your mini greenhouse using weatherproof tape. This will ensure that no cold air can get inside.
#6 Use compost
Compost produces a lot of heat due to the bacteria that grow on it. There is a breaking down process that happens, leading to the bacteria generating heat through the soil.
On your soil, lay two to three inches thick of compost. The good bacteria work better when it is warmer, so the more viscous the compost, the more heat it can produce.
Final Words
Using any of the six ways on how to keep plants warm inside a mini greenhouse will guarantee you a warm environment for your plants. It will lessen the worry on your part every time you leave your plants alone inside your home.