Heating Your Greenhouse: The Safe Way

When it comes to heating your greenhouse, there are a few different safety considerations you should keep in mind to avoid damage to your property and physical health.

The first is whether it is safe to put a heater in a greenhouse at all – depending on the type of heater, it may not be safe for use in an enclosed space. You also need to think about the safety of your plants – some varieties may be sensitive to heat, while others can tolerate a little more warmth.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of heaters available and look at their safety features. We’ll also discuss where you should place the heater in your greenhouse and give some general tips on staying safe around electricity and gas.

Let’s dive right in!

Is It Safe to Put a Heater in a Greenhouse?

When it comes to choosing a safe heater for your greenhouse, there are two main types of heaters to consider – propane and electric.

Electric heaters are generally considered the safer option, as they produce less carbon monoxide than their propane counterparts. 

However, they still need to be used with caution – always make sure the area around the heater is well-ventilated to prevent carbon monoxide build-up and keep an eye on the level of propane in the tank. Electric heaters are less likely to cause fires, but they can be a shock hazard if they come into contact with water. 

And if you’re using a propane heater, be extra careful to monitor the level of propane in the tank. If it starts to run low, turn off the heater and open the greenhouse doors to let fresh air in. 

So with this in mind, is it safe to put a heater in a greenhouse at all? The answer is yes provided you follow the safety guidelines.

Let’s talk more about the types of heaters in greater detail.

Overheating your Greenhouse

We’ve touched on the safety concerns for humans, but what about your plants? Many people who try putting a space heater in their greenhouse end up cooking & killing their plants.

iI is important to choose one that is specifically designed for greenhouse use and follow all safety precautions. Make sure the heater has a built-in thermostat to regulate the temperature.

Start at a low temperature on the thermostat of your heater. Put a space thermometer in various spots in your greenhouse and monitor the ambient temperature of your greenhouse. If you have a large greenhouse, you may need to buy multiple heaters and set them at a low temperature, rather than cranking one heater up to try to heat the entire space.

Propane vs Electric Heaters

Now let’s take a more detailed look at the two main types of heaters – propane and electric.

Electric heaters are usually considered the safer option, as they produce less carbon monoxide than propane heaters. However, you need to be careful when using electric heaters, as they can still pose a fire risk. Make sure the area around the heater is well-ventilated and keep an eye on the level of propane in the tank.

Electric heaters don’t produce carbon monoxide, but can be a fire hazard if tipped over or placed too close to flammable material. They also pose a shock hazard if they come into contact with water.

Again, when choosing a heater for your greenhouse, it’s important to consider the safety of both your plants and yourself. If you’re not sure which type of heater is best for you, always err on the side of caution and consult a professional. There are also less popular types of heaters available, such as infrared heaters, which may be more suitable for your needs. Another type is the oil-filled radiator, which is a safe option for both humans and plants.

Safety for Humans vs Safety for Your Plants

When it comes to safety, you also need to think about your plants. Some varieties are sensitive to heat, so if you’re using a propane or electric heater, make sure they’re not placed too close to the plants.

You also need to be careful of using water around heaters – if an electric heater comes into contact with water, it could give you a nasty shock. So, it’s best to keep them away from any watering areas.

Where Should a Heater Be Placed in the Greenhouse?

When placing your heater in the greenhouse, there are a few things to consider.

First, think about the size of the greenhouse – you’ll need a bigger heater for a larger space. Second, consider the type of plants you’re growing and their temperature needs. And finally, take into account the ventilation in the greenhouse.

It’s important to get the placement right, as an incorrectly placed heater can be a fire hazard. For example, if you’re using a propane heater, make sure it’s not too close to any flammable materials like burlap or wooden pots.

As a general rule of thumb, the heater should be placed in the middle of the greenhouse so that the heat is evenly distributed. But again, it’s important to consider the specific needs of your plants.

General Practices Around Safety With Electricity & Gas

When using any type of heater, it’s important to follow some basic safety precautions.

First, always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using the heater. Second, make sure the area around the heater is well-ventilated. Third, keep flammable materials away from the heater. And fourth, be careful of using water around heaters – if an electric heater comes into contact with water, it could give you a nasty shock.

When it comes to greenhouse heaters, there are a few general practices you should follow for the sake of safety. 

1. Consider the type of greenhouse you have. If it’s portable, make sure it’s properly ventilated. If it’s DIY, you may need a permit. 
2. Read the manufacturer’s instructions before using the heater.
3. Keep all flammable materials away from the heater. 
4. Be cautious of bringing water near heaters in order to prevent dangerous shocks.
5. Think about the gas effects on plants. Ventilation is key to preventing problems.
6. Be aware of the risks associated with electricity and gas. If you’re not comfortable working with either one, hire a professional to help you out.

So, there you have it – a few things to consider when heating your greenhouse. By following these simple guidelines, you can keep your greenhouse safe and healthy for all your plant friends.

Does Your Greenhouse Really Need a Heater?

Whether or not you really need a heater inside of your greenhouse depends on several factors. If you live in colder climates, living below zone 6 or in parts of zone 7, then a heater is absolutely necessary if you want to grow healthy plants and seedlings. In these climates, the weather gets very cold and will often fluctuate drastically during changing seasons. 

As a result, it can be difficult for young seedlings to get the warmth and sunlight they need to thrive. Likewise, fully grown plants can easily become damaged by sudden temperature drops as well as frosty conditions.

Of course, there are also times when you might actually need to turn off your greenhouse heater or just never needed one in the first place. For example, if your plants are living in relatively mild temperatures and their growth seems to be moving along at a normal pace, it’s possible that you don’t actually need to run your heater all the time. 

Additionally, some people believe that an underheated greenhouse will actually help plants to develop stronger root systems, thereby giving them better protection against fluctuations in temperature down the line. Whatever your reasons for using or not using a greenhouse heater may be, it’s important to consider all aspects of your climate before making any decisions about this important gardening tool.

Heating a Greenhouse Without a Heater

Farmers and gardners have been utilizing greenhouses for centuries, long before electric or propane heaters even existed. Here are a few ways people have traditionally heated greenhouses before the higher energy input methods existed:

1. Passive Solar Heating:

You can use the sun’s natural heat to warm up your greenhouse by designing it with large, south-facing windows or using a greenhouse covering that allows sunlight to pass through. This method is especially effective if you have a well-insulated greenhouse with thermal mass materials like concrete, brick or water barrels that absorb the heat during the day and release it at night.

2. Insulation

Insulating your greenhouse can help retain heat and prevent it from escaping. You can use materials like bubble wrap, polythene sheets or horticultural fleece to insulate the greenhouse. It’s also important to seal any gaps or cracks to prevent drafts.

3. Compost

You can create a compost heap inside your greenhouse to generate heat. As the organic matter decomposes, it produces heat which can help warm up the greenhouse.

4. Biomass Heating

You can use a biomass heating system like a wood stove or pellet stove to heat your greenhouse. These systems are more sustainable and environmentally friendly than traditional space heaters.

Conclusion

Heating your greenhouse the safe way is essential. Your plants, as well as yourself, can be put at risk if the proper safety measures are not taken. Be sure to follow all the tips we provided. In summary, choose the right type of heater for your greenhouse, place it in the middle of the space, and follow all general safety practices with electricity and gas.

If you have any questions, be sure to consult a professional or reach out to us for help. Thanks for reading and stay safe out there!