Insulate greenhouses

With energy prices set to rise again in October, a heated greenhouse is a luxury that few can afford. While thermostatically controlled electric heaters are the most efficient way of warming a greenhouse, most gardeners will be reluctant to power heaters up this winter.

Paraffin heaters are still widely available and will keep a 1.8x2.5m greenhouse frostfree. However, a four-litre tub of paraffin was £11.89 at B&Q as this issue of GN went to press!

Insulation holds the key to slashing fuel usage, so fix thick bubble wrap to the inside of greenhouse walls and roofs. Burning paraffin creates moisture, so allow a little ventilation.

Alternatively, overwinter tender plants in frost-free conservatories or porches.

Bubble wrap will be the gardener’s friend this winter!

Fuel for paraffin heaters in still quite expensive

Heating greenhouses is becoming too costly