How To Use Autumn & Winter Lawn Feed
Learn how to use autumn and winter lawn feed, when to apply it, how it helps your lawn prepare for winter and how to get your grass ready for colder weather.
Keeping a greenhouse warm during colder weather can be challenging, particularly overnight when temperatures drop and there is no sunlight providing natural heat. While heating can help maintain suitable temperatures, reducing heat loss in the first place can make your greenhousKe easier to manage.
One of the simplest ways to improve heat retention is to insulate the greenhouse glazing. Greenhouse bubble insulation adds an insulating layer between the inside of the greenhouse and the cold external conditions, helping reduce the amount of heat lost through the glazing.
Elixir Gardens supplies several options, including 1.5m-wide 25mm bubble greenhouse insulation, 1.5m-wide 10mm bubble insulation and 750mm triple-laminated bubble insulation, allowing you to choose a suitable format for your greenhouse.
Quick Answer
To reduce heat loss from a greenhouse:
- Install suitable greenhouse bubble insulation
- Secure the insulation properly
- Check doors and other areas where cold air can enter
- Maintain appropriate ventilation
- Monitor greenhouse temperatures
- Use suitable heating when required
- Add frost protection for particularly vulnerable plants
The most practical approach is to reduce heat loss first and then use heating to maintain the temperature required by your plants.
Insulate The Greenhouse Glazing
Glass and other greenhouse glazing can be a significant route for heat to escape during cold weather. Adding greenhouse bubble insulation creates an additional layer over the glazing and can help reduce this heat loss.
When choosing insulation, consider the areas you need to cover and how the material will be secured. Elixir’s 1.5m-wide Tri-Laminated 25mm Bubble Greenhouse Insulation is one option for covering larger sections of greenhouse glazing, while the 10mm version provides an alternative where a smaller bubble size is preferred.
For narrower sections or areas where a 750mm width is more convenient, Elixir also supplies 750mm Triple-Laminated Bubble Greenhouse Wrap.
The important thing is to measure your greenhouse before ordering so you know how much material you need and can plan where the insulation will be installed.
Secure Your Greenhouse Insulation
Once you have chosen your bubble insulation, it needs to be held securely against the greenhouse structure.
Elixir’s Greenhouse Bubble Wrap Insulation Clips are designed for securing bubble insulation to greenhouse frames. Using dedicated clips makes installation easier and helps keep the insulation positioned where it is needed.
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When fitting the insulation, work methodically around the greenhouse rather than cutting everything at once. Measure each section, position the bubble wrap and then secure it before moving onto the next area.
This can help reduce wasted material and makes it easier to work around doors, vents and other features.
Don't Block Essential Ventilation
Reducing heat loss does not mean sealing the greenhouse completely.
Ventilation remains important for managing humidity and maintaining suitable growing conditions. When installing bubble insulation, make sure vents and other areas that need to remain operational can still be accessed and used.
This is particularly important during periods when the greenhouse is heated. Warm air and moisture can build up inside, so the greenhouse still needs to be managed according to the conditions and plants being grown.
The aim is to reduce unnecessary heat loss without preventing you from ventilating the greenhouse when required.
Check Doors And Other Gaps
Heat can also escape through poorly fitting doors and gaps around the greenhouse structure.
Before relying more heavily on heating, inspect the greenhouse and look for obvious areas where cold air can enter continuously. Improving these areas can complement the use of bubble insulation.
This is particularly worthwhile during winter when the difference between the inside and outside temperature can be significant.
However, don’t confuse reducing unwanted draughts with eliminating ventilation. The greenhouse still needs to be ventilated when conditions require it.
Use A Suitable Greenhouse Heater
Insulation reduces heat loss, but it does not produce heat. If your plants require additional warmth during cold weather, a suitable greenhouse heater may still be necessary.
Elixir’s TH0 Tube Heater range provides an option for greenhouse heating. Tube heaters can provide background warmth and can be used as part of a wider greenhouse heating setup.
Elixir also supplies the TH0-B Tube Heater, giving you another option when selecting suitable greenhouse heating equipment.
If you want timed operation, Elixir’s Tube Heaters With Digital Timer provide another option, allowing heating to be operated according to a set schedule.
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The right heating setup will depend on the greenhouse, the plants being grown and the temperatures you need to maintain.
