What Temperature Should a Greenhouse be at Night & 7 Tips to Maintain it
Determining the appropriate night temperature for a greenhouse requires consideration of various factors such as regional climate and the particular plants being cultivated.
This guide aims to assist you in identifying the optimal range for your greenhouse's nighttime temperature and offers suggestions for achieving and sustaining it.
Understand the Ideal Temperature Range for Your Plants
What temperature should a greenhouse be at night? Different plants have different temperature requirements. Generally, most plants prefer a nighttime temperature of 55-65°F (12-18°C). However, some tropical plants may require higher temperatures. If you know your plant's ideal temperature range, just work on achieving and maintaining it.
The ideal temperature for a greenhouse at night depends on various factors, such as the plant type, the greenhouse location, and the outside temperature. But in cold regions, heating the greenhouse is necessary although it is costly.
How Is Cold Too Cold for a Greenhouse?
The ideal temperature for greenhouse at night depends on the plants being grown and their specific needs. The temperature 55-65°F (12-18°C) at night for most plants prefer, but some may like slightly higher or lower temperatures.
At night, the temperature should not drop less than 45 °F . This ensures that the plants are protected from the cold and can thrive. Keep the temperature above the base temperature, the minimum temperature at which plants can develop.
Plants may not grow leaves or flower properly if the temperature drops below this threshold. Therefore, keeping the greenhouse temperature at a minimum of the base temperature or slightly higher during the night is recommended.
Tips on Achieving and Maintaining Greenhouse Temperature at Night
Insulate Your Greenhouse
Cover the greenhouse's walls and roof with insulation material and seal any gaps or cracks to prevent heat from escaping. You can use several types of insulation materials, including bubble wrap, polycarbonate sheets, and fiberglass. This will help maintain the perfect temperature at night and save you money on heating costs.
Shade Cloth
Consider using shade cloth during certain times of the year to regulate the temperature and prevent overheating. During summer shade cloth can help regulate the temperature and to avoid overheating. The temperature can drop slightly at night but still need to keep it above 50°F to prevent plant damage.
Traditional black polypropylene shade cloth can regulate the temperature, reducing the inside temperature by 12 to 15 degrees.
Use a Heating System
A heating system can maintain the perfect temperature in your greenhouse at night perfectly Here below are their Pros and Cons for several heating systems:
Heating System | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
Natural gas | Cheapest option | Requires installation of gas lines which increases upfront costs |
Propane | Good for rural areas, cost-effective | Prices can fluctuate, need to keep a full backup bottle on hand |
Electric heaters | Effective, consistent, easy to install | Costs more in electricity, limits heat distribution, needs to be the proper size to avoid potential overheating |
Wood-burning stoves | Cheapest option | Requires more maintenance, can be more challenging to regulate temperature |
Choose the best heating system for your budget and needs, and monitor the temperature regularly to ensure within the optimal range for your plants.
Install a Thermostat
You can set a temperature range, and the thermostat automatically turns on or off your heating system. This helps keep the temperature low, saves energy, and reduces heating costs. Choose a thermostat compatible with your heating system and a reliable temperature sensor.
Tips: Keep your greenhouse's thermostat away from direct sunlight and drafts to ensure accurate readings.
Monitor and Adjust Temperature Regularly
Check the temperature at different points in your greenhouse, especially near the plants.
- If the temperature is too low, adjust your heating system or add insulation to your greenhouse.
- If the temperature is too high, open vents or doors for ventilation.
Tips: consider external factors such as weather changes and the time of day when monitoring and adjusting the temperature.
Ventilating Your Greenhouse
Consider installing automatic shutter ventilation and fans to regulate humidity and temperature levels to ensure proper ventilation.
To regulate the temperature, some greenhouse owners use top shutters and side ventilation powered by solar energy, and it's always a good idea to have a backup battery on cloudy days.
During the winter, reduce ventilation to one-quarter of what is used in the summer to keep the greenhouse warm and protect plants from the cold - a simple solution is to turn off side ventilation.
Wrap Up
In this post, you know what temperature should a greenhouse be at night now. And keeping the greenhouse at a right temperature is crucial for the health and growth of your plants.
By following these seven tips, you can create the perfect environment for your plants to flourish, even at night.
FAQ
1. How can I ensure my plants get the ideal temperature range at night?
Know your plant's ideal temperature range and work on achieving and maintaining it, considering various factors such as plant type and greenhouse conditions.
2. Is 50 degrees too cold for a greenhouse at night?
Whether fifty degrees is too cold for a greenhouse at night depends on the plants. Most plants prefer temperatures between 55-65°F (12-18°C).
3. Does a greenhouse stay warm at night?
Yes, a greenhouse can stay warm at night. The heat absorbed during the day is slowly released at night, maintaining a warmer temperature than the outside.