--- title: Greenhouse Winterizing Products You Actually Need description: Prepping for winter? BC Greenhouse Builders shares the greenhouse winterizing products you actually need, from heaters and fans to frost cloth. image: https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hubfs/IMG_6056-1.jpeg --- [Skip to content](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/greenhouse-winterizing-products-you-actually-need#main-content) Announcement Bar/Update or Announcement   Learn More This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. [![](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bcg-ftr-logo.png?width=253&height=51&name=bcg-ftr-logo.png)](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/) [![](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bcg-ftr-logo.png?width=253&height=51&name=bcg-ftr-logo.png)](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/) - [Greenhouses](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/greenhouses/) - [Buying Tips](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/greenhouse-buying-tips/) - [Instant Pricing](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/design-your-own/) - [Supply Shop](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/shop/) - [Greenhouses](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/greenhouses/) - [Buying Tips](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/greenhouse-buying-tips/) - [Instant Pricing](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/design-your-own/) - [Supply Shop](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/shop/) [Say Hello](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/resources/easy-quote/) [View Catalog](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/resources/catalog-request/) # Greenhouse Winterizing Products You Actually Need [Winter Garden](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/winter-garden), [greenhouse climate control](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-climate-control), [heating your greenhouse](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/heating-your-greenhouse), [winter greenhouse](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/winter-greenhouse), [Snow](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/snow), [charley's greenhouse & garden supply](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/charleys-greenhouse-garden-supply), [Greenhouse Temperature](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-temperature) ### Search Our Blog This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. ### Browse More Content By Topic Tag/Category - [BC Greenhouse (77)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/bc-greenhouse) - [BC Greenhouses (50)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/bc-greenhouses) - [garden preparation (41)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/garden-preparation) - [backyard greenhouse (37)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/backyard-greenhouse) - [hobby greenhouse kit (31)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/hobby-greenhouse-kit) - [small greenhouse kit (31)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/small-greenhouse-kit) - [greenhouses (29)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouses) - [greenhouse gardening (27)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-gardening) - [greenhouse tips (27)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-tips) - [seeding (25)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/seeding) - [Winter Garden (24)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/winter-garden) - [attached greenhouse (23)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/attached-greenhouse) - [hobby greenhouse (23)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/hobby-greenhouse) - [garden transition (22)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/garden-transition) - [greenhouse garden (20)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-garden) - [build a greenhouse (19)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/build-a-greenhouse) - [greenhouse (19)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse) - [greenhouse garden tips (17)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-garden-tips) - [winter greenhouse (17)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/winter-greenhouse) - [Summer Garden (16)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/summer-garden) - [growing food (16)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/growing-food) - [growing in a greenhouse (15)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/growing-in-a-greenhouse) - [buy greenhouse (13)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/buy-greenhouse) - [buying a greenhouse (13)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/buying-a-greenhouse) - [Fall gardening (12)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/fall-gardening) - [greenhouse plans (12)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-plans) - [planning for a greenhouse (12)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/planning-for-a-greenhouse) - [summer greenhouse garden (12)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/summer-greenhouse-garden) - [greenhouse maintenance (11)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-maintenance) - [Spring garden (10)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/spring-garden) - [First-time Greenhouse Owner (9)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/first-time-greenhouse-owner) - [fall greenhouse (9)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/fall-greenhouse) - [greenhouse buying (9)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-buying) - [grow your own food (9)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/grow-your-own-food) - [garden (8)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/garden) - [greenhouse tomatoes (8)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-tomatoes) - [Summer Greenhouse (7)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/summer-greenhouse) - [feature (7)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/feature) - [greenhouse kit (7)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-kit) - [shade cloth (7)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/shade-cloth) - [spring greenhouse (7)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/spring-greenhouse) - [custom greenhouses (6)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/custom-greenhouses) - [greenhouse cooling (6)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-cooling) - [Greenhouse Glazing (5)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-glazing) - [Greenhouse Temperature (5)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-temperature) - [News (5)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/news) - [aluminum greenhouse (5)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/aluminum-greenhouse) - [family business (5)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/family-business) - [gardening (5)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/gardening) - [greenhouse foundation (5)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-foundation) - [greenhouse installation (5)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-installation) - [soil (5)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/soil) - [strong greenhouse (5)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/strong-greenhouse) - [tomatoes (5)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/tomatoes) - [traditional greenhouse (5)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/traditional-greenhouse) - [Summer Heat (4)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/summer-heat) - [glass house (4)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/glass-house) - [75th Anniversary (3)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/75th-anniversary) - [Company History (3)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/company-history) - [Greenhouse Ventilation (3)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-ventilation) - [High Winds (3)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/high-winds) - [Tomatoe Growing (3)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/tomatoe-growing) - [cooling a greenhouse (3)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/cooling-a-greenhouse) - [fertilizer (3)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/fertilizer) - [greenhouse business (3)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-business) - [greenhouse vents (3)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-vents) - [starting seeds (3)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/starting-seeds) - [used greenhouse (3)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/used-greenhouse) - [Lettuce (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/lettuce) - [aphids (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/aphids) - [best greenhouse (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/best-greenhouse) - [budget gardening (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/budget-gardening) - [bulbs (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/bulbs) - [cape cod (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/cape-cod) - [commercial greenhouse (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/commercial-greenhouse) - [customer testimonial (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/customer-testimonial) - [early growing (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/early-growing) - [ferticare (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/ferticare) - [gift (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/gift) - [greenhouse catalog (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-catalog) - [greenhouse cleaning (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-cleaning) - [greenhouse climate control (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-climate-control) - [greenhouse pest control (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-pest-control) - [greenhouse pest management (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-pest-management) - [greenhouse pests (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-pests) - [greenhouse roof vent (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-roof-vent) - [heat wave (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/heat-wave) - [heating your greenhouse (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/heating-your-greenhouse) - [holidays (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/holidays) - [hot climate (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/hot-climate) - [hot house (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/hot-house) - [investment (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/investment) - [lean-to greenhouse (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/lean-to-greenhouse) - [placement (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/placement) - [replacing bayliss cylinder (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/replacing-bayliss-cylinder) - [start planting (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/start-planting) - [strength (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/strength) - [vent openers (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/vent-openers) - [wind rating (2)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/wind-rating) - [Arugula (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/arugula) - [Cauliflower (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/cauliflower) - [DIY (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/diy) - [Epic Gardening (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/epic-gardening) - [Greenhouse Decor (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-decor) - [Greenhouse Floors (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-floors) - [Greenhouse Site (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-site) - [Greenhouse location (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-location) - [House and Home (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/house-and-home) - [Humidity (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/humidity) - [Indiana Wesleyan Greenhouse (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/indiana-wesleyan-greenhouse) - [Moisture (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/moisture) - [Pacific Greenhouse (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/pacific-greenhouse) - [Podcast (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/podcast) - [Polycarbonate (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/polycarbonate) - [Seeds (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/seeds) - [Snow (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/snow) - [Warranty (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/warranty) - [Yew Greenhouse (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/yew-greenhouse) - [anniversary (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/anniversary) - [bayliss cylinder (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/bayliss-cylinder) - [bc greenhouse builders (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/bc-greenhouse-builders) - [charley's greenhouse & garden supply (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/charleys-greenhouse-garden-supply) - [chicken