Control Your Greenhouse Temperature
Once heating has been installed, controlling the temperature can help avoid simply leaving the heater running continuously.
The Elixir TH-928T Digital Plug-In Thermostat provides automatic temperature-based control for compatible heating equipment. It has a published control range of 5°C–30°C and can be used with Elixir tube heaters.
Instead of manually switching the heater on and off, the thermostat responds to the temperature and controls the connected appliance according to the selected setting.
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Best For
Automatic temperature control of compatible greenhouse heating equipment.
Why Choose This Product
The TH-928T provides plug-in digital temperature control with a 5°C–30°C control range and is designed to work with suitable heating equipment, including Elixir tube heaters.
Recommended When
You want your greenhouse heater to switch according to temperature rather than relying entirely on manual control.
Protect Vulnerable Plants From Frost
Not every plant inside a greenhouse has the same tolerance to cold temperatures. Some plants may require additional protection when temperatures fall significantly.
Elixir’s Greenhouse Frost Protection Kit combines tube heating with greenhouse frost protection and can form part of a winter protection setup where additional warmth is required.
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For individual plants that need additional protection, Elixir’s Frost Fleece Plant Protection can also be used as a cold and wind protection covering. It is available in several lengths, making it useful where you want to protect specific plants rather than increase the temperature throughout the entire greenhouse.
Combine Insulation And Heating
For many greenhouses, the most practical approach is to combine several measures rather than relying on one product.
Start with greenhouse bubble insulation to reduce heat loss through the glazing. Secure it using greenhouse insulation clips, while making sure essential vents and access points remain usable.
If temperatures still fall below the level required by your plants, consider suitable background heating such as an Elixir TH0 or TH0-B Tube Heater. Where automatic temperature control is required, the TH-928T Digital Plug-In Thermostat can control compatible heating equipment according to temperature.
For plants that require additional protection, Frost Fleece or the Greenhouse Frost Protection Kit can provide another layer of winter protection.
Common Mistakes
- Using unsuitable insulation instead of dedicated greenhouse bubble insulation
- Failing to secure insulation properly
- Leaving large gaps between insulation sections
- Blocking vents completely
- Sealing the greenhouse so tightly that necessary ventilation is restricted
- Heating the greenhouse without first considering heat loss
- Leaving heaters running unnecessarily
- Choosing heating equipment without considering the application
- Failing to monitor greenhouse temperature
- Assuming insulation alone will prevent frost
- Ignoring vulnerable plants
- Using damaged or unsuitable electrical equipment
Greenhouse Frost Protection Kit
Best For:
Our Frost Protection Kit is best for Gardeners who want a complete solution for protecting greenhouse plants from cold temperatures and frost during the colder months.
Why Choose This Product:
The Greenhouse Frost Protection Kit combines tube heating with greenhouse insulation and frost fleece, helping to reduce heat loss while providing additional background warmth. It offers a convenient way to bring several elements of greenhouse winter protection together in one kit.
Recommended When:
Choose this kit when preparing a greenhouse for autumn and winter, particularly when the aim is to maintain above-freezing temperatures and protect plants from frost. It is especially useful when combined heating and insulation are preferred over purchasing individual components separately. Always follow the product instructions for installation and use.
1.5m Wide 10mm Bubble Insulation
1.5m Wide 10mm Bubble Insulation
Best For: Greenhouse owners looking for premium greenhouse insulation with 10mm bubbles.
Why Choose This Product: Tri-laminated, UV resistant and designed to retain heat and protect plants and seedlings from frost while allowing light to penetrate through.
Recommended When: You want the increased insulation properties associated with the 10mm bubble option.
Digital Plug-In Thermostat (TH-928T)
Best For:
Greenhouses, garages, sheds, kennels and other suitable spaces where accurate digital temperature control is required.
Why Choose This Product:
The TH-928T provides digital temperature control from 5°C to 30°C, with a maximum resistive load of 13A / 3120W. It also features a Hot / Cold setting, allowing it to control heating or cooling equipment depending on the temperature requirements of the space.
