Hi everyone,
I’m really grateful that this subreddit exists! After growing my gardening confidence this season I’m venturing into a greenhouse adventure for the colder months with the arrival of a 6x8ft greenhouse this week. Before installing and setting it up, I’m wondering if anyone has any tips or guidance they’d be willing to share? I find that the general info online and in books can be very confusing as so much of it isn’t specific enough to each zone.
I’m gardening in Canada in zone 7a. The greenhouse ([this model](https://www.canada-greenhouse-kits.ca/products/palram-harmony-6-ft-x-8-ft-greenhouse-clear-panels-grey-frame?_pos=3&_sid=6485b8118&_ss=r)) will be in full sun with a wooden fence on one side. Ideally we’d love to keep the greenhouse unheated, but I’m not sure if that’s unrealistic? I love growing flowers and some veggies. Just wondering if anyone has tried and true trips for what’s grown well in their greenhouse in a similar zone and if there is anything to keep in mind as I complete the initial setup.
I’d love to overwinter and protect plants like my potted bougainvillea, clematis, and geraniums… as well as overwintering my potted gladioli, canna lilies and dahlias (with bulbs left tucked away in the soil in their pots) but not sure if that’s wise? The thought of possibly growing flowers inside the greenhouse in winter also sounds wonderful but perhaps impossible? I’ve read conflicting info about whether or not things like geraniums and calendula will grow/continue to flower in an unheated greenhouse.
Thanks in advance for any help and wisdom anyone can offer!
by shreekyporridge
3 Comments
I’m in zone 7A (tennessee,usa) as well. Last year I used a temporary greenhouse with single layer PE plastic and I insulated it with bubble wrap. I used an oil heater and small fan for the coldest months because I wanted to keep it above 40 for my citrus trees. I used govee wifi thermometers to monitor the temperature from my phone. It worked for what I needed, but this year I’m upgrading to a greenhouse similar to the one you have.
I’m not sure what brand you have, but for mine people have recommended reinforcing it with wood or electrical conduit so it can withstand high wind and I’m putting it on an 18″ foundation to add height.
I don’t think you’ll be able to keep those plants alive in it unheated. Since the walls aren’t insulated, it won’t keep the plants much warmer than the ambient temp.
I’m in the UK and overwinter lillies, citrus etc in my unheated greenhouse but I don’t think you will have any flowering over winter. All plants tend to go dormant during the winter months so a greenhouse (for me at least, and prob the same for you in Canada) would be a good place to ensure tender plants get housed somewhere frost-free.
I have some more tips on greenhouse growing [here](https://allhomesteading.co.uk/category/gardening/)