Ethan Clarke
Heating a plastic greenhouse can be challenging due to the material's low heat retention and the risk of melting or igniting with certain heaters. However, there are several methods to effectively heat a plastic greenhouse. The size of the greenhouse and the desired temperature range, typically between 65°F and 80°F, will determine the most suitable heating method. Passive solar heating, where sunlight passes through transparent panels, is a common method, and insulation with materials like bubble wrap can help retain heat. Other methods include using heaters powered by electricity, natural gas, or geothermal energy, while compost piles and water-filled containers can provide additional heat storage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Insulation | Bubble wrap, rigid foam, batten insulation, or horticultural fleece |
| Heater type | Natural gas, electricity, kerosene, forced air, oil-filled radiant heaters, infrared heaters, or solar panels |
| Heater placement | Suspended near the ceiling |
| Ventilation | Vented near the ceiling |
| Thermal mass | Water, soil, clay, stone, bricks, ceramics, compost, or black plastic jugs |
| Geothermal heating | Tubes buried 6-12 feet below ground, filled with air or fluid |
| Anchoring | Rope, paving stones |
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Insulation and lining
Insulation is a great way to conserve heat without using fuel. Insulation passively heats a greenhouse by minimising heat loss rather than adding more heat. While you can insulate the entire greenhouse structure, you can also focus on insulating the soil or individual plants. As long as the plants are at the right temperature, you can avoid insulating or heating the rest of the greenhouse.
Bubble wrap is a popular choice for insulating greenhouses. The large bubbles of air preserve indoor heat while letting sunlight through. To install bubble wrap insulation, add a layer of bubble wrap inside the plastic of your greenhouse.
Another way to insulate your greenhouse is to increase its thermal mass. Materials with high thermal mass catch and store heat energy from the sun during the day and slowly release it at night. Water, soil, clay, bricks, and ceramics are some materials with high thermal mass that can be easily integrated into your greenhouse. Place barrels or tanks of water, preferably black ones for maximum heat absorption, in the corners and along the north wall of the greenhouse. You can also store extra bags of soil inside your greenhouse.
Making compost can also help to insulate and heat your greenhouse. Decaying organic material releases heat as it breaks down. Dig a trench and make a compost pile, or create a hotbed by filling a raised garden bed with composting materials topped with soil.
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Geothermal heating
There are three categories of geothermal heat: low, medium, and high temperature. Low-temperature heat, typically found about 10 to 12 feet underground, averages around 50°F (10°C) with some variation depending on soil characteristics and environmental conditions. This option is the most feasible in most regions and is commonly used for the greenhouse production of perennials, herbs, nursery stock, and some vegetables. Medium-temperature heat, ranging from 140°F to 300°F (60°C to 149°C), is sourced from thermal wells and springs in certain parts of the world. High-temperature heat, exceeding 300°F (149°C), is derived from geysers and is not typically available for greenhouse heating.
To capture geothermal heat, tubing or earth tubes are buried 6 to 12 feet underground in a loop system. These tubes collect the warm, humid air from the greenhouse during the day and direct it into the soil, where the temperature drop causes the air to condense and release energy in the form of heat. This heat is then stored in the soil. At night, when temperatures drop, the warm air is drawn up from the soil, heating the interior of the greenhouse. This system helps maintain a consistent temperature and can also be used for cooling during the summer months.
Before installing a geothermal heating system, it is important to consider energy conservation measures such as reducing air infiltration, installing energy curtains, insulating sidewalls, and optimising growing space. These measures can reduce heat loss and downsize the required geothermal heating system. Additionally, calculating the estimated payback period and considering the potential savings in fossil fuel costs are crucial steps in the decision-making process.
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Solar heating
Solar panels convert solar energy into electricity, which is stored in photovoltaic cells. This electricity is then directed to an inverter, which transforms it into alternating current (AC) that can power heaters and fans. The number of panels required depends on energy usage and the size of the greenhouse. A small greenhouse may only need a single 400W solar panel, while a larger one might need several.
There are two types of solar greenhouse systems: active and passive. Active solar systems use external devices like fans, heaters, and water pumps to collect and convert solar energy. PV collectors serve as sunlight collectors, using liquid and air to collect and convert energy. Passive solar systems, on the other hand, rely on the greenhouse's structure and design to store and use solar energy. They do not require additional equipment but depend on the greenhouse's orientation and design to maximize solar exposure.