Recommended When:
Choose the TH-928T when you want precise digital control and automatic temperature management rather than a traditional analogue thermostat. It is particularly useful for maintaining a more consistent temperature in greenhouses and other enclosed areas. Always check the heater’s electrical load and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
Summary
Reducing heat loss is one of the first things to consider when preparing a greenhouse for colder weather. Rather than relying entirely on heating, start by looking at where warmth is escaping and whether additional insulation can improve heat retention.
Greenhouse bubble insulation can be installed across suitable glazing and secured using Greenhouse Bubble Wrap Insulation Clips. Once heat loss has been reduced, suitable tube heaters can provide additional warmth where required, while the TH-928T Digital Plug-In Thermostat provides automatic temperature control.
For additional protection, Elixir’s Greenhouse Frost Protection Kit and Frost Fleece Plant Protection provide further options depending on the plants and conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Way To Reduce Heat Loss From A Greenhouse?
Installing dedicated greenhouse bubble insulation is one practical way to reduce heat loss through the glazing. This can then be combined with suitable heating where additional warmth is required.
Does Bubble Wrap Keep A Greenhouse Warm?
Greenhouse bubble insulation creates an additional insulating layer that helps reduce heat loss. It does not generate heat, so heating may still be required during particularly cold conditions.
Which Greenhouse Bubble Insulation Should I Use?
Elixir supplies 10mm, 25mm and 750mm-wide bubble insulation options. Choose according to the size and layout of the areas you want to insulate.
How Do You Secure Greenhouse Bubble Insulation?
Elixir supplies dedicated Greenhouse Bubble Wrap Insulation Clips for securing bubble insulation to greenhouse frames.
Should I Insulate The Roof Of A Greenhouse?
The appropriate areas depend on your greenhouse and requirements. Measure the areas where you want to reduce heat loss and ensure that essential ventilation remains accessible.
Do I Need To Heat A Greenhouse In Winter?
This depends on the plants being grown and the temperatures they require. Some plants tolerate colder conditions, while others require additional protection.
Follow the Instructions
Every gardening product is designed to be used in a specific way. Always read the product label and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before use. Correct preparation, application and timing help ensure the best possible results while promoting safe and responsible use.
Wear Appropriate PPE
Some products may require suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) during handling or application. Depending on the product, this may include gloves, eye protection or protective clothing. Always check the product label to determine the recommended safety precautions before use.
Application Rates
Using more product than recommended will not usually improve performance and may lead to unnecessary waste or undesirable results. Measure accurately, apply evenly and follow the recommended application rates and guidance provided on the product label.
Rhys Nield
As one of our resident product experts, Rhys has spent the last 2 years helping keen gardeners and growers from within our customer services department. Remember to save this page, or visit the Advice Centre, for the latest tips, articles, and expert knowledge, to help you make your garden the best it can be.
1.5m Wide Bubble Insulation (25mm Bubbles) | 1m-50m Lengths
£8.54 £144.16Price range: £10.25£8.54 through £172.99£144.16 incl. VATex. VAT
1.5m Wide Bubble Insulation (10mm Bubbles) | 1m-50m Lengths
£7.71 £83.54Price range: £9.25£7.71 through £100.25£83.54 incl. VATex. VAT
Analogue Plug-In Thermostat (TH-926T)
£14.08 £131.88Price range: £16.89£14.08 through £158.25£131.88 incl. VATex. VAT
TH0 Tube Heaters with Guards & Thermostats
£19.16 £80.83Price range: £22.99£19.16 through £96.99£80.83 incl. VATex. VAT
TH0-D Tube Heaters with Digital Timer | Optional Guards
£18.33 £98.74Price range: £21.99£18.33 through £118.49£98.74 incl. VATex. VAT
About Elixir Gardens Supplies
For over 35 years Elixir Garden Supplies have been providing gardeners with all the essentials they need to achieve growing.
Our online store makes sure that all our customers have access to the information they need to make the right decisions when choosing the products they need for their gardens. We know from experience that gardening means many different things to our customers. Whether you have a balcony, patio, lawn or allotment, Elixir Gardens are proud to supply both amateur and professional gardeners alike.
We regularly use our many years of experience to developed our exclusive formulations in specialist fertilisers. Many of these have stood the test of time and have become firm favourites with amateurs and professionals alike.  In fact our knowledge of fertilisers, feeds and garden care is well known within gardening circles. But don’t just take our word for it, why not check out the thousands of fantastic reviews on Trustpilot.