coop greenhouse (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/chicken-coop-greenhouse) - [cold house (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/cold-house) - [composting (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/composting) - [cucumbers (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/cucumbers) - [deciding on a greenhouse (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/deciding-on-a-greenhouse) - [digging foundation (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/digging-foundation) - [drop door (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/drop-door) - [engineering (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/engineering) - [everlast greenhouses (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/everlast-greenhouses) - [feeding plants (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/feeding-plants) - [forcing bulbs (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/forcing-bulbs) - [germination (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/germination) - [greenhouse berries (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-berries) - [greenhouse bugs (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-bugs) - [greenhouse organization (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-organization) - [greenhouse permits (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-permits) - [greenhouse under snow (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-under-snow) - [greenhouse vent openers (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-vent-openers) - [greenhouse watering (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/greenhouse-watering) - [gynoecious (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/gynoecious) - [hurricane (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/hurricane) - [new crops (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/new-crops) - [permit (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/permit) - [permitting (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/permitting) - [plant starts (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/plant-starts) - [press release (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/press-release) - [rooftop greenhouse (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/rooftop-greenhouse) - [sealing a greenhouse (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/sealing-a-greenhouse) - [secondhand greenhouse (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/secondhand-greenhouse) - [she shed (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/she-shed) - [shed (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/shed) - [storm (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/storm) - [strawberries (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/strawberries) - [unique greenhouses (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/unique-greenhouses) - [wall street journal (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/wall-street-journal) - [watering garden (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/watering-garden) - [weather (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/weather) - [wood greenhouse (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/wood-greenhouse) See all [Hannah Nicklas|](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/author/hannah-nicklas) 10.21.2026| 22 MIN READ TIME ## Quick Answer The greenhouse winterizing products you actually need are a heater sized to your space, a way to monitor temperatures overnight, and a circulating fan to keep warm air moving and prevent frost from settling into cold pockets. From there, add bubble or reflective insulation on north walls, soil heating cables or heat mats to keep roots warm, frost cloth for cold snaps, and a soft snow broom if you live where snow falls. A well-built structure from BC Greenhouse Builders, with insulating glazing and self-opening roof vents, means you’ll need fewer add-ons to keep growing all winter.  **Jump to a Section:** - [How do you know what your greenhouse needs for winter?](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/greenhouse-winterizing-products-you-actually-need#winter-greenhouse-needs) - [Which greenhouse heater is right for your space?](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/greenhouse-winterizing-products-you-actually-need#greenhouse-heater) - [How can you keep an eye on your greenhouse overnight?](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/greenhouse-winterizing-products-you-actually-need#greenhouse-temperature-monitoring) - [Why should you keep air moving in a winter greenhouse?](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/greenhouse-winterizing-products-you-actually-need#winter-greenhouse-airflow) - [How can you hold more heat inside your greenhouse?](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/greenhouse-winterizing-products-you-actually-need#greenhouse-insulation) - [How can you protect plants without heating the whole greenhouse?](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/greenhouse-winterizing-products-you-actually-need#protect-plants-without-heating) - [How should you prepare your greenhouse for snow?](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/greenhouse-winterizing-products-you-actually-need#greenhouse-snow-prep) - [How does your greenhouse structure support a winter setup?](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/greenhouse-winterizing-products-you-actually-need#greenhouse-structure-winter) The first cold snap of the season has a way of sneaking up on you. One evening the greenhouse feels comfortable, and the next morning there's frost on the glazing, the soil feels cold to the touch, and the basil you meant to bring in has gone limp overnight. It's usually right then that winter planning stops feeling optional. Getting a greenhouse through winter isn't about filling it with equipment. It's about covering a few real needs: keeping temperatures above frost, knowing when something goes wrong, and holding onto the warmth you already have. Get those right, and your greenhouse becomes one of the most rewarding places to be in the colder months, with fresh greens, overwintering citrus, and tropical plants carrying on while the garden outside sleeps.  ![Cape Cod BC Greenhouse in a light dusting of snow fenced in and decorated for the holidays with Christmas wreaths and garland](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_6854-1.jpeg?width=1125&name=IMG_6854-1.jpeg "Cape Cod BC Greenhouse in a light dusting of snow fenced in and decorated for the holidays with Christmas wreaths and garland")   ## How Do You Know What Your Greenhouse Needs for Winter? Every winter setup starts with two questions: how cold does it get where you live, and how warm do you want your greenhouse to stay? Your answers shape everything from heater size to how much insulation makes sense. ### Matching your setup to your growing goals Most winter growers fall into three groups. ![](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Greenhouse%20Exterior/247672032_961647514565300_5246853492338209948_n-1.jpg?width=350&name=247672032_961647514565300_5246853492338209948_n-1.jpg) #### Frost-free growers Want to keep plants protected from frost over the winter ![](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Content/Romaine%20lettuce%20is%20transplanted%20on%20edge%20of%20arugula%20and%20broccoli%20%20(both%20seeded%20October%2027%20directly%20into%20greenhouse).jpg?width=350&name=Romaine%20lettuce%20is%20transplanted%20on%20edge%20of%20arugula%20and%20broccoli%20%20(both%20seeded%20October%2027%20directly%20into%20greenhouse).jpg) #### Season extenders Want to keep growing cool-weather crops and manage colder nights. ![](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Greenhouse%20Interior/de_Limur-5.jpg?width=350&name=de_Limur-5.jpg) #### Tropical collectors Want consistently warm space for exotic plants A gardener keeping kale and spinach alive through a mild coastal winter can get by with very little added heat. Someone keeping tropical plants at a cozy 60°F/15°C through a prairie cold snap needs a more complete system. Knowing which group you're in helps you focus on the essentials that matter for your space. ## Which Greenhouse Heater Is Right for Your Space? For most growers outside the mildest climates, heat is the first priority. A heater that fits your greenhouse keeps temperatures steady overnight without wasting energy or creating sharp swings. ### A simple formula for estimating heat needs You can estimate how much heat your greenhouse needs with a quick calculation: > Surface area x temperature difference x 1.1 = BTUs per hour - **Surface area** is the total square footage of your walls and roof - **Temperature difference** is the gap between your coldest expected outdoor temperature and the night temperature you want inside the greenhouse - **1.1** accounts for average heat loss For example, a greenhouse with 400 square feet of surface area, kept at 60°F/15°C when it's 10°F/-12°C outside, needs about 22,000 BTUs per hour (400 x 50 x 1.1). Two adjustments can bring that number down. Subtract 30% if your greenhouse has double glazing or an additional polyethylene liner, and subtract another 30% if it's a building-attached greenhouse fixed to a heated wall. Sizing your heater this way matters, because a unit that's far too powerful cycles on and off constantly and makes temperatures harder to control. ### Electric or Gas? Electric heaters are simple to set up and work well for many hobby greenhouses. Choose one built for greenhouse use, since a standard household space heater isn't made for damp air. Larger greenhouses and colder climates may need a 240-volt heater, which requires more power than a standard circuit, so check with your electrician before winter arrives. Gas heaters are a strong choice when you need higher output or live somewhere power outages are common. Look for a direct-vent model, which brings in outdoor air for combustion and sends exhaust outside. Unvented propane or kerosene heaters release fumes and extra moisture into a closed greenhouse, which isn't healthy for your plants or for you. Our sister company, Charley's Greenhouse & Garden Supply, carried greenhouse heaters in a range of sizes and power options. ![Charley's 120-Volt Greenhouse Heater image](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hubfs/Imported%20images/C4027_2.jpg%3Fv=1627673424%26width=493.jpg) #### Charley's 120-Volt Greenhouse Heater $176.00 Built for greenhouse life, with a moisture-resistant housing and a built-in thermostat that holds steady temperatures from just above freezing to comfortably warm. Its fan moves air up to 30 feet for even warmth. [Learn more](https://shop.charleysgreenhouses.com/collections/temperature-management/products/charley-s-120-volt-heater)   ![Empire Direct-Vent Gas Heater image](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hubfs/Imported%20images/C4110Little500.jpg%3Fv=1747771804%26width=493.jpg) #### Empire Direct-Vent Gas Heater $1,439.00 Built for greenhouse life, with a moisture-resistant housing and a built-in thermostat that holds steady temperatures from just above freezing to comfortably warm. Its fan moves air up to 30 feet for even warmth. [Learn more](https://shop.charleysgreenhouses.com/collections/temperature-management/products/direct-vent-empire-gas-heater) #### Keeping gas heat safe If you heat with gas or propane, add a battery-powered carbon monoxide alarm, like from [First Alert](https://www.amazon.ca/First-Alert-Monoxide-rigorously-standards/dp/B0HCDBSPZN/ref=asc_df_B0HCDBSPZN?mcid=5a5389c861a931489212e80ace2e5f59&tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=706828873418&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9862297844606118690&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001504&hvtargid=pla-2498740365080&psc=1&hvocijid=9862297844606118690-B0HCDBSPZN-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=1) or [Kidde](https://www.amazon.ca/Kidde-KN-COB-B-LP-Nighthawk-Monoxide-Operated/dp/B001P3UO3Y/ref=asc_df_B001P3UO3Y?mcid=a2f46f303c44318281cbed3acfea2979&tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=706828873418&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8989205616812641204&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001504&hvtargid=pla-387122133981&psc=1&hvocijid=8989205616812641204-B001P3UO3Y-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=1). It's a small step that protects you every time you step inside.  ## How Can You Keep an Eye on Your Greenhouse Overnight? Your second priority is knowing what's happening when you're not there. The coldest hour of the night is almost always the one you're asleep for, and a heater that trips off or a door left ajar can undo weeks of growing. ### Tracking your nightly lows A [max/min thermometer](https://shop.charleysgreenhouses.com/products/maxi-mini-thermometer?_pos=5&_sid=de520074a&_ss=r) records the highest and lowest temperature since you last reset it. A quick check each morning tells you how cold your greenhouse got overnight and whether your heater is keeping up.  ### Checking in from anywhere A remote monitor sends temperature and humidity readings straight to your phone, so you can check in from the kitchen, the office, or a weekend away. ![Remote Monitor Color Weather Station image](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hubfs/Imported%20images/Remote_Monitor_Color_Weather_Station..jpg%3Fv=1732156983%26width=713.jpg) #### Remote Monitor Color Weather Station $84.95 Tracks indoor and outdoor temperature, humidity, and forecasts with a remote sensor placed where it matters most. With optional Wi-Fi and the free LaCrosse app, readings come straight to your phone. [Learn more](https://shop.charleysgreenhouses.com/products/remote-weather-station) ![Jumbo Thermohygrometer image](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hubfs/Imported%20images/charleys-greenhouse-supply-jumbo-thermohygrometer-unboxed-1.jpg%3Fv=1747779569%26width=713.jpg) #### Jumbo Thermohygrometer $24.95 A simple, easy-to-read way to see your greenhouse’s daily temperature range and humidity at a glance. [Learn more](https://shop.charleysgreenhouses.com/products/jumbo-thermohygrometer) ### Setting up cold alerts For extra peace of mind, a smart sensor like the [Grovee Wi-Fi](https://us.govee.com/products/wi-fi-temperature-humidity-sensor)[Thermo-Hygrometer](https://us.govee.com/products/wi-fi-temperature-humidity-sensor)sends an alert to your phone when temperatures fall outside a range you choose. That early warning gives you time to step in before a cold night becomes a lost crop. Just make sure your home Wi-Fi reaches the greenhouse before you rely on it. ## Why Should You Keep Air Moving in a Winter Greenhouse? Air circulation is the third essential, and it's the one growers most often overlook. Still air settles into cold pockets, and those pockets are where frost forms first. ### How airflow protects plants Warm air rises and collects at the peak of your greenhouse, while cold air sinks to the floor and into corners. A circulating fan mixes it, so your heat reaches your plants instead of sitting near the roof. Steady airflow also reduces condensation, helps control plant diseases, and keeps algae from building up. We recommend running a circulating fan at all times through the colder months. For more on managing winter moisture, read [Greenhouse Humidity Hacks: Balancing Moisture in Winter](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/greenhouse-humidity-hacks-balancing-moisture-in-winter).  ### Where to place your fan and heater  In smaller greenhouses, around 100 square feet, place your circulating fan at the end opposite the door, at about bench level, and point it so warm air moves across and slightly up. Set your portable heater near the floor, closer to the entry door, so it can quickly replace the heat lost each time the door opens.  ![Air King 6-Inch Clip-on Fan image](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240718_095025-2.jpg) #### Air King 6-Inch Clip-on Fan $44.50 The perfect durable clip-on fan for greenhouse use, providing powerful airflow and easy installation. Adjustable and compact, ideal for tight space. [Learn more](https://shop.charleysgreenhouses.com/products/clip-on-fan) ![Air King Oscillating 12" Fan image](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hubfs/Imported%20images/Wall_Mount_Oscillating_Fan_12.jpg%3Fv=1760725064%26width=713.jpg) #### Air King Oscillating 12" Fan $129.95 A three-speed fan with smooth 90-degree oscillation and chemical-resistant blades. Choose the benchtop model for flexible placement or the wall-mount model to free up space. [Learn more](https://shop.charleysgreenhouses.com/products/wall-mount-oscillating-fan)   ## How Can You Hold More Heat Inside Your Greenhouse?  Once your heat, monitoring, and airflow are in place, insulation helps you hold onto the warmth you’ve created. Every bit of heat that stays inside is heat your heater doesn’t have to replace.  ### Adding an insulating layer Clear bubble insulation lining the inside of your greenhouse creates an extra layer of trapped air. In a BC Greenhouse, you can fasten it with insulating clips that push into the bolt track on the inside of each glazing bar, so it stays put without damaging your structure. Be selective about where it goes. Winter light is already limited, and covering the whole roof can leave your plants short on sun, especially if your greenhouse already has double pane glass or multiwall polycarbonate. North walls and areas that get little direct sun are the best places to start, and a reflective insulation there adds warmth while bouncing light back toward your plants. ![Greenhouse Bubble Insulation (Priced Per Foot) image](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hubfs/Imported%20images/Greenhouse_Bubble_Insulation_Use.jpg%3Fv=1747772478%26width=713.jpg) #### Greenhouse Bubble Insulation (Priced Per Foot) $1.75 Clear, 24-inch-wide insulation with 1-inch bubbles and a nylon-reinforced backing. It traps warmth while letting light through and installs easily with tape, clips, or staples. [Learn more](https://shop.charleysgreenhouses.com/products/greenhouse-bubble-insulation) ![Reflectix Insulation, 24" W (Priced Per Foot) image](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hubfs/Imported%20images/C7562-400.jpg%3Fv=1635366603%26width=400.jpg) #### Reflectix Insulation, 24" W (Priced Per Foot) $3.99 Foil and air-bubble layers reduce radiant heat loss and reflect sunlight or grow light back toward your plants. Ideal for north walls. Join sections with Reflectix Foil Tape. [Learn more](https://shop.charleysgreenhouses.com/products/reflectix-insulation) ### Checking seals before the cold sets in Take a quick walk around your greenhouse in fall. Look for gaps around doors and vents, worn gaskets, or loose glazing panels, since small gaps let warm air slip out all night long. If your polycarbonate needs a touch-up, the [Polycarbonate Store](https://www.polycarbonatestore.com/) carries sealants and capping to get everything snug again.  ## How Can You Protect Plants Without Heating the Whole Greenhouse? Depending on what you're growing, you may not need to heat every cubic foot of air. Putting warmth exactly where your plants need it can be just as effective and far more efficient. ### Warming roots instead of air Plants handle cool air much better when their roots stay warm. Soil heating cables and heat mats deliver gentle warmth from below, supporting strong root growth and protecting tender plants on cold nights. They're also a great way to keep seed starting on track through late winter. ![Heated Soil Cables image](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/48-soil-cable-jpg.webp) #### Heated Soil Cables $34.00 Warms planted beds and containers to a consistent 77 to 85°F. Lay it through the soil or under seed trays for reliable warmth and healthier roots. [Learn more](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/product/heated-soil-cables/) ![Seedling and Propagation Heat Mats image](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hubfs/Imported%20images/1000007518_718fde14-1eee-4f4c-8d6d-265c97809baf.jpg%3Fv=1747168653%26width=713.jpg) #### Seedling and Propagation Heat Mats $29.95 Warms planted beds and containers to a consistent 77 to 85°F. Lay it through the soil or under seed trays for reliable warmth and healthier roots. [Learn more](https://shop.charleysgreenhouses.com/products/seedling-heat-mat) ### Covering plants on cold nights When a hard frost is in the forecast, a layer of frost cloth over your plants adds valuable protection. [Agribon AG-30](https://www.groworganic.com/products/agribon-ag-30-83-x-50) is a popular medium-weight choice, adding about 4 to 6°F (2 to 3°C) of frost protection while still letting light through. Lighter weights like AG-19 suit milder conditions. If you’re reusing fabric row covers from last year, wash them on a hot cycle before laying them over your winter plants.  ### Using thermal mass and heating one zone Water holds heat well. Food-grade barrels painted black and filled with water soak up warmth on sunny days and slowly release it at night. You can also partition off part of your greenhouse and heat only that area, which works well when you’re overwintering a small collection. For more on using thermal mass to hold heat, [explore our Foundation Guide.](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hubfs/Dealer%20Dashboard%20Documents/Dealer%20Sales%20Tools/Cross%20Country%20-%20The%20Essential%20Guide%20to%20Greenhouse%20Foundations%20-%20Low%20Res.pdf)  ![image-png-1](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-1.png?width=323&name=image-png-1.png "image-png-1")   ## How Should You Prepare Your Greenhouse for Snow? If you live where snow falls, a little preparation goes a long way. Heavy, wet snow is one of the biggest stresses your greenhouse will face all year. ### Clearing snow from your roof Keep a telescoping snow broom with a soft foam head nearby, like the [Snow Joe 2-in-1 Telescoping Snow Broom](https://www.homedepot.com/p/203580290). Gently push snow off your roof before it builds up, and never chip at ice or use anything sharp that could scratch or crack your glazing. Running your heater a little warmer during a snowfall can also help snow slide off on its own.  [![Free E-Book Extreme Weather & Maintenance Guide  A comprehensive guide that includes tips straight from the experts. This guide is intended for those customers who have purchased and received their greenhouse.   ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19607244/interactive-220041463220.png)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJwlNCINrBy3kEJVaDe9KlZPHl5JA%2F6ECg4mtvUYiKRbZ8AuYeeRJ6VPwRaLNPbYKw%2B2XzwzPn2sSYOnu0GXHlzKemV8e9GmwgGYDWOC8Bbb29YrAbICVz6WecvKvIAFuShK%2FVIHnlEiBqlSYG4Sh4Po0WnVkZIdBPmUmGKkkpcNLEj%2FIWn%2BI%2FdeAV2WEEmvhe3Mv7yyaTAmPAPqAKvwneyzYGpMH29FJHuhKTZsTHLQw%2Byf6c%2BqB05OoVoXym%2BzpdVrpQ%3D&webInteractiveContentId=220041463220&portalId=19607244) ### Why snow load ratings matter How much snow your greenhouse can handle depends on its engineering, its frame, and the foundation underneath it. A greenhouse built for your local snow load gives you a much bigger safety margin when a storm rolls in. For a closer look at how frames, ratings, and foundations work together, read [The Complete Guide to Wind-Ready Backyard Greenhouses](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/the-complete-guide-to-wind-ready-backyard-greenhouses). ## How Does Your Greenhouse Structure Support a Winter Setup? Every essential on this list works better in a greenhouse that's built for winter from the start. A strong structure means you need fewer add-ons, and the ones you choose do more for you. ![Parkside in Snow](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/social-suggested-images/Parkside%20in%20Snow.jpg?width=2000&height=1500&name=Parkside%20in%20Snow.jpg "Parkside in Snow") ### Glazing that holds heat Your glazing is your first line of defence against the cold. Multiwall polycarbonate traps air between its layers to slow heat loss, and double pane glass offers excellent insulation while letting in plenty of light. Both reduce how hard your heater has to work, which is why the BTU formula lets you subtract 30% for double glazing. ### Vents that respond on their own In a BC Greenhouse, roof vents use AVO wax cylinders that open automatically as the interior warms. On a bright winter afternoon, they lift to release excess heat and moisture, then close again as temperatures fall, all without you lifting a finger. ### Building a winter greenhouse that lasts A winter-ready greenhouse comes together in layers: a correctly sized heater, a way to monitor temperatures, steady airflow, and insulation and frost protection where your climate calls for it. Set on a strong foundation and built to handle your local weather, a BC Greenhouse gives every one of those pieces a solid place to work, so your growing season never truly has to end. ## Related/Recent Blogs #### [![](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_6056-1.jpeg?width=350&name=IMG_6056-1.jpeg) by Hannah Nicklas | 10.21.2026 | 32 min Greenhouse Winterizing Products You Actually Need Quick Answer The greenhouse winterizing products you actually need are a heater sized to your space, a way to monitor temperatures overnight, and a circulating fan to keep warm air moving and prevent ... Read More Winter Garden, greenhouse climate control, heating your greenhouse, winter greenhouse, Snow, charley's greenhouse & garden supply, Greenhouse Temperature](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/greenhouse-winterizing-products-you-actually-need) #### [![](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/paperwhites%20(3).png?width=350&name=paperwhites%20(3).png) by Hannah Nicklas | 10.21.2026 | 24 min Forcing Amaryllis and Paperwhites: A Guide for Holiday Blooms in Greenhouses Quick Answer To force amaryllis and paperwhites for the holidays, plant amaryllis 6 to 10 weeks and paperwhites 4 to 6 weeks before your target bloom date, then give them bright light and steady tempe... Read More Winter Garden, winter greenhouse, bulbs, holidays, gift, forcing bulbs](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/forcing-amaryllis-and-paperwhites-a-guide-for-holiday-blooms-in-greenhouses) #### [![](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_4205-1.jpg?width=350&name=IMG_4205-1.jpg) by Hannah Nicklas | 09.23.2026 | 24 min 10 Mistakes First-time Greenhouse Owners Make (and How to Avoid Them) Quick Answer First-time greenhouse owners most often buy too small, overlook winter sun when choosing a location, skip permit checks, and rush the foundation and installation. Once they're growing, ov... Read More greenhouse