Yes! Plastic greenhouses work in winter. However, unlike the typical greenhouses, which are already laced with the requirements for optimal plant growth, these require slight modifications. As winter has already knocked upon us, many think if these lightweight structures are capable of enduring the cold’s wrath. This is quite a reason that many are looking for the ideal greenhouse builder in Indiana.
Getting back to the topic, apart from that plastic greenhouses have emerged as popular choices for homeowners and hobbyists. Their affordability, ease of installation, versatility, and of course easy maintenance are the main reasons.
Still not convinced? Let’s explore various parts of this blog to help you know the details of these plastic greenhouses and a much better alternative,a prefab greenhouse that ensures extra durability and sturdiness.
How Does a Plastic Greenhouse Work?
Before we discuss how the plastic greenhouse works, learn about the ideal temperature range for plant growth during winter.
Optimal Temperature for Plant Growth
The most significant and crucial factor in plant growth is maintaining the right temperature for plant health. Most plants thrive in daytime temperature between 0°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). Keeping the greenhouse’s environment within this range facilitates essential functions like photosynthesis and respiration.
Working of a Plastic Greenhouse
Plastic greenhouses operate on the same principle as any greenhouse.
- They trap sunlight to create a warmer environment for plants.
- The plastic covering allows sunlight to pass through during the day, which warms the air and soil inside.
- This trapped heat can help prevent frost from damaging plants, especially when night temperatures drop.
However, the thin nature of most plastics means that heat retention can be a challenge, especially compared to traditional glass or polycarbonate greenhouses.
Selecting the right plastic can make a significant difference in how well your greenhouse handles winter conditions. Below is a list of the highly-demanded plastics of greenhouses.
Types of Plastic Used in Greenhouses
Different plastics, with different properties have their own kind of impact on a greenhouse’s performance, especially in winter. Here’s a breakdown of the most sought-after plastics for greenhouses.
| Type of Plastic | Cost | Durability | Insulation and Heat Retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyethylene | Affordable | 2-3 years | Lightweight allows sunshineless insulation |
| Copolymer Plastic | Moderately affordable | Up to 3 years | Stronger than standard polyethylene |
| Polyvinyl Plastic | Higher cost | Up to 5 years | Durable with better insulation |
| Polycarbonate | Most expensive | Up to 10 years | Excellent insulation and heat retention |
Common Challenges for Plastic Greenhouses in Winter
Though a plastic greenhouse can be effective in winter, still it comes with its own set of challenges.
1. Heat Retention
One of the biggest challenges is retaining heat. Since plastic is generally thinner than glass, it doesn’t insulate as effectively. Heat escapes more easily and it creates a problem during long and cold wintery nights. This is the point where plants become quite vulnerable to the extreme cold temperatures or precisely freezing conditions.
2. Condensation and Humidity
Plastic traps moisture which results in condensation inside the greenhouse. This trapped moisture creates a less-than-ideal environment for plants in winter. To tackle this situation, a plastic greenhouse needs proper ventilation at the same time when a part of the goal is to retain warmth.
3. Wind and Snow Resistance
Although being lightweight makes plastic a favorite choice for greenhouse particularly when setting it up, still the same property can be sometimes problematic. The lightweight greenhouses can be more vulnerable to heavy snow and strong wind. With a heavy snow built-up, the structure strains, or sometimes collapses if not properly supported.
4. Temperature Fluctuations
Unlike glass, a plastic greenhouse made of plastic is more prone to temperature fluctuations. It can instantly heat up during the day in summer but loses that warmth just as quickly as when the sun sets. This temperature fluctuation is a huge setback for plants that stresses them, and therefore opting for the best greenhouse builder in Indiana, Pumpkin Patch Market is the right decision.
How to Make a Plastic Greenhouse Work in Winter?
It’s essential to optimize the performance of your plastic greenhouse in winter to get the most out of it. Here are a few strategies to try.
1. Add Proper Insulation
To retain heat, we need to insulate our greenhouse because it can significantly improve heat retention. Using bubble wrap or horticulture fleece to lineup the walls are excellent resources to effectively trap heat. Be careful about gaps, if any exist, secure them tightly to ensure heat warmth stays inside throughout the night.
2. Use a Heater
A small heater can make a huge difference particularly during colder days. The best options for maintaining heat are electric or propane heaters. Meanwhile proper monitoring is necessary to avoid overheating especially during daytime when sunlight does the heating job sufficiently.
3. Improve Ventilation Conditions
Preventing condensation inside a greenhouse is as important as keeping it warm. Use vents or a small fan to promote airflow besides keeping humidity levels in check. These simple yet effective steps work magically in preventing the conversion of condensate into ice.
4. Reinforce the Structure
As mentioned earlier, winter winds are often too harsh on the greenhouse.The best thing to help it bear these winds is reinforcing the framework with strong support or stakes. Anchoring the support securely will help it withstand winds. For snow build-up, manual clearing is suggested. Keep an eye on it and clear it at the earliest to prevent structural collapse.
PRO TIP: If you’re Hoosier, Pumpkin Patch market is the professional greenhouse builder in Indiana. Their experts can help you make a custom greenhouse with reinforced structure.
5. Add on More Plastic
Adding a second layer of plastic sheeting can provide extra insulation. The air gap between the layers acts as a buffer and thus retains more heat. This technique efficiently works in the regions with severe winters by providing better temperature stability inside the greenhouse.
How Long Do Plastic Greenhouses Last in Cold Climates?
The lifespan of a plastic greenhouse in a cold climate depends on several factors — type of plastic, its construction, and maintenance.
On average, they last for 5 to 7 years in colder climates.
However, to extend the plastic greenhouse’s lifespan, following these tips can be helpful.
- Ensure proper insulation and ventilation
- Use UV-resistant coatings to protect them from exposure to UV rays.
- Regular maintenance always does wonders. Regularly inspect to find cracks or damages.
- Address any damage immediately to stop its expansion.
- Regularly clean your plastic greenhouse to diminish algae accumulation.
Try a Prefab Greenhouse by Pumpkin Patch Market
Why take so much pain by walking the extra mile to arrange a heater, worry about condensation build-up, and fear the structure would collapse anytime. Instead try our prefab greenhouse. With a solid skeleton, made with wood, and an additional layer reinforced with plastic, our prefab greenhouse lasts longer.
Forget about wind dwindling it away or UV rays damaging it! We ensure it’s sturdy, built to last.
final Thoughts
A portable greenhouse made of plastic is a viable option for winter gardening, but only if you follow the right directions. Choosing the right plastic type, adding insulation, arranging for ventilation, and extra support to the structure are a few hacks that can help you grow your favorite plants your way.
Ready to grow your veggies this winter in a plastic greenhouse? So, when in Indiana, do as the Hoosiers do. Contact the top-notch greenhouse builder, The Pumpkin Patch Market, to make the best purchase. Our prefab greenhouse is the ultimate solution that helps you avoid walking the longest route and do all the extra arrangements from A to Z in case of the typical plastic greenhouses.
Also, our experienced team can also design a greenhouse tailored to your specific needs, ensuring your year-round productivity and healthy plants.