Maintaining the perfect temperature in your DIY backyard greenhouse is crucial for the success of your plants. Ideally, keeping the temperature between 80-85°F (26-29°C) during spring and summer is key. But how warm is too warm in a greenhouse that may harm your plants? Anything exceeding 90°F (32°C) signals potential trouble, requiring immediate action to prevent damage. High temperatures can lead to heat stress, stunted growth, wilting, and even plant death. Monitoring and controlling the heat levels within your greenhouse is essential for the health and thriving of your plants.

First and foremost, it’s essential to understand what the perfect temperature for your DIY backyard greenhouse should be. Ideally, anywhere between , 80-85°F (26-29°C) is the golden standard throughout the spring and summer months. Anything higher than 90°F (32°C) is cause for alarm.

How much warmer is a greenhouse than the outside air?

A greenhouse is typically warmer than the outside air due to its design, such as sunlight being trapped inside. In winter, you can further decrease heat loss by adding insulation. A practical way is to use bubble wrap polythene, cut to fit and attached on the greenhouse’s interior close to the glass, serving as an effective method to maintain warmth.

Will a polycarbonate greenhouse stay warm in the winter?

Yes, a polycarbonate greenhouse can stay warm in the winter with proper insulation. Heating the greenhouse is only effective when the covering is insulated. Consider using Solexx greenhouses or those with twin-walled polycarbonate panels like Riga or Sunshine for better heat retention. Here are some insulation comparisons for different greenhouse coverings: 1. Single-pane glass – least insulating 2. Polycarbonate panels – good insulation 3. Solexx greenhouse covering – best heat retention.

How do you protect plants from frost in an unheated greenhouse?

To protect plants from frost in an unheated greenhouse, insulate the glazed areas with winter insulation like bubble wrap polythene. Cut the material to size and secure it close to the glass inside the greenhouse. Even without additional heating, this method effectively prevents frost damage to vulnerable plants.

1. Install bubble wrap polythene as insulation for glazed areas.
2. Cut the material to fit and secure it close to the glass inside the greenhouse.
3. This method effectively protects vulnerable plants from frost damage without additional heating.

How do you keep heat in a greenhouse overnight?

To keep heat in a greenhouse overnight, you can reduce heat-loss by installing winter insulation over glazed areas. The most effective method is to use bubble wrap polythene, cut to size and fixed on the inside of the greenhouse, close to the glass.

1. Securely seal any gaps or cracks in the greenhouse structure to prevent heat from escaping.
2. Use thermal mass such as water containers to absorb and radiate heat during the night.
3. Consider using a small space heater or heat lamp as a supplemental heat source during extremely cold nights.

Can you put a heater in a polycarbonate greenhouse?

Yes, you can put a heater in a polycarbonate greenhouse. However, for effective heating, it is important to ensure the greenhouse covering is well insulated. Opt for greenhouses with twin-walled polycarbonate panels like Solexx, Riga, or Sunshine for better heat retention. Here are some insulation comparisons for different greenhouse coverings to help you make an informed choice.

Are greenhouse heaters cheap to run?

Propane gas greenhouse heaters are run using propane bottles. They offer thermostatic controls and the cost of gas is relatively low, making them a cost-effective heating option. However, the savings compared to electricity are minimal in today’s market.

1. Consider energy-efficient models to maximize savings.
2. Proper insulation in the greenhouse can reduce the overall heating costs.

Do greenhouses emit radiation?

Yes, greenhouses emit radiation. Plants and soil absorb heat energy and release it as infrared radiation. The greenhouse glass absorbs this infrared radiation and re-emits some of it back into the greenhouse, maintaining a warm temperature even if it’s colder outside.

1. Greenhouses primarily emit infrared radiation.
2. Infrared radiation plays a key role in keeping greenhouses warm.
3. The greenhouse effect is essential for plant growth in greenhouses.
4. The emitted radiation can affect the overall temperature regulation inside the greenhouse.

Why is the greenhouse effect not good?

The greenhouse effect is harmful because it involves the absorption of heat energy by plants and soil, which is then re-emitted as infrared radiation. The glass of the greenhouse traps some of this radiation, creating a warmer environment inside. This effect, when intensified on a global scale due to human activities, leads to increased temperatures and disruption of Earth’s climate system.

1. Greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.
2. Excessive greenhouse gas emissions result in global warming.
3. Climate change impacts include more frequent extreme weather events.

What is the most economical greenhouse heater?

The most economical greenhouse heater is a propane gas heater. These heaters run on propane and can be cost-effective due to thermostatic controls and the relatively low cost of gas. However, the savings compared to electricity are minimal in today’s market conditions.

1. Consider the initial cost of purchasing a propane gas heater.
2. Factor in the ongoing cost of propane gas.
3. Evaluate the energy efficiency of the heater to determine long-term savings.

Is it worth heating a greenhouse?

Heating a greenhouse is worth it to protect tender plants from harsh winter conditions. However, it is essential to consider rising energy costs and environmental impacts. Here are tips to effectively heat your greenhouse while being mindful of energy consumption and the environment: 1. Use energy-efficient heaters. 2. Install insulation to retain heat. 3. Utilize thermal mass to store and release heat. 4. Consider alternative heating sources like solar or geothermal.

Are greenhouse paraffin heaters any good?

Paraffin heaters may not be the best option for all plants in a greenhouse. It is essential to consider that some plants may be sensitive to the increased carbon dioxide levels and emissions released by paraffin heaters, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulphur dioxide.

1. Not all plants can tolerate the raised CO2 levels and fumes emitted by paraffin heaters.
2. Sensitivity to emissions like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulphur dioxide varies among plant species.
3. Consider using other heating alternatives to ensure the health of all plants in the greenhouse.

Why are greenhouses bad?

Greenhouses are detrimental due to the industry’s annual production of over 3.3 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing significantly to climate change. While greenhouses individually are not harmful, their construction generates pollution and negatively impacts the environment.

1. Greenhouses require significant energy consumption for heating and cooling.
2. Fertilizer and pesticide use in greenhouse agriculture can lead to water pollution.
3. The disposal of plastic materials used in greenhouse construction poses environmental concerns.

What is the best and cheapest way to build a greenhouse?

To construct a greenhouse that is both effective and affordable, consider the following tips: 1. Utilize cost-effective materials such as PVC pipes or recycled materials. 2. Opt for a smaller size to reduce costs. 3. Research DIY greenhouse kits for budget-friendly options. 4. Maximize natural light to minimize the need for artificial heating. Additionally, proper insulation and ventilation can help maintain a consistent warmer temperature inside the greenhouse.

Are greenhouses bad for Earth?

Greenhouses contribute to climate change by producing over 3.3 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year. While the structures themselves are not harmful, their construction leads to pollution and environmental damage. These emissions play a significant role in global warming and its detrimental effects on Earth:

1. Greenhouse gas emissions from the industry.
2. Pollution during greenhouse construction.
3. Impact on climate change and the environment.

Will hot water heat a greenhouse?

Yes, hot water can heat a greenhouse. Plastic bottles can work as a heat sink by acting as natural heat absorbents when filled with water and painted black. Placing several black-painted plastic bottles around the greenhouse allows them to gather solar energy during the day and release it back into the greenhouse, effectively heating the space.

Is a paraffin heater better than electric heater for greenhouse?

An electric heater is preferable to a paraffin heater for greenhouses. Electric heaters are safe, clean, and efficient for greenhouse use, making them the favored choice among gardeners. They provide quick and effective heating without the risks associated with paraffin heaters, such as emissions and safety hazards. Additionally, electric heaters offer consistent warmth without the need to constantly monitor fuel levels or ventilation.

In conclusion, maintaining the ideal temperature in a greenhouse is crucial for the health and productivity of plants. While warmth is generally beneficial, excessive heat can be detrimental. It is important to monitor and regulate temperature levels within the greenhouse to ensure optimal growing conditions. Implementing proper ventilation, shading, and insulation techniques can help mitigate the risk of overheating. By striking a balance and keeping a close eye on temperature fluctuations, greenhouse owners can create a suitable environment for their plants to thrive and flourish. Remember, a comfortable and controlled temperature is key to successful greenhouse gardening.