Yes, you can make an overnight greenhouse on your porch to protect your plants from the cold. You can use a large plastic sheet or tarp to cover your plants and create a tent-like structure. This will trap the heat and moisture inside and prevent frost damage.
Some larger or hardier plants can withstand lower temperatures with the right covering or protection. Bring these potted plants onto a covered patio, or place them in an unheated garage to protect them from frost and long-lasting freezing temperatures in winter.
Vinyl tarps are a lightweight DIY solution that usually include grommets around the edge, so you can easily hang them with zip ties and a simple frame. If you're looking for a more durable enclosure, clear vinyl panels are also available to create a temporary sunroom for your deck.
But there is so much more to do on a screened porch, regardless of the season. For instance, it can let plants thrive without damage from pests and is a great way to decorate and bring new life to this underutilized area of a home.
What are the steps to turn a porch into a greenhouse? Add wood flooring. Insulate it. Add a heater in the winter. Using permaculture design techniques, create a year-round microclimate that protects plants from scorching summers and freezing winters.
The best greenhouse for most of us is likely a porch. Or maybe it's a garage or a windowsill or a simple cold frame.
In the long term, wood is more mould-prone unless it is rot-resistant or pressure-treated. If you build it on a deck, insulation might be an issue if you plan to use your greenhouse during the wintertime because a deck doesn't provide insulation from below.
Using an Unheated Greenhouse in Winter
During the day, a typical greenhouse will trap heat from the sun, which allows the plants inside to stay warm at night. However, when winter nights get really cold, frost damage in the greenhouse can occur without added protection.
Good vine-like or cascading succulents for shade include wax plant, burrow tail, mistletoe cactus, string of pearls, string of hearts and rosary vine, Christmas cactus, Easter cactus and night blooming cereus.
Fancier types of enclosures — ones that make the porch usable year-round — can run much higher though: from $8,000 to $45,000, with the national average being $13,200 (about $70 per square foot). Your choices in materials, styles and size will also impact the final price tag for the project.
By sealing gaps, insulating walls, floors, and ceilings, and choosing the right heating system, you can create a cozy space that can be enjoyed year-round. Remember to consider additional measures such as thermal curtains and draft stoppers to further enhance the insulation.
Reasons to Install an Enclosed Front Porch
To extend your outdoor living space, while being protected from the elements and pesky insects. Add square footage to your home, without the high cost of a traditional home addition. Enhance curb appeal, which in turn adds to the value of your home.
If you're feeling a bit disappointed at this information, and were hoping you could keep your greenhouse a little warmer, don't forget about these awesome greenhouse benefits: it provides protection against harsh wind and protection from frost.
#1 - Clear Porch Tarps
They will easily block out snow, rain, wind, pollen, and dust from entering the porch area. Our clients commonly use these for climate control on outdoor structures like patios, bars, pergolas, outdoor spas, and gazebos.
The general rule of thumb is that most plants freeze when temperatures remain at 28°F for five hours. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. Seedlings, with their tender new leaves, often give up the ghost when temperatures dip to 32-33°F. Tropical plants have differing low-temperature thresholds.
Some perennial flowers will thrive in areas with low sunlight and come back every year. Astilbes are some of the easiest perennials to grow and will open their plume-like flowers in partial shade. They'll even grow in full shade, although you won't get as many flowers. Hostas are also a good choice for shady spots.
As a bare minimum, you can keep your heated greenhouse frost free at 3C (37F), but tender plants like pelargoniums, half hardy fuchsias and citrus trees are happier with a minimum temperature of 7C (45F), and safest at 10C (50F).
Kale and Swiss chard can also grow quite vigorously in these conditions. Spinach, arugula and cabbage are other options for tough plants that can survive a Utah winter. Likewise, collard and mustard greens grow well in an unheated greenhouse.
One of the best ways to heat up a greenhouse is to create a 'hot bed' or a composting pile that you can fill up with wood chips (very important), mulch, manure, vegetable scraps, hay, vines etc.. if you layered them up nicely and turn them every now and then, it can generate up to a 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
It's not a good idea to place a greenhouse underneath any tall trees as they greatly reduce the amount of sunlight that reaches your plants.
Lifespan and Maintenance Requirements
Glass greenhouses have a longer lifespan, but the glass is prone to scratching and damage, leading to higher maintenance costs. The lifespan of polycarbonate greenhouses varies depending on the specific product, typically ranging from 3-5 years to 10 years.
Concrete is a popular choice for greenhouse flooring because it is durable and easy to clean. It can be customized to fit any size or shape of greenhouse.