How to keep your greenhouse warm in winter

Bubble wrap is a great way to keep the temperature in your greenhouse consistent, while still letting in plenty of light. Buy rolls of bubble insulation wrap online or from your local garden centre – the bigger the bubbles, the better the insulation.

Cut it to size and pin to the inside of your greenhouse’s wooden frame. Remember to use clear weather-proofing tape between layers, and around vents, doors and windows to prevent draughts.

You can also use bubble wrap to divide your greenhouse into smaller areas. These will then be more likely to stay warm without heating. Simply fix to the roof and sides, then use some heavy pots or planks to anchor it to the floor.

Hotbeds (a raised bed, filled with layers of decomposing straw and manure, topped with soil or peat-free compost) provide gentle heat to plants and seeds as the compostable material breaks down. We suggest a 3:1 ratio of heat-producing material to plants to maintain an ideal temperature.

Mulch is another natural option to protect plants during winter – lay over the soil to keep roots at the optimum temperature.

Use a thermostat to keep your greenhouse at the right temperature – we recommend a minimum of 4°C or 5°C at night to protect from snap frosts. Thermostatically-controlled heaters (preferably electric for safety) are great at keeping costs down, as they only run when needed.

Don’t forget to open the vents periodically to prevent your greenhouse from becoming too humid, as your plants will continue to release oxygen and moisture into the air.

Enjoy your terrace all year round with a wood-burning stove, fire pit or chiminea. Underfloor heating is a great option for enclosed terraces. The initial installation cost can be quite high, but it’s cheaper than using radiators or space heaters in the long run.