Winter Greenhouse Growing

[@robklein583]

I live in southern Ontario and we have had zero sunny days since September. I have a 6x8 greenhouse I got at Harborfreight that I heat with an utility electric heater with 500w, 1000w, 1500w settings. This can keep the greenhouse 7, 14, 21 degrees C higher than outside temp( 12, 25, 38 degrees F above outside). This has worked very well for a few winters now. I have grown lettuce, onions, peas, and tomatoes through each winter. But the crop was a bit stunted until I bought a couple old gooseneck lamps at a second-hand store and clamped them on my growing table with 100W equivalent 5000K LED bulbs from the dollar store. My plants are quite happily growing with this small amount of supplemental light 12 hrs daily. This shows what is possible with only a heavy duty extension cord and a small greenhouse. Last winter one night was down to -29C ( -20F ) and I thought that was the end, but to my surprise the greenhouse thermometer stayed at 0C ( 32F ) and the crop all survived including my tomatoes. I had piled a foot of snow around the base of the greenhouse and plugged the little openings around the door with kleenex and it was enough to seal it well enough to survive. Also to grow plants in a winter greenhouse you must provide the plants with a source of CO2 as the plants use up all available CO2 and then stop growing in a well sealed greenhouse. I solve that by sitting in the greenhouse reading a book for at least an hour each day exhaling the CO2 the plants desperately need. Burning a tealight for a couple hours a day would serve the same purpose I suppose. This comment is just to let everybody know it is possible to have fresh veggies thru the winter with a small inexpensive greenhouse and just the electricity you get from an extension cord even in an area with little or no sunny days. I can answer any questions you may have if you leave them as a reply.

[@laundromatjones4337]

This is SO useful. Same zone, same situation as you - saving your comment for my own build!

[@katrininsweden2856]

Thank you so much for sharing that information. I might try to do that here in Sweden next winter😃 What would you think your electricity cost was for this set-up for an average month?

[@ineedmickey5170]

Thank you for these tips! Was it costly to run these heaters? The price of fresh food would be worth it!

[@dustyflats3832]

@@katrininsweden2856 I heated our lean-to GH about the same size with an Eden Pure heater. We can look at our KW usage online and on the graph compared to the year before it did go up substantially. However, it didn’t put our bill up that month because we do budget billing where the company averages out your usage and adjusted the usage over 6 mos. That year we must have used a lot less in those other months because the monthly bill did not change. I use the GH in spring for just starting seedlings so it’s probably warmer outside in Z5a.

[@dustyflats3832]

Do keep in mind that if you’re using heaters and lights not approved for use where there is water that it would be a safety to use a GFI or GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupt) outlet. Very important in greenhouse usage to prevent electrocution. Three pronged grounded plugs should be used also, but more important to have GFI outlet. I use our GH about the same size as yours and an Eden Pure or small ceramic heater did great! It did put the electric usage up that month as I could see from the billing graph from year before, but we must have used less in other months because the budget billing did not go up in the 6 months adjustment 👏🏼👏🏼. I use the GH to start seedlings to take advantage of warmer days and never in below zero situations. However, I have a couple heatsink ideas and some reclaimed refrigeration panels that I think will work when we redo the polycarbonate panels.

[@j.reneewhite915]

I've been inspired by those who build hot beds for their winter greenhouse. OYR used hoop houses inside his polytunnel and it made a big difference. I also found inspiration by those who grab crops from the outdoor garden and transplant them to the greenhouse to overwinter. Things like chard, kale, spinach, lettuce etc do very well in the transplant. Leeks are very hardy for this application.

[@jonathand9793]

I start my winter seedlings (indoors) in early September and that’s usually about right for achieving full lettuces by late December in my cold frame. (also in Colorado.) I buried a deicing cable in my potting mix to keep the soil warm. By late January when the coldest weather hits, nothing survives.

