How to Prepare Your Greenhouse for Fall Storms

Quick Answer

To prepare your greenhouse for fall storms, focus on securing the structure, protecting the interior environment, and caring for your plants. Here are the essentials:

• Secure the structure: Tighten bolts, seal glazing panels, and tie down vents and doors.
• Protect the interior: Keep circulation fans running, add insulation with clear plastic or bubble wrap, and use heaters or thermal mass for stable temperatures.
• Safeguard plants: Elevate pots to avoid flooding, cover crops with row cloth, and remove fading plants to limit pests and disease.
• Maintain regularly: Clear gutters, clean glazing, and disinfect tools and staging before winter.
• Consider upgrades: Reinforced glazing, automated venting and upgraded doors add extra peace of mind.
• After storms: Inspect carefully, document damage, and dry interior before resuming use. 

Why do fall storms matter for greenhouse owners?

Fall can be one of the most unpredictable seasons for gardeners. Strong winds, heavy rain, and sudden cold snaps can all put your greenhouse at risk. While your greenhouse provides shelter for your plants, it's not immune to damage from harsh weather. The good news? With the right preparation, you can protect both your structure and your crops. This guide provides practical, reliable steps so you can confidently answer the question: How do I prepare my greenhouse for fall storms?

How do you secure a greenhouse against high winds and heavy rain?

Your first line of defense in any storm is the greenhouse itself. Before the season sets in:

• Inspect the frame and glazing: Tighten bolts, check seals, and look for crack or chips in panels.
• Secure vents and doors: Disable automatic roof and side vent openers and tie them shut with chicken wire or clips. Place a heavy object in front of the greenhouse door to keep it from blowing open.
• Protect fans and shutters: Use tape to keep exhaust fan blades from spinning freely in the wind and set shutters/fans to a warmer temperature so they don't switch on mid-storm.
• Reinforce glass models in extreme weather: If you have time before a hurricane or tornado-level storm, cover exterior walls and roof with plywood. All BC Greenhouse Builders' glass is tempered for considerable strength, but extra protection provides peace of mind.

BC Greenhouse Builders Advantage: Our greenhouses are built with heavy-duty aluminum frames, tempered safety glass, and virtually unbreakable polycarbonate. Standard models carry an 85 mph wind load rating and a 32 psf snow load, with upgrade options available for regions with more extreme weather. In short, your greenhouse is engineered to handle storm conditions.

How do you minimize storm damage inside the greenhouse?

Even a secure structure can experience interior disruptions during a storm. Reduce the impact with these steps:

• Maintain airflow: Keep circulation fans running to reduce condensation and discourage mildew and algae.
• Strategic heating: Place portable, greenhouse-friendly heaters near the floor and close to the door so they can quickly replace lost heat.
• Add insulation: Line interior wall with clear plastic or bubble wrap secured with insulating clips. This stabilizes temperatures and limits drafts.
• Use thermal mass: Black barrels filled with water capture daytime warmth and release it slowly at night, buffering against sudden cold.

How do you protect your plants from storm-related issues?

Plants need just as much protection as your greenhouse itself:

• Elevate pots and trays to avoid waterlogging from heavy rain.
• Cover crops with row cloth or Ag-30 fabric to shield from cold drafts and sudden temperature dips.
• Remove fading summer crops so they don't attract pests or diseases that storms can spread.
• Prepare overwintering plants. Wash leaves, treat for pests, and manage mold before covering with protective cloth.

What regular maintenance helps your greenhouse withstand storms?

Good maintenance strengthens storm resilience:

•  Clear gutters and drains to prevent flooding around the base.
• Deep clean glazing and accessories before winter. Remove everything, scrub thoroughly, and disinfect benches, trays, and tools.
• Control algae buildup: Pressure wash glass overlaps on a low setting and seal with silicone. Maintain airflow to limit condensation.
• Spot-clean glazing: Use Naptha only on polycarbonate for sticky residue. Never use acetone or harsh solvents.
• Vacuum hidden areas: Clear debris from bolt tracks, vent screens, and thresholds where pests may hide.

What greenhouse upgrades give extra peace of mind during storm season?

Accessories and design enhancements can strengthen storm protection:

Heavy-duty glazing

Double glass or multiwall polycarbonate options improve insulation and impact resistance.

Automated venting systems

Exhaust fans regulate airflow efficiently after storms pass.

Upgraded Storefront Door

Helps keep the greenhouse sealed during strong gusts.

What should you do immediately after a storm?

When the skies clear, take these steps to check on your greenhouse:

• Inspect carefully before entering to ensure the structure is safe.
• Document damage with photos for warranty or insurance purposes.
• Dry the interior. Use fans to remove excess moisture and protect crops.
• Reach out to BC Greenhouse Builders for replacement parts, expert advice, and support.

Facing the Season Ahead

Fall storms are unavoidable, but damage doesn't have to be. By reinforcing your structure, protecting your plants, and maintaining your greenhouse, you can face storm season with confidence.

Looking to make your greenhouse even more storm-ready? Our friends at Charley's Greenhouse and Garden Supply offer amazing storm-prep accessories for you to get through the colder months.