Unheated Greenhouses

Unheated greenhouses will allow you to plant various fruit and vegetables throughout the year.  The summer months will be plentiful, winter months will be slightly more restricted than in a heated greenhouse, but still offers you the chance to grow your own. 

During the winter months you must know the boundaries that growing in unheated greenhouse will give you and use them to your advantage to ensure that you get the best products.  

The main restriction an unheated greenhouse will give you is when think of which crops to grow you will need to think of those that only need a modest protection from the winter frost. The biggest positive an unheated greenhouse will give you is being ahead of the garden growers, the average time frame is approximately 3 weeks ahead of those planted outside in a garden.

Ventilation and Insulation are the key words to any greenhouse own in the winter months.  Good ventilation is required all year round but is essential in winter, the air must be able to circulate at all time, obviously if the weather is extremely bitter exercise some common sense and cut the ventilation.  Seedlings will not grow well against an ice cold wind!  The cheapest, and in my opinion, the best form of insulation is bubble wrap.  Bubble wrap is extremely effective at keeping the frost at bay.

During the summer months you need to ensure your greenhouse is well ventilated.  You will need to ensure that you properly water your plants and try to ensure they are kept out of direct sun.

What can be grown in an unheated greenhouse?

A remarkable amount for fruit and vegetable can be grown in unheated greenhouses.  Success is dependant on choosing the right variety, your local garden centre will always be able to offer hint and tips on what suits your greenhouse best. 

The key to successful growing is the right variety and planting at the correct time of year; a member of staff at your local garden centre will always be willing to help you choose the correct plant for you growing conditions and time of year. 

Below is a small selection of what can be grown in unheated greenhouses:
Apples
Peaches
Cherries
Pears
Strawberries
Lettuce (generally all year round)
Plums
Tomatoes (ideally best to leave planting until mid May)