[@Jeff_in_FC]

Last year I overwintered onions in a mini hoop house covered with a layer of fabric row cover and a layer of clear(-ish) 6 mil plastic. I heated it with water-filled plastic milk cartons spaced throughput and a couple of water-filled 4” diameter ABS pipes along the long sides of the raised bed. I bought the pipes at our local Habitat store for pennies on the dollar and capped the ends with rubber caps and pipe clamps from Home Depot. Since water expands in volume by about 9% upon freezing, I left an appropriate amount of air space in the jugs and pipes.

[@blairwillis9199]

My husband gave me a greenhouse for my birthday in May. We live in the far north of Idaho. I don't know anything about using the greenhouse and have a lot to learn! Thanks for your information.

[@marinapestova4622]

You are so lucky to have a husband like this. Take a good care of him. I am, really happy for both of you.

[@blairwillis9199]

@@marinapestova4622 I treasure him. Married 49 years.

[@kenbrown438]

I just got my notification and rushed right over !!!! Thanks Gardener Scott !!!!

[@heidiclark6612]

Wow! that temp. inside the greenhouse is impressive. It’s amazing how well the black barrels work.

[@amymorales4622]

I’m in my second winter of greenhouse growing in the high country of Arizona. This year I covered my greenhouse with shade cloth to keep it from overheating in the day time. Because the sunlight is so intense here, temperatures got to over 100* F inside during the day last year when we had snow on the ground outside. At night, it would drop below freezing if I didn’t run a heater, and the heater doubled my electric bill. This winter, the shade cloth has kept temperatures more stable. It keeps it from getting too hot during the day and insulates the greenhouse a bit at night. I also put some insulation around the base of the greenhouse on the inside, and I added some more containers of water. The plants are much happier this year, and my electric bill is lower. I think that I may have been a bit over ambitious by having dwarf lemon and lime trees in there, but they are doing well so far.

[@PStew262]

Thank you for your post. I’m in central New Mexico and want to have a winter green house. I’m sure I would have similar problems. Just wondering, did you add the shade cloth inside the green house or outside the green house?

[@Tillahuddle]

Thanks for the info., I will keep my shade cloth on the greenhouse this first winter after installation. I used a fish tank heater in a barrel of water last year and was surprised how well it worked, fairly inexpensively. I live in Central Oregon's high desert region.

[@amymorales4622]

@@PStew262 Sorry to answer so late. I just saw your question. I put the shade cloth on the outside of the greenhouse, draping it loosely enough so that the vents could open. It was anchored at the corners so that it would not blow off.

[@lilycardoso4679]

Having a heater in my greenhouse is a game changer. My dragonfruit is thriving.

[@songmsk8738]

Yep! I started carrots back at the end of July and I started pulling them 2 weeks ago. I’m on Long Island in NY

[@laurabartoletti6412]

🎉 Happy New Year 2024 Gardener Scott & loved ones 🎆 👋🐝🌱🌞🌾🫐🥔🫑🍅🧄🥦☮️

[@lightwavz]

I have been overwintering my day-neutral strawberries for the last 2 years in Michigan 6a. They've pushed blooms and were setting berries in mid April. I cannot argue with that!

[@MissPooz]

Wow, you were thorough! Thank you so much for educating me on how to run a greenhouse. I just put one up and had NO IDEA all that goes into maintaining the temperature. Thank you! Thank you!

[@Erik-so2pm]

Minus 20 degrees expected in Denver, Colorado ! Wauww.. Greetz from The Netherlands !

[@MK-ti2oo]

We used to live in Woodland Park, CO and now live at around 5k ft elevation in the high Sierra in Northern California. We had 15°F nights starting in Sept and I have had the filtering all winter with no heat: lettuces (red and green romaine, bibb, little gem, jade gem, marvel of four seasons, butterhead), spinach (bloomsdale and matador), kales, chards, mustard, arugula, endive, collards, onions, carrots, radish, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels, parsley, cilantro, marjoram, oregano, chives, peas, celery, mint, sage, jewels of opar, echinacea and strawberries. It's really surprised me what survives with no added heat.

