When the frosts arrive and the garden begins to rest, your Alitex greenhouse truly comes into its own. Winter is far from a dormant season for passionate growers. With the right preparation, your greenhouse can provide a thriving, beautiful sanctuary even in the coldest months.
At Alitex, our expertly engineered structures are designed to create the ideal growing environment year-round. Whether you’re nurturing cold weather vegetables or starting early seedlings, our greenhouses offer warmth, light, and elegance; all while looking truly magical on a frosty morning.
Can you grow anything in a greenhouse in winter?
You might be surprised at just how much you can grow when the temperatures drop. With a well prepared greenhouse and considered uses of artificial and natural heating methods, almost anything is possible. Hardy crops such as kale, spinach and carrots thrive naturally, while more delicate plants can flourish with a little extra warmth or light.
An Alitex greenhouse gives you the flexibility to grow throughout the seasons. Our precision engineered design helps maintain stable internal temperatures and maximises available sunlight, creating a perfect environment for your plants whatever the season.
Heating options for greenhouses in winter
If you want to grow heat loving crops, consider these simple solutions:
- Electric or gas heaters – for steady, controllable heat.
- Tubular heating – compact, energy efficient
- Soil warming cables or propagators – ideal for seed starting and propagation.
Alitex greenhouses retain heat exceptionally well, allowing you to maintain optimal growing conditions with minimal energy use. You can further customise your setup by incorporating a solar panel to power your heater, keeping both your plants and your energy bills in check.
Winter greenhouse gardening tips
Successful winter greenhouse gardening is about finding the right balance of warmth, moisture and airflow.
- Maximise natural light
Keep your glass clean inside and out to make the most of the limited daylight hours. Even weak winter sunlight is invaluable for photosynthesis and helps stabilise temperatures. We offer a professional Clean & Care service for your Alitex greenhouse. Find out more by watching our Clean & Care video here. - Improve insulation
Sheep’s wool or thermal screens can provide additional protection against the cold. However, Alitex greenhouses are built with advanced glazing and precision fitted aluminium, offering superb thermal efficiency without compromising on aesthetics. - Manage ventilation carefully
It’s tempting to seal your greenhouse completely in winter, but proper airflow helps prevent condensation and mould. Alitex’s intelligently designed side and automatic roof vents make it easy to maintain the perfect balance.
Will a greenhouse stay warm enough in the winter?
An Alitex greenhouse is designed to capture and retain warmth naturally. The combination of high performance materials and meticulous craftsmanship ensures excellent insulation.
That said, when the mercury drops well below freezing, some additional heating might be helpful, particularly for tender or tropical plants. Luckily, the efficiency of Alitex structures means that even modest heating will go a long way.
What temperature Is too cold for a greenhouse?
Below 0c, unheated greenhouses risk frost damage. Aim to keep the interior temperature above freezing; ideally between 2°C and 5°C for hardy crops, and around 10°C for tender plants. Installing a simple thermometer or thermostat will help you monitor conditions easily.
What vegetables can I grow in winter?
One of the greatest joys of owning an Alitex greenhouse is extending your growing season well beyond what’s possible outdoors. Winter doesn’t have to mean empty beds, with the right protection, you can enjoy a steady harvest throughout the colder months.
Hardy crops that love the chill include:
- Kales
- Spinach
- Swiss chard
- Carrots
- Beetroot
- Parsnips
- Leeks
- Onions
- Broad beans
- Winter Lettuce
- Pak choi
- Rocket
- Pasley
- Coriander
- Chives
For those who prefer to grow more tender plants, like tomatoes or cucumbers, adding a small heater or soil-warming cable keeps conditions ideal.
Take a look at one of our Winter Grow Guides here.
Greenhouse insulation methods
A few small adjustments can make a big difference:
- Consider installing an automatic thermostat for consistent warmth.
- Seal gaps around doors and vents to prevent draughts.
- Use insulating fleece or mats over tender plants during cold nights.
Why choose an Alitex greenhouse?
Beyond performance, there’s the unmistakable beauty of an Alitex structure. On crisp winter mornings, the elegant lines of aluminium and glass glisten with frost, creating a picture perfect centrepiece in any garden. Inside, your plants remain protected and thriving; a living showcase of craftsmanship, quality and style.
As you plan your winter growing success, discover how an Alitex greenhouse can transform your gardening throughout the seasons. You can book a visit from one of our Sales Designers to come to your home and discuss your greenhouse plans, or visit our show site to explore our greenhouses in person. Alternatively, request a brochure to explore our full collection from the comfort of your home, or call our friendly team to discuss your winter growing ambitions. Your greenhouse journey begins with Alitex – where beauty meets performance, in every season.
