--- title: "Winter Over vs. Winter Growing: Plan Your Winter Garden" description: Discover how to winter over or grow through winter in your greenhouse with practical setup tips, energy-saving advice, and model recommendations. image: https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hubfs/Greenhouse%20Interior/IMG_1916.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/winter-over-vs-winter-growing#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. 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[wood greenhouse (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tag/wood-greenhouse) See all [Hannah Nicklas|](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/author/hannah-nicklas) 10.28.2025| 13 MIN READ TIME ## Quick Answer: Wintering over means using your greenhouse to protect existing plants through cold weather with minimal growth or maintenance. It focuses on insulation and frost protection rather than active production. Winter growing keeps your greenhouse climate-controlled for active cultivation through the winter months, using heat, ventilation, and supplemental light to maintain growth.  The right approach depends on your growing goals. Choose winter over for plant preservation and lower energy costs, or winter growing for true four-season harvests. **Jump to a Section:** - [What Does It Mean to Winter Over Plants?](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/winter-over-vs-winter-growing#winter-over) - [What is Winter Growing and How Does it Work?](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/winter-over-vs-winter-growing#winter-growing) - [Winter Over Vs. Winter Growing: Key Differences](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/winter-over-vs-winter-growing#comparing) - [How to Choose the Right Approach for Your Winter Greenhouse](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/winter-over-vs-winter-growing#choosing-what-fits) - [Energy and Cost Consideration for Your Winter Greenhouse](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/winter-over-vs-winter-growing#energy-and-cost) - [Real-World Examples of Winter Greenhouse Setups](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/winter-over-vs-winter-growing#real-world-examples) - [From Planning to Planting: Design Your Winter Greenhouse](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/winter-over-vs-winter-growing#from-planning-to-planting) When winter settles in, your greenhouse becomes more than a structure; it's a decision point. Some gardeners use their space to simply protect plants from frost, while others keep their growing season alive all year long. Understanding the difference between wintering over and winter growing helps you design the right setup for your goals, climate, and budget. ## The Concept of Winter Over What does it mean to winter over plants in a greenhouse? This section explains how overwintering works and how to create an effective overwintering greenhouse setup. - ![Cape Cod 10x18 SG6 Interior 1](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Cape%20Cod%2010x18%20SG6%20Interior%201.jpg?width=2848&height=3497&name=Cape%20Cod%2010x18%20SG6%20Interior%201.jpg) - ![Custom Lean-to DG Winter-1](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Custom%20Lean-to%20DG%20Winter-1.jpg?width=4227&height=2738&name=Custom%20Lean-to%20DG%20Winter-1.jpg) - ![Fitch, Jim CT1218SG6TW](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Fitch%2c%20Jim%20CT1218SG6TW.jpg?width=1422&height=1528&name=Fitch%2c%20Jim%20CT1218SG6TW.jpg) ### Purpose of Wintering Over Preserve, not produce. Wintering over means using your greenhouse as a protective space rather than a production zone. Instead of cultivating new crops, you're keeping tender perennials, potted citrus, or tropical plants alive through the cold months. ### Typical Wintering Over Conditions: - Temperatures hover just above freezing (around 2 to 5°C / 35 to 40°F) - Minimal heating and supplemental light - Heavy reliance on insulation and solar gain ### Recommended Greenhouse Setup For Overwintering - Twinwall or fivewall polycarbonate glazing for energy efficiency  - Bubble insulation or thermal curtain for extra protection - Small heater unit with thermostat control - Circulating fan to prevent moisture buildup ### Greenhouse Best Fit for Wintering Over ![](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Greenhouse%20Exterior/Pacific%20Snow%20photo-2.jpg?width=350&name=Pacific%20Snow%20photo-2.jpg) #### [Pacific Greenhouse](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/greenhouses/backyard-greenhouses/pacific-series/) The Pacific features a curved eave profile that helps shed snow and handle wind. It is a strong all-season option for gardeners who want reliable weather performance with a distinctive look. Pair with twinwall glazing for improved insulation when overwintering. ![](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/social-suggested-images/507-greenhouse-oct-23-22.jpg?width=350&name=507-greenhouse-oct-23-22.jpg) #### [Traditional Greenhouse ](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/greenhouses/backyard-greenhouses/traditional-series/) The Traditional model offers a classic straight-eave design with excellent air circulation and strong thermal insulation. It is perfect for gardeners in colder regions who need dependable frost protection and consistent interior temperatures.   > Pro Tip: Add thermal mass such as water barrels or stone flooring. They absorb warmth during the day and release it overnight, helping stabilize interior temperatures. ## The Concept of Winter Growing What does it mean to grow actively through the winter? This section explains how winter growing works and how to create a productive greenhouse setup that thrives through the cold season. - ![55](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Greenhouse%20Exterior/55.jpg?width=4368&height=2912&name=55.jpg) - ![IMG_3943](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_3943.jpg?width=1290&height=1601&name=IMG_3943.jpg) - ![IMG_7823 2 (1)](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Greenhouse%20Exterior/IMG_7823%202%20(1).jpg?width=585&height=534&name=IMG_7823%202%20(1).jpg) ### Purpose of Winter Growing Grow through the cold. Winter growing means maintaining a controlled environment that supports active plant growth throughout the coldest months. Instead of closing down for the season, you're cultivating cool-weather crops like leafy greens, herbs, and even certain fruiting plants by managing light, heat, and airflow. ### Typical Winter Growing Conditions - Stable temperature between 10 to 24°C / 50 to 75°F - Supplemental heating and lighting during short winter days - Steady airflow and humidity management to prevent disease ### Recommended Greenhouse Setup for Winter Growing - Double Glass or low-E glazing for strong insulation - Thermostat-controlled gas or electric heating system - LED grow lights to extend daylight hours - Automated vents or circulation fans for consistent airflow ### Greenhouse Best Fit for Winter Growing ![](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Greenhouse%20Exterior/photo%204%20(Large).jpg?width=350&name=photo%204%20(Large).jpg) #### [Meridian Estate Greenhouse](https://meridian.bcgreenhouses.com/) Meridian Estate Greenhouses are BC Greenhouse Builders' premium bespoke models designed for gardeners who want luxurious and high-performing spaces to grow year-round. They combine heavy-duty aluminum framing with high-performance low-E double glass for exceptional insulation, strength, and weather resistance. ![](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Greenhouse%20Exterior/unnamed-1.jpg?width=350&name=unnamed-1.jpg) #### [Attached Greenhouses](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/greenhouses/attached-greenhouses/) Attached models connect directly to your home, making it convenient and energy efficient. The shared wall helps retain heat while providing easy access to your plants year-round. ![](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Greenhouse%20Exterior/54.jpg?width=350&name=54.jpg) #### [Cottage Greenhouse](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/greenhouses/backyard-greenhouses/cottage-series-backyard-greenhouse/) Cottage models combine classic design with practical strength. Its steeper roof pitch allows excellent light capture during low-sun months, while the structure itself provides reliable insulation or ongoing winter harvests.    > Pro Tip: Group plants by their heat requirements. Keep cool-loving crops lower to the ground and position tropicals or fruiting plants higher where the warm air collects. ## Comparing the Two Approaches | **Features** | **Winter Over** | **Winter Growing** | | --- | --- | --- | | *Main Goal* | Protect plants from frost | Maintain active growth | | *Temperature Range* | 2 to 7°C 35 to 45°F | 10 to 24°C 50 to 75°F | | *Energy Use* | Low | Moderate to High | | *Crop Type* | Ornamentals, perennials, tender shrubs | Vegetables, herbs, tropicals | | *Equipment Needs* | Basic greenhouse heater, insulation, fan | Full heating, thermostat, lighting | | *Maintenance* | Low | High | | Ideal Models | Pacific, Traditional | Meridian Estate, Attached, Cottage | ## Choosing What Fits Your Winter Garden Goals Ask Yourself: - Do I want to *harvest* in winter or simply *preserve *what I have? - What are my local temperature lows? - How much time do I want to spend managing the greenhouse? - What's my comfort level with heating costs? If you love low-maintenance protecting and efficiency from your greenhouse, winter over may be perfect. If you crave the satisfaction of harvesting your own greens in January, winter growing delivers that year-round payoff. ![Red Framed Greenhouse in