[@frankbarnwell____]

Gardener Scott. You and Mala, keep warm.

[@NanasWorms]

I grow you around in my greenhouse here on Vancouver Island, although I do switch my crop selection between the warmer and colder months. Summer time I grow tomatoes, basil and squash. During the winter, I grow endive, kale, watercress and beets. ~ Sandra

[@WYO_Dirtbag]

I am nearly done with my 10x20 sunken cold weather greenhouse here in 5B WY. Excited to get growing. Insulated walls West, East, and North with a 38.8 degree 8 ft 16mm triple wall poly carbonate South facing wall. I'll have 4 55 gallon barrels of water. Looking into a solar water heater for those barrels. I will have electrical for supplemental heat.

[@lastchancemonicam3948]

I have a new gross thing to add to your list of gross things found in commercial potting soil. Live roaches. At least the soil was definitely not contaminated by pesticides.Miracle Grow in case you were wondering.

[@dustyflats3832]

Just what everyone needs to start their seeds in🙄. Another reason I’m starting seeds in GH from now on. Thanks!

[@amymorales4622]

😱😱😱

[@zarkokv]

Thank you for adding metric units.

[@Concept_education]

Love the use of the term "Persephone period" ❤

[@copycat3553]

I have a small 8x12 kit greenhouse we modified. I do have heat but its costly. I have a small wood stove for day with a small backup electric heater and at night i run a kerosene heater that can last til the morning. Its nice to have tomatoes and peppers in the winter but the pest and cost I can see why most don't. Cheers

[@zakkrueck2362]

i have the same planta greenhouse. i am planning on not using electricity. it is 18 inches below ground. it is unfinfinished inside and i have a few tricks yet to do to keep it warm inside. i live in wisconsin and i have weeds growing inside. the future looks bright.

[@pricklypear1111]

How do you keep it warm?

[@zakkrueck2362]

@@pricklypear1111 1) i have raised beds each enclosed in individual mini greenhouses. 2) i have plastic Templok tile inside that absorb heat during the day and release it at night 3) i have double paneled polycarbonate. 4) the back wall, which is opposite the sun has been boarded up 4 inches thick and then sealed with foam on the sides. i have not yet completed it and this will be my first winter using it (the greenhouse)

[@chickadeeacres3864]

@@zakkrueck2362you might want to insulate the roof on the north side. Hot air rises…. It won’t impede sunlight for your needs.

[@zakkrueck2362]

@@chickadeeacres3864 yes thanks

[@pricklypear1111]

@@zakkrueck2362 that’s awesome!! Thank you. I’m going to try the tile!

[@ayelean9397]

So glad I found your channel! I feel confident buying a greenhouse now

[@ieatiron]

Had -30C yesterday, wish it was a little milder where I live. Can't really leave my roots.. I think that I have to dig down and have heating in a combination for it to work!

[@shawnamoen5026]

I'm in Montana zone 4. I have cilantro growing in my greenhouse

[@TJtheHAWK]

Awesome video scott! I just got my greenhouse installed in November here in New Hampshire. I also have a couple greens like spinach, lettuce and tatsoi growing inside right now. I bought a small electric heater and so far I've avoided all frost inside. It seems to keep the inside about 18-20 degrees warmer than nighttime outside low temps. Still, my plants are quite small..I may opt for a added grow light during these months of low sunshine.

[@robklein583]

Adding even a couple 100w equivalent 5000k LED bulbs helps the plants. I have mine on a timer 12H per day and the plants are noticeably better than without extra light.

[@lindanature]

Wow great video. I’m considering getting a green house and would like to do gardening in the long dark winter

[@user-ml8ig1jp6z]

Thank you for this video. I find your advice always helpful.

