With the advancement in technology, farming has been embraced with an open mind. Every day, more and more people are getting into farming and gardening.
Greenhouses are especially popular because they help extend the growing season. But they’re not without their challenges. Like how do you heat it?
Let’s talk about how to heat a greenhouse without electricity.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
Why does the greenhouse have to be heated?
This is to create an ideal environment for the growth of the plants. Most plants don’t thrive well under cold or freezing temperatures.
Temperature also affects humidity. The warmer the air, the more water it can hold. Because most plants need high humidity, it’s important to keep the greenhouse warm. But how?
Making compost in the greenhouse
We all know how beneficial natural manure is. Most people don’t use chemical fertilizers for reasons we all know. Natural fertilizers like compost are helpful, but how does that relate to warming a greenhouse?
Let’s go back to the basics of how compost is made. You must build an airtight silo and leave it to decompose. Decomposition is what generates heat.
A compost pit with enough oxygen should hit 100 degrees.
It’ll help warm the greenhouse, and it’s consistent.
Making compost will help keep the greenhouse warm even during the winter.
Use thermal mass objects
What are thermal mass objects? They absorb heat when it’s warm or hot and release it when it’s cold. Especially in cold environments, thermal mass objects are essential.
You can use rocks, clay, and bricks as thermal masses. Most people use rocks.
Insulate the greenhouse
Depending on the location, in most cases, the northern wall of the greenhouse never gets exposed to direct sunlight. It’s recommended that the north wall be insulated to keep the heat in.
If possible, a thermal mass insulator should be used, such as bricks or clay.
Place water barrels in the greenhouse
You will find large water barrels inside the greenhouse. What purpose does that serve?
In most cases, barrels are painted black. There is a reason for this. Black is very effective at absorbing heat.
The water heats up slowly and loses heat gradually as well. During the day, water heats up to help keep the greenhouse warm at night when the temperatures fall.
Water also helps reflect light and heat, ensuring uniform heat distribution in the greenhouse.
Solar heater
This will cost you, but worth every single dollar spent. Solar energy is free; you can purchase a solar heater that will absorb heat during the day and emit it at night when turned on.
