Heating a greenhouse can be a tricky business – especially if you don’t have access to electricity. Plus, greenhouse heating costs can go through the roof these days. But never fear! There are plenty of ways to heat a greenhouse without resorting to using power. From using thermal energy to insulating with bubble wrap. Here are 10 of the best:
How to Heat a Greenhouse in Winter Without Electricity
1. Use the sun’s rays wisely
During the daytime, open up your greenhouse windows and doors to let in as much sunlight as possible. The sun’s heat will help to warm up the air inside. Then, when night-time comes, make sure to close everything up again to trap that heat in.
2. Insulate, insulate, insulate
A well-insulated greenhouse will retain heat much better than one that isn’t insulated at all. Make sure there aren’t any gaps or cracks in your walls or windows to prevent heat loss, and consider adding extra insulation – for example, by hanging blankets on the inside of the walls or bubble wrap.
3. Use dark-coloured containers
If you’re growing plants in containers inside your greenhouse, make sure to use ones that are dark in colour. Black or dark green pots will absorb heat from the sun during the day and then release it at night, helping to keep your greenhouse warm.
4. Plant heat-loving crops
Some plants actually prefer warmer conditions, so by growing them in your greenhouse you can create a microclimate that’s perfect for them – and that will also be nice and toasty for you! Crops like tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers love the heat, so try planting some of these.
5. Use a propagator
A propagator is a small, enclosed space that’s specifically designed for germinating seeds and rooting cuttings. By using one of these, you can create a little ‘mini greenhouse’ inside your larger one, which will be much easier to heat up.
6. Use a paraffin heater
If you do have access to electricity, then a paraffin heater can be a great way to heat up your greenhouse. Paraffin heaters are relatively cheap to run and will give off a good amount of heat. Just make sure to keep an eye on the greenhouse temperature and don’t let it get too high, as this could damage your tender plants. You could potentially cover plants in a cloche to protect them and retain heat too.
7. Use reflective surfaces
If you line the inside of your greenhouse with reflective surfaces – such as aluminium foil or white paint – this will help to bounce light around and make the space feel brighter and warmer.
8. Make a DIY heater
There are lots of different ways you can make your own DIY greenhouse heater. One popular method is to fill a metal container with water and place it in the sun during the day. The water will heat up and then radiate that warmth at night, helping to keep your greenhouse warm.
9. Use compost pile
Compost gives off heat as it breaks down, so by adding a layer of it to the floor of your greenhouse you can create a natural source of warmth. Just make sure not to use too much, as too much heat can be detrimental to plants.
10. Use solar water heating pipes
Solar water heating pipes work by circulating water through a solar panel, which heats up the water as it passes through. This can then be used to heat up your greenhouse – for example, by running it through a radiator.
11. Use thermal mass heating
Thermal mass is any material that can store heat – for water, stone or brick walls. By adding good thermal mass to your greenhouse, you can help to stabilize the temperature inside and make it easier to keep warm.
12. Use a wood-burning stove
If you have a wood-burning stove, you can use it to heat up your greenhouse in the winter months. Just make sure to vent the smoke outside so it doesn’t damage your plants!
13. Bury black pipes in the ground
Another energy efficient way to heat up your greenhouse is by burying black pipes in the ground outside. As the sun warms up the ground, this will also heat up the water in the pipes, which can then be circulated through your greenhouse.
14. Use a hay bale
Hay is a great insulator, so if you have a spare bale lying around, you can use it to help keep your greenhouse warm in the winter. Just place it against the outside of the walls and cover it with a tarp or blanket to protect it from the elements.
15. Make a solar oven
A solar oven is a great way to use the power of the sun to cook food – but did you know that you can also use them to heat greenhouses? Just point the oven towards the inside of the greenhouse and let the sun do its work!
16. Use water bottles
Fill up some old plastic water bottles with hot water and place them around your greenhouse. As the water inside the bottles cools down, it will release warm air, helping to keep your greenhouse warm.
17. Chickens!
Chickens are great at producing body heat, so if you have a few of them running around your greenhouse, they can help to keep the place warm. Just make sure they have enough food and water, and somewhere to roost at night.
Conclusion
There are lots of different ways that you can add more heat to a winter greenhouse without electricity. By using solar power, compost, thermal mass objects or reflective surfaces, you can create a space that is warm and inviting for your plants – even in the middle of winter! So why not give some of these methods a try and see how they work for you?
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