Snow](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/social-suggested-images/Red%20Framed%20Greenhouse%20in%20Snow.jpg?width=2000&height=1500&name=Red%20Framed%20Greenhouse%20in%20Snow.jpg "Red Framed Greenhouse in Snow") ## Energy and Cost Consideration for Your Winter Greenhouse Heating is often the biggest variable between these two approaches. The warmer you maintain your greenhouse, the higher your energy use climbs. You can make either method more efficient by adding: - **Double glazing** or insulated glass for better heat retention - **Thermal mass **(brick, concrete, or water barrels) - **Automatic venting** to reduce humidity loss - **Programmable thermostats **to maintain stable temperatures Even modest upgrades can make a major difference in comfort and energy savings. ### Climate Control Planning Every BC Greenhouse is designed with your climate in mind. During the design phase, our experts consider heating, cooling, and ventilation requirements specific to your growing goals. Whether you want to maintain frost protection or build a four-season food source, we tailor the glazing and equipment recommendations to fit your region. ## Real-World Examples  ### Winter Over with Fluent Garden in BC, Canada ![Chung FCP812TW-8795-1](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Greenhouse%20Exterior/Chung%20FCP812TW-8795-1.jpg?width=2000&height=1590&name=Chung%20FCP812TW-8795-1.jpg "Chung FCP812TW-8795-1") Christina's Pacific greenhouse, seen frequently in [our catalog](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/catalog/), is used to winter over her many gardening experiments including quinoa and subtropicals. Located in Zone 8b, she keeps her space heated at 12°C/54°F and relies on bubble wrap insulation to reduce energy costs. ### Winter Growing in Montana, US ![IMG_1916](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Greenhouse%20Interior/IMG_1916.jpg?width=2000&height=1328&name=IMG_1916.jpg "IMG_1916") This Meridian Estate Greenhouse combines double-glass glazing and an a attached design to be able to keep greens and flowers alive year-round. Located in Zone 4b, this structure also includes thermostatic control to keep the greenhouse at comfortable temperature, especially in winter. ## From Planning to Planting Whether you're overwintering delicate plants or cultivating a full winter garden, the key is planning a greenhouse that works with your lifestyle and local climate. Both approaches—Winter Over and Winter Growing—can transform the colder months into productive, restorative time in the garden. With the right structure, insulation, and temperature control, you'll keep your plants thriving and your passion for growing alive no matter the forecast. ### Need help choosing the right greenhouse setup for your winter goals?   BC Greenhouse Builders' Greenhouse Experts are ready to guide you through glazing options, heating systems, and design features that match your growing goals.   ## Related/Recent Blogs #### [![](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Greenhouse%20Interior/BC%20Greenhouses%20Fall%20Sale.jpg?width=350&name=BC%20Greenhouses%20Fall%20Sale.jpg) by Hannah Nicklas | 08.21.2026 | 23 min Fall Greenhouse Prep: What to Do Before the First Frost Quick Answer: Start before the frost hits. Once nighttime temperatures are consistently dropping into the single digits Celsius (upper 40s Fahrenheit), it is time to clean, check equipment, and add in... 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Quick Answer: Read More greenhouses, seeding, garden preparation, BC Greenhouse, BC Greenhouses, greenhouse tomatoes, small greenhouse kit, greenhouse tips, growing food, garden transition, greenhouse gardening, greenhouse maintenance, greenhouse, growing in a greenhouse, shade cloth, greenhouse cooling, Greenhouse Temperature, Summer Heat, Greenhouse Ventilation, Tomatoe Growing](https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/what-are-the-5-strategies-for-reducing-mold-and-fungus-problems-in-greenhouses) [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. 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Winter growing maintains active cultivation through winter by managing heat, ventilation, and supplemental light." }, "name" : "What is the difference between wintering over and winter growing in a greenhouse?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Wintering over typically holds 2 to 7°C (35 to 45°F). Winter growing usually targets 10 to 24°C (50 to 75°F), depending on the crop type." }, "name" : "What temperatures should I target for wintering over vs winter growing?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Twinwall or fivewall polycarbonate works best for wintering over due to insulation value. Double glass or low-E glass is ideal for winter growing where higher temperatures and light quality matter." }, "name" : "Which glazing is best for winter use?