buying, buying a greenhouse, planning for a greenhouse, First-time Greenhouse Owner](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/10-mistakes-first-time-greenhouse-owners-make-and-how-to-avoid-them) [Contact Us](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/contact-us/)   |   [View Catalog](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/resources/catalog-request/)   |   [Instant Pricing](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/design-your-own/) |   [Buying Tips](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/greenhouse-buying-tips/) |   [Greenhouse Warranty](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/resources/warranty/)   |   [Technical Support](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/technical-support)   |   [Financing](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/financing/) BC Greenhouses is a leading provider of high-quality, customizable greenhouse solutions that ship all over North America. With a wide range of greenhouse models and accessories, we help gardeners, farmers, and horticulture enthusiasts create the perfect environment for their plants. Our expert team is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring that our customers’ greenhouse needs are met. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, BC Greenhouses offers the tools and expertise to help you grow your plants with success. Explore our website to discover our extensive greenhouse selection and start building your dream greenhouse today! **© BC Greenhouse Builders Ltd.** All Rights Reserved.   |   [Privacy Policy](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/privacy-policy/) [![bc\_greenhouses\_logos\_hires-2-white-1024x426](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/bc_greenhouses_logos_hires-2-white-1024x426.png?width=340&height=141&name=bc_greenhouses_logos_hires-2-white-1024x426.png "bc_greenhouses_logos_hires-2-white-1024x426")](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/) [Follow us on Facebook](http://www.houzz.com/pro/bcgreenhouse/bc-greenhouse-builders-ltd) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/pages/BC-Greenhouse-Builders/119793134732401) [Follow us on Instagram](https://instagram.com/bc_greenhouses/) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz1Hjzda4kEupChtDH0-iMw) [Follow us on Twitter](https://www.pinterest.com/angeladrake/bc-greenhouse-builders/) ![bbb-logo](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bbb-logo.webp?width=125&height=50&name=bbb-logo.webp "bbb-logo") 1-888-391-4433 ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Hannah Nicklas", "url" : "https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/author/hannah-nicklas" }, "dateModified" : "2026-10-21T19:45:58.894Z", "datePublished" : "2026-10-21T19:45:58.000Z", "headline" : "Greenhouse Winterizing Products You Actually Need", "image" : [ "https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hubfs/IMG_6056-1.jpeg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/greenhouse-winterizing-products-you-actually-need", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hubfs/bcg-ftr-logo.png" }, "name" : "BC Greenhouse Builders Ltd." } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "FAQPage", "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Most greenhouses need three essentials for winter: a heater sized to the space, a way to monitor temperatures overnight, and a circulating fan to keep warm air moving. From there, BC Greenhouse Builders recommends adding insulation on north walls, soil heating cables or heat mats for root warmth, frost cloth for cold snaps, and a soft snow broom if you live where snow falls. A well-built greenhouse with insulating glazing and self-opening roof vents means you need fewer add-ons overall." }, "name" : "What greenhouse winterizing products do you actually need?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Start with two questions: how cold does it get where you live, and how warm do you want your greenhouse to stay? A grower keeping kale and spinach alive through a mild coastal winter needs very little added heat, while someone keeping tropical plants at 60°F/16°C through a prairie cold snap needs a more complete system with heating, monitoring, and insulation." }, "name" : "How do you know what your greenhouse needs for winter?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Multiply your greenhouse's total surface area (walls and roof, in square feet) by the temperature difference between your coldest expected outdoor temperature and your desired night temperature, then multiply by 1.1. For example, a greenhouse with 400 square feet of surface area kept at 60°F when it is 10°F outside needs about 22,000 BTUs per hour (400 x 50 x 1.1). Subtract 30% if your greenhouse has double glazing or a polyethylene liner, and another 30% if it is attached to a heated wall." }, "name" : "How do you calculate how much heat a greenhouse needs?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "A heater that is far too powerful for your greenhouse cycles on and off constantly, wastes energy, and makes temperatures harder to control. Sizing your heater with a BTU calculation keeps temperatures steady overnight without sharp swings." }, "name" : "Why does heater size matter in a greenhouse?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Electric heaters are simple to set up and work well for many hobby greenhouses. Gas heaters are a strong choice when you need higher output or live somewhere power outages are common, since direct-vent gas models can run without electricity. Charley's Greenhouse & Garden Supply, the sister company of BC Greenhouse Builders, carries both electric and direct-vent gas heaters built for greenhouse conditions." }, "name" : "Should you use an electric or gas heater in a greenhouse?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Larger greenhouses and colder climates may need a 240-volt heater, which requires more power than a standard household circuit. Check with your electrician before winter arrives to confirm whether you need additional power." }, "name" : "Do you need a 240-volt heater for a greenhouse?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "A standard household space heater is not built for the damp air of a greenhouse. Choose a heater made for greenhouse use, with a moisture-resistant housing and safety features designed for humid conditions." }, "name" : "Can you use a regular household space heater in a greenhouse?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Unvented propane and kerosene heaters release combustion fumes and extra moisture into a closed greenhouse, which is not healthy for your plants or for you. If you want gas heat, choose a direct-vent model that brings in outdoor air for combustion and sends exhaust outside." }, "name" : "Are unvented propane or kerosene heaters safe in a greenhouse?