[@dwaynewladyka577]

Thanks for sharing this. Alberta, Canada is getting a cold Arctic blast and it's going to get very cold. That cold air is going to go south. We had a very warm and very dry fall, right up to the end of December, when winter started. Supplementary heating will be a benefit in a greenhouse. Cheers, Scott!

[@buzzyhardwood2949]

Thanks Alberta. It is going to hit us in mid-week next week in western Montana. Most days above freezing here in the Helena Valley and the soil is largely unfrozen to date. So nice of our northern neighbors to share! Cheers back at ya.

[@dwaynewladyka577]

@@buzzyhardwood2949 It didn't originate in Alberta, but in the Northwest Territory, above Alberta. That's where this Arctic blast is coming from.

[@carriecreates1207]

Very informative, thank you!

[@jennaandparkerstaggs1113]

Hey Gardener Scott, love your content! I ran across something on Amazon that I thought might interest you. They are very narrow rain water collection tanks. They would be a good option for those of us who use water in the greenhouse for heat and need the space that the big barrels take up.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks! I'll check them out.

[@kjrchannel1480]

I can't do it until some of those cheap corrugated plastic panels get replaced. A strong wind blew some out and others are cracking from age. I can guess you will someday posting a video on how long your panels lasted. That is an expense nobody wants. Especially if it is cheaper buying a complete new greenhouse in my case.

[@michaelb7071]

20+ years. You need to install them the right way out. Only one side is UV protected usually.

[@robingirven4570]

Great info Scott!

[@psodi01]

Appreciate your knowledge! Do you keep your water barrels sealed or open? Could you share a link on where you got them? Thanks!

[@GardenerScott]

They are sealed. I got my barrels from a friend and don't know the source.

[@psodi01]

@@GardenerScott thanks so much for responding!

[@maggiemirenda7146]

So many good points made in this video 🙏 thanks for the education

[@eliandkate]

Wow! Your greenhouse currently has daytime temps that are like my summer? My greenhouse right now (midday) is 3c and our garden temp is 3c So very jealous 😂

[@GardenerScott]

After a cold night and current temp of -4C outside, my greenhouse is starting the day at 3C. The 250 gallons of water make a difference.

[@eliandkate]

@@GardenerScott it really does! Perfect way to showcase it!

[@LisadeKramer]

Thank you for the update on the greenhouse. I moved my Rosemary in the greenhouse early and it is doing great. That was a nice surprise. I am going to have to add a heater as I need to use my greenhouse to start my seedlings. It is a work in progress. I also bought a Greenstalk for the greenhouse and will have two Birdie raised beds. I kind of wish I had put in the vents in the ceiling but Planta felt I did not need them. I see you have your shade cloth inside the greenhouse. Do you like that better than over the top of the greenhouse?

[@GardenerScott]

Because of the extreme wind I get I prefer the shade cloth inside. I've tried coverings outside in the past and they were torn up by the wind.

[@j.c.1026]

What about hot composting in the green house? I was wondering if I convert one barrel into a composter...

[@GardenerScott]

Hot composting can add a lot of heat. It does take extra effort to maintain a hot pile, but is a doable option.

[@wyomedders]

Hi Scott, We live in Northern Wyoming and have just ordered a Planta Urban Greenhouse, so your videos are incredibly helpful. I noticed that you had rigid insulation on one side of your greenhouse. I assume that is on the north side. I was wondering what thickness of insulation that is and if it is just placed behind the bench or is it attached to the greenhouse.

[@kkbailey8357]

I’m brand new to greenhouse gardening Live in zone 6b (southern IL) questions: I have an Amish built wood green house that is basically built on a wood pallet so there is about 8 inches between the gravel pad and the wooden floor of my greenhouse, Will using water as passive heat work for this set-up? I wasn’t sure if the water will freeze since there will be cold air below the tanks? Also do you cover your seedlings with anything when it gets really cold? (Below 20F)

[@GardenerScott]

Water will still work. It might have an increased chance of freezing but if it's sunny it will thaw quickly. I'm not growing seedlings in winter but hardy plants that can handle cold temps. If you haven't seen this video it shows how effective the water is at maintaining greenhouse temperature on cold nights: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHXOY514eqdra7s

[@willow-wf3jf]

thank you for this!