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "In most regions, you will need supplemental LED lighting for reliable winter growth, especially at higher latitudes or for light-loving crops." }, "name" : "Can I winter grow without supplemental lighting?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Wintering over has lower costs since temperatures are kept just above freezing. Winter growing needs more heat and lighting, but upgrades like thermostats, insulation, and thermal mass can improve efficiency." }, "name" : "How do energy costs compare between wintering over and winter growing?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "For wintering over, the Pacific and Traditional models are efficient and retain heat well. For winter growing, Meridian Estate, Attached, and Cottage models support integrated heating, ventilation, and lighting." }, "name" : "Which greenhouse models fit each approach?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "If your goal is to preserve plants with minimal effort and energy, choose wintering over. If you want fresh harvests through winter and are willing to invest in heating and lighting, winter growing is best." }, "name" : "How do I decide which approach is right for me?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Add thermal mass such as water barrels or stone flooring to store daytime heat and release it overnight, stabilizing temperature swings." }, "name" : "What simple upgrade helps both approaches?" } ] } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "HowTo", "description" : "A step-by-step setup for protecting plants through winter with minimal energy use.", "name" : "How to set up a greenhouse for wintering over", "step" : [ { "@type" : "HowToStep", "name" : "Assess climate and goals", "text" : "Confirm that your aim is plant preservation, not active production. Identify local temperature lows." }, { "@type" : "HowToStep", "name" : "Improve insulation", "text" : "Install twinwall or fivewall panels and add bubble insulation or thermal curtains to minimize heat loss." }, { "@type" : "HowToStep", "name" : "Set safe temperature", "text" : "Use a small heater with thermostat to maintain 2 to 7°C (35 to 45°F)." }, { "@type" : "HowToStep", "name" : "Add thermal mass", "text" : "Use water barrels or stone flooring to store daytime heat and release it overnight." }, { "@type" : "HowToStep", "name" : "Move air gently", "text" : "Operate a circulating fan to prevent condensation and even out temperatures." }, { "@type" : "HowToStep", "name" : "Monitor and adjust", "text" : "Check readings, seal drafts, and fine-tune venting during warmer spells." } ], "supply" : [ { "@type" : "HowToSupply", "name" : "Twinwall or fivewall polycarbonate or insulation lining" }, { "@type" : "HowToSupply", "name" : "Bubble insulation or thermal curtain" }, { "@type" : "HowToSupply", "name" : "Small heater with thermostat" }, { "@type" : "HowToSupply", "name" : "Water barrels or stone for thermal mass" } ], "tool" : [ { "@type" : "HowToTool", "name" : "Thermometer or temperature sensor" }, { "@type" : "HowToTool", "name" : "Circulating fan" } ], "totalTime" : "P1D" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "HowTo", "description" : "A step-by-step setup for active winter cultivation with managed heat, light, and airflow.", "name" : "How to set up a greenhouse for winter growing", "step" : [ { "@type" : "HowToStep", "name" : "Define crop targets", "text" : "Choose winter-suitable crops such as greens and herbs, and note their temperature and light needs." }, { "@type" : "HowToStep", "name" : "Seal and insulate", "text" : "Install double or low-E glass with weather sealing to reduce heat loss while maintaining brightness." }, { "@type" : "HowToStep", "name" : "Install heating and controls", "text" : "Use a heater with thermostat to maintain 10 to 24°C (50 to 75°F) as required by your plants." }, { "@type" : "HowToStep", "name" : "Add lighting", "text" : "Mount LED grow lights and set timers to extend daylight hours during short winter days." }, { "@type" : "HowToStep", "name" : "Vent and circulate", "text" : "Automate vents and use circulation fans to manage humidity and prevent disease." }, { "@type" : "HowToStep", "name" : "Stage plants by heat needs", "text" : "Position cool-loving crops lower and warm-loving plants higher, where warm air collects." }, { "@type" : "HowToStep", "name" : "Track and refine", "text" : "Monitor conditions and adjust heating and lighting schedules for steady growth." } ], "supply" : [ { "@type" : "HowToSupply", "name" : "Double glass or low-E glazing" }, { "@type" : "HowToSupply", "name" : "LED grow lights" }, { "@type" : "HowToSupply", "name" : "Thermostat-controlled gas or electric heater" }, { "@type" : "HowToSupply", "name" : "Automated vents or circulation fans" } ], "tool" : [ { "@type" : "HowToTool", "name" : "Thermostat and sensors" }, { "@type" : "HowToTool", "name" : "Timer or controller for lighting" } ], "totalTime" : "P2D" } ```