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "If you heat your greenhouse with gas or propane, add a battery-powered carbon monoxide alarm. Even a properly vented heater deserves a backup, and a battery-powered alarm keeps working during a power outage." }, "name" : "Do you need a carbon monoxide alarm in a greenhouse?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "A max/min thermometer records the highest and lowest temperatures since you last reset it, so a quick morning check shows how cold your greenhouse got overnight and whether your heater is keeping up. A remote monitor goes a step further by sending temperature and humidity readings to your phone, so you can check in from anywhere." }, "name" : "How can you monitor your greenhouse temperature overnight?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Yes. Smart Wi-Fi temperature sensors can send an alert to your phone when temperatures fall outside a range you choose, giving you time to step in before a cold night damages your plants. Make sure your home Wi-Fi reaches the greenhouse before relying on one." }, "name" : "Can you get an alert when your greenhouse gets too cold?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Yes. BC Greenhouse Builders recommends running a circulating fan at all times through the colder months. Warm air rises to the peak while cold air sinks into corners, and a fan mixes the air so heat reaches your plants. Steady airflow also reduces condensation, helps control plant diseases, and keeps algae from building up." }, "name" : "Should you run a fan in a greenhouse during winter?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "In greenhouses around 100 square feet, place your circulating fan at the end opposite the door, at about bench level, pointed so warm air moves across and slightly up. Set your portable heater near the floor, closer to the entry door, so it can quickly replace heat lost each time the door opens." }, "name" : "Where should you place a fan and heater in a small greenhouse?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Clear bubble insulation lining the inside of your greenhouse creates an extra layer of trapped air that holds heat. In a BC Greenhouse, you can fasten it with insulating clips that push into the bolt track on the inside of each glazing bar, so it stays in place without damaging the structure. Reflective insulation works well on north walls, where it adds warmth and bounces light back toward plants." }, "name" : "How do you insulate a greenhouse for winter?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Usually not. Winter light is already limited, and covering the whole roof can leave plants short on sun, especially if your greenhouse already has double-pane glass or multiwall polycarbonate. Focus insulation on north walls and areas that get little direct sun." }, "name" : "Should you insulate your whole greenhouse roof in winter?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Walk around your greenhouse in fall and look for gaps around doors and vents, worn gaskets, or loose glazing panels, since small gaps let warm air escape all night. Polycarbonate touch-ups can be handled with sealants and capping from the Polycarbonate Store, a sister company of BC Greenhouse Builders." }, "name" : "What should you check on your greenhouse before winter?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Put warmth exactly where plants need it. Soil heating cables and heat mats warm roots from below, frost cloth adds protection on cold nights, and black water barrels store daytime heat and release it at night. You can also partition off part of your greenhouse and heat only that area when overwintering a small collection." }, "name" : "How can you protect greenhouse plants without heating the whole greenhouse?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "It depends on the fabric weight. A medium-weight frost cloth like Agribon AG-30 adds about 4 to 6°F (2 to 3°C) of frost protection while still letting light through, and lighter weights like AG-19 suit milder conditions. Wash reused row covers on a hot cycle before laying them over winter plants." }, "name" : "How much frost protection does frost cloth provide?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Water holds heat well. Food-grade barrels painted black and filled with water soak up warmth on sunny days and slowly release it at night, acting as thermal mass that helps keep greenhouse temperatures steadier." }, "name" : "How do water barrels help heat a greenhouse?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Keep a telescoping snow broom with a soft foam head nearby and gently push snow off the roof before it builds up. Never chip at ice or use anything sharp that could scratch or crack your glazing. Running your heater a little warmer during a snowfall can also help snow slide off on its own." }, "name" : "How should you prepare your greenhouse for snow?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "How much snow a greenhouse can handle depends on its engineering, frame, and foundation. A greenhouse built for your local snow load gives you a much bigger safety margin in a storm, which is why BC Greenhouse Builders engineers its greenhouses to handle real-world winter weather." }, "name" : "Why do snow load ratings matter for a greenhouse?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Multiwall polycarbonate traps air between its layers to slow heat loss, and double-pane glass offers excellent insulation while letting in plenty of light. Both reduce how hard your heater has to work, which is why you can subtract 30% from your BTU estimate for double glazing. BC Greenhouse Builders offers both glazing options to suit different climates." }, "name" : "What greenhouse glazing holds heat best in winter?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Not in a BC Greenhouse. Roof vents use AVO wax cylinders that open automatically as the interior warms, releasing excess heat and moisture on bright winter afternoons, then close again as temperatures fall." }, "name" : "Do greenhouse vents need to be opened manually in winter?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Every winterizing product works better in a greenhouse built for winter from the start. A strong structure on a solid foundation, with insulating glazing and automatic ventilation, means you need fewer add-ons. A BC Greenhouse is built to handle local weather so your growing season never has to end." }, "name" : "How does greenhouse structure affect winter growing?" } ] } ```