[@dreikas9016]

Have you considered adding supplemental heating and lighting? Or is that too costly and complicated? It would be amazing to have a lush garden in the middle of a snowy winter!

[@robklein583]

Read the comment I just posted about that.

[@GardenerScott]

I am considering it. Too costly and complicated to run electricity from my house so I'm planning on a solar system.

[@dustyflats3832]

So that is a dilemma to have to vent when it gets hot and that takes away heating the water. Is your temp monitor low, middle or high? Our experimental above ground root cellar has been maintaining 39-40*F. We had a record warm December in Z5a, WI. It’s was generally 40-50* most days it seemed and humidity inside is about 85%. We just recently cooled down to lower 30s and a dusting of snow today. Still considered above temps. We will be rebuilding and replacing polycarbonate on lean to GH. I’m considering using copper pipe around a small wood burner outside and using a small circulating pump run that tubing in a barrel of water with the barrel in full sun inside. As another backup plan run drain tubing underground with insulated sides and run a solar powered fan to get the hot air up top to sand bank below. Possibly running tubing inside a black background box with plexiglass on south side. We built one of those with aluminum cans years ago as an experiment and then you pop it under a window on the south side of house-it did work. I think the trick is to isolate the barrels to gain from that heat and not let the heat out through auto vents as I don’t see how the barrels would gain any heat. Probably better is to build a cold frame on south side to contain the barrels and would give you more room inside. Without any heat sink in the GH on cloudy days it stays close to outside temp. We’ve had many consecutive cloudy days and I think the wood burner idea just might work for us. I suppose it would be on the order of a rocket stove outside the GH. Just thoughts as we are experimenting also because I’m keeping all that seed starting mess outside as much as possible 😊. Last I looked the rosemary was still alive on south side of house-it’s been that warm. Fluctuating temps are hard on plants and nervous our plants were going to bud this last December it was so warm. Hope we don’t have advanced growth this spring and late frost to kill them. Crazy temps: Halloween 36*, Thanksgiving 41*, Christmas 52*, New Year’s Day 28*. We are getting colder and snow Way later into winter.

[@GardenerScott]

My monitor is in the middle. I think the table above the barrels help keep the heat from escaping and focuses it lower.

[@dustyflats3832]

@@GardenerScott good to know, thanks. My thoughts are the auto vents would prevent barrels from heating as we all know heat rises. If they were contained in their own section in full sun with a vent to release heat at night would be more beneficial. Was just wondering where you monitored from and if the barrels were able to collect maximum heat. I have only used ours to grow seedlings and have used an Eden Pure and tried small ceramic heater and both worked well in March, Z5a. Our electricity usage went up that month compared to prior year, but the 6 mos adjusted billing didn’t change because we must have used way less in the other 5 mos. It’s all a fun project especially when it works without electricity 👏🏼👏🏼.

[@kimconroy1601]

Is the water in the barrels frozen many have told me it does well until December but then freezes so no thermal mass heat from it.

[@GardenerScott]

The water is not frozen. The heat during the day is enough to keep them from freezing. That may not be as likely in areas without as much sun.

[@kimconroy1601]

@@GardenerScott thank you we are in the mountains so that could be why.

[@baneverything5580]

I see no reason why DC powered immersion water heaters couldn`t be directly connected to cheap used solar panels and suspended in barrels or tanks to store heat to warm greenhouses at night in cold climates.

[@rachelolson4922]

what did you do to stop the heat loss from the spaces in between the doors?

[@GardenerScott]

The doors have rubber strips to help seal gaps.

