Greenhouse Winter Gardening Tips From Our Alaskan Customers

Ever wondered if your greenhouse dreams can survive an Alaskan winter? Spoiler alert: they absolutely can! 

From clever insulation tricks to cold-hardy crops, let's explore how northern gardeners keep their greenhouses productive during those long, dark winters.

Ready to transform your greenhouse into a winter wonderland of growth? Let's dive into some battle-tested strategies!

1. Embrace Your Greenhouse's Natural Strengths

First off, let's talk about snow loads - a major concern for Alaskan gardeners. When one worried gardener asked about adding tarps for protection, a seasoned Sungrow owner had reassuring news:

"Believe me, you don't need it if you have a Sungrow. Mine held up easily to three to four feet of snow on the ground for most of the winter. Slid right off and acted as additional insulation!"

Now that's what we call working with nature, not against it!

2. Use Insulation for Your Greenhouse

Want to know what seasoned northern gardeners are doing in regards to insulation? 

One innovative grower shared their multi-layer approach:

"Almost ready for winter, the east and north sides have the first insulation layer on (bubble wrap is next on every side). 

The compost heap in the northeast corner is already heating up, with about R8 insulation and a small space heater. 

Just the ambient retained sun heat and the compost; it was 40°F last night but 50°F at 6 am in there!"

Smart tip: Think of insulating your greenhouse like layering up for a winter hike - multiple thin layers often work better than one thick one!

 

3. Make Strategic Design Modifications

Sometimes, small tweaks can make a big difference. Check out this clever adaptation of our Sungrow:

"Going to remove that piece at the bottom of the door on one end and weatherstrip it. Getting tired of tripping. 

I sank about 8" into the ground, so you step into the greenhouse. The back door and that whole end—that's the north side—get completely sealed for winter.

4. Cost-Effective Heating Methods for an Alaskan Greenhouse

Here's the cold truth about heating in extreme climates - sometimes less is more. One savvy gardener shares their experience:

"I tried heating my Sungrow Urban with an electric heater last winter just to see how it would do. 

As soon as the outside temperature dropped below about 20°F, the heater couldn't keep up, and the electric bill rose rapidly. Just not worth it to me to struggle against Mother Nature."

Alternative heating solutions? One gardener suggests:

"Buy an old wood stove and install it using one of the many safe options. It's all labor after that if you have a nearby woodlot or crown land."

5. Use Cold-Hardy Vegetables

Who says winter means the end of fresh vegetables? Try this smart approach:

"Grow cold-hardy veggies like carrots or celery, started in August. Then leave the plants intact in the unheated greenhouse over winter, covered with frost blankets, and harvest as necessary throughout the winter."

Think of these cold-hardy vegetables as your winter warriors - they've evolved to handle freezing temperatures and can even become sweeter after a frost. 

By starting them in late summer, you give them time to establish strong root systems before winter sets in. 

6. Use Passive Solar Power

For those serious about year-round growing in Alaska, consider this fundamental advice:

"Building passive solar with insulated walls is the only way in zones like that."

Think of it as giving your greenhouse a cozy sweater while letting it soak up every bit of precious winter sunlight!

Dark-colored containers or surfaces on the north wall can also help absorb and retain more heat, turning your greenhouse into a solar-powered haven for your winter crops. 

Make Your Greenhouse Winter-Ready

Whether you're planning to grow through winter or preparing for an early spring start, here's your action checklist:

  • Assess your insulation needs
  • Plan your heating strategy (if any)
  • Choose appropriate cold-hardy crops
  • Consider passive solar modifications
  • Prepare frost protection measures
  • Set realistic expectations

Remember, gardening in Alaska isn't about fighting winter - it's about working smart and adapting to your unique conditions.

Start Your Winter Greenhouse Adventure

Whether growing through the cold months or preparing for an explosive spring start, your Planta Greenhouse is up for the challenge. 

After all, if it can handle Alaskan winters, imagine what it can do in spring!

Got your own Arctic growing tips? Share them with our community! And if you're just starting your greenhouse journey, explore our range of weather-tested greenhouses and be successful in Alaska!

Why Planta Greenhouses?

Back to Learn