To optimize solar heating, orient the longest side of your greenhouse as much due south as possible to maximize the surface area absorbing sunlight. The peak of the greenhouse should ideally run along an east-west axis to maximize solar collection between 10 am and 2 pm, which is when solar radiation is most intense. Increasing the thermal mass inside the greenhouse, such as using black plastic containers filled with water, can also enhance heat retention.
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Composting
First, decide on the location of your compost pile. It is recommended to build your compost enclosure on the north side of your greenhouse to help block the cold winter winds. If you choose to keep your compost pile outside the greenhouse, you can still capture the heat by using pipes or a heat exchange coil to transfer the heat inside. Alternatively, consider trench composting, which involves digging compost trenches in the floor of the greenhouse, creating rows of compost. This method allows you to stagger compost row timings and maintain consistent heat throughout the winter.
Next, you'll need to gather the materials for your compost pile. Hot composting is the most effective method for generating heat. This involves mixing waste materials to create a ratio of two parts carbon to one part nitrogen. Carbon materials, also known as brown materials, include paper bags, unpainted cardboard, dried leaves, and wood chips. Nitrogen-rich materials, or green materials, include food waste, grass cuttings, and fresh leaves. Don't forget to add livestock or animal manure to the mix, as it can further increase the heat and provide additional nutrients.
When building your compost pile, aim for a size of 1 cubic yard of compost for every 23 square feet of greenhouse space. This ratio will help optimize the heat generated and ensure a cozy internal temperature boost. Remember to water your compost pile regularly and turn it frequently to maintain airflow and accelerate decomposition.
Monitor the temperature of your compost pile with a thermometer. Within 24-48 hours of wetting the pile, the temperature at its centre should reach 141 to 155 degrees Fahrenheit. As the compost breaks down, it will release heat, providing a natural and sustainable way to warm your plastic greenhouse.
Keep in mind that proper ventilation is crucial in a greenhouse environment. Ensure that your greenhouse is well-ventilated to maintain optimal air quality and prevent excessive moisture buildup, which can damage sensitive plants. Additionally, be mindful of pest management, as compost piles can attract insects and other pests.
By following these steps, you can effectively use composting as a heat source for your plastic greenhouse, creating a symbiotic relationship between your compost and the plants thriving in the warm environment you've created.
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Electric heaters
There are several types of electric heaters available for greenhouses. One option is a forced-air heater, which heats up electric coils and then blows the heated air throughout the greenhouse. These heaters can be powered by solar panels or household electricity. They are affordable and inexpensive to operate, depending on the climate, but may be best suited for smaller greenhouses. Ceiling-mounted forced-air heaters, for example, can heat up to 1,000 square feet while saving space.
Another option is an oil-filled radiant heater. These heaters are powered by electricity, which heats the oil in the unit, and then the heat is transferred to the air. They produce a steady flow of heat that can be manually regulated, and they are often used in conjunction with other types of heaters. Oil-filled heaters are typically more economical than forced-air heaters and are ideal for greenhouses in regions that don't experience extremely cold temperatures. They also have the added benefit of not drying out the air or negatively impacting humidity, which is important for maintaining a controlled environment.
Infrared heaters are another electric option. These heaters transfer heat to objects in the greenhouse, such as plants and benches, through radiant energy in a similar way to sunlight. They distribute heat evenly without creating drafts, but the surrounding air may still feel cold. Infrared heaters are particularly suitable for small greenhouses with low-growing or bedding plants.
When using electric heaters, it is important to consider the power supply for the greenhouse. Solar heating, for example, uses solar panels to collect the sun's energy, convert it to electricity, and store it in batteries to power the heaters. This can be a cost-effective solution, especially when combined with other insulation methods such as bubble wrap or black paint, which help to optimise the warmth inside the greenhouse.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to heat a plastic greenhouse depends on its size and your budget. The easiest way to heat a greenhouse artificially is with portable forced-air or oil-filled radiant heaters, using household electricity. You can also use natural gas, kerosene, or electricity to heat your greenhouse.
Smaller greenhouses can be heated with a space heater and a thermostat. You can also add a layer of bubble wrap inside the plastic to help insulate the greenhouse.
Thermal mass is the ability of a material to catch, store, and release heat energy, such as the heat from the sun. Materials with high thermal mass include water, soil, clay, stone, bricks, and ceramics. These materials can be placed in your greenhouse to trap the sun's heat during the day and release it at night.
You can heat a plastic greenhouse without electricity by building a compost pile inside. The decaying organic material will release heat as it breaks down.