[@rachelolson4922]

Were they part of the kit or did you have to add them?

[@GardenerScott]

@@rachelolson4922 They were part of the kit around all the windows and doors.

[@rachelolson4922]

Thank you

[@alicias9928]

You need a frost free tap. :o) Additionally, they make special snow rakes for solar panels that are lightweight aluminum with foam covering the blade to avoid scratching, it will clear the snow off your greenhouse easier than a broom. The handle is usually telescoping so you can stand back and not get snow in your boots as it comes off. :o) My mom bought an unheated greenhouse and she is a mile above sea level in Idaho, so a similar climate to yours. We have been watching your greenhouse videos to figure out how to best use it. On what side of the greenhouse do you have your water? Is it on the north side so that the plants can get maximum sun, but the water still gets sun to heat up? I notice that there is some sort of insulation board in there. Is that to keep heat from escaping in the winter? Do you remove the insulation in the summer when you want heat to dissipate? Do you have a video showing how you decided to orient your greenhouse (N, S, E, W) and how you made those decisions? I assume that sun, the direction of breezes, etc played a role in your decisions? It seems like placement choices could play a significant role in success.

[@GardenerScott]

My water is on the north side in front of an insulated wall. It does help keep heat in and is permanently installed. I do have a video on making greenhouse decisions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qX-mhIulrsh5fa8

[@alicias9928]

@@GardenerScott Thanks! We somehow missed that video.

[@nicholasdemarest4254]

Add the infostructer to grow.

[@mtnlindama8146]

With the automated vent control, do you need to be concerned about them being exposed to very cold temperatures at night? We are in zone 4b so temps get down to -30 F. Will that cold ruin the functionality of an automated vent controller? 😊

[@GardenerScott]

The opener uses a wax actuator that is on the inside of the greenhouse when closed. If it's too cold the vent stays closed. I haven't seen any issues with it working once the inside temperature warms.

[@neverendingharvest6413]

a lot to look at here

[@robingirven4570]

I have electric in my greenhouse but I’m not paying for that in January. I’m just not.

[@robklein583]

Mine costs about $3 a day to heat in the winter but it's my mancave and I don't mind the cost for an hours worth of peace and quiet daily when I just sit in it and read a gardening book.😉

[@timtimini7641]

Greenhouses are interesting for science experiments, but strike me as artificially unnatural. Where in nature, does a tranquil, windless bubble happen? My holy connection with Nature seems a bit sacrilegious when I start buying plastic on plastic, or literally building a house to shield the plants from Nature. They are great for creating an artificial climate though.

[@Paula_T]

Um, inside your actual house?

[@petersoos498]

People seem to forget that with maybe a few exceptions NONE of the plants we grow will survive without our intervention. Go to an undeveloped area where humans haven't lived and throw out a mix of seeds before the rainy season. Come back in 3 years and what's growing is what may survive. If I wanted to extend my growing season to year round I'd have to weigh the cost of purchasing, maintaining and operating a greenhouse. My temps here in the upper desert region of S. California...8b varies from low teens in winter to 115* f in the summer. Irrigation is also a must or I have nothing. Science experiment vs necessity...depends on what a person can do to control their gardening experience. Happy Gardening to you and yours Paula.😊@@Paula_T

[@nihilozero]

I'm sorry, but while you may be in Colorado, in January, lets not ignore the elephant in the room -- which is the lack of snow on the ground (in January, in Colorado). Sorta makes the whole winter-growth greenhouse seem a bit less impressive. Alright... I'll unpause the video now, but c'mon!

[@GardenerScott]

December and January are typically not our snowiest months. However, this year we've actually add seven inches more than normal.

[@coffeefish]

As long as I can remember,,,there were always winters that were snow-less at the beginning.

[@nihilozero]

@@GardenerScott Fair enough. Usually by this time of year we have a lot of snow on the ground by January but it has been a drought. I assumed the same thing was happening where you are.