New Greenhouse, any vital tips?

[mikeybeanzz]

As winter approaches I have lots of questions so I just started this account. I have like 50 plants all collected this year. I’m sure they’ll do fine in here over winter. These plants are very young some very little roots. Anything I should know before heading into winter? Thanks a bunch
- Mikeybeanzz

 

[TrevorLarsen]

welcome, first You should add your location to your profile so people can give better advice. Also if you don’t mind saying how much was your green house? I have been wanting to get one.

 

[Eckhoffw]

I have a similar greenhouse I got from Harbor freight for $800. It is 10’ w x 10 tall x 12’ long.
The biggest concern I’ve heard from people about storing in greenhouses is, keeping the trees from waking up from dormancy to early.

To try and combat this, I placed 50 gallons of water in there to serve as a heat sink and regulate the temperature flux. I also have a solar powered vent that turns on during the sunnier/warmer conditions.

My plants get mulched in with wood chips on the ground under the benches in there.

Also be cautious about keeping the door closed and not letting vermin in there to nibble on your plants all winter long.

 

[queenofsheba52]

Hi @mikeybeanzz , so glad you found this awesome bonsai site.

That is a sweet greenhouse. Depending on where you are, we can offer more advice. During winter, I keep mice out (mostly) of my classic car with peppermint oil and Irish Spring, but IDK if that works with greenhouses.

Enjoy your trees.

 

[jimib]

I cover mine with a canvas drop cloth in the winter to prevent the sun from heating it up. I’ve had temp fluctuations of 30 degrees on a sunny day in that thing.

 

[River's Edge]

As winter approaches I have lots of questions so I just started this account. I have like 50 plants all collected this year. I’m sure they’ll do fine in here over winter. These plants are very young some very little roots. Anything I should know before heading into winter? Thanks a bunch
- Mikeybeanzz

Green house management varies drastically within climate variables. Please post your location and climate zone to assist those who can provide more accurate information for your location.

 

[mikeybeanzz]

welcome, first You should add your location to your profile so people can give better advice. Also if you don’t mind saying how much was your green house? I have been wanting to get one.

650 bust costed over 1000 in materials for foundation and gravel. I’d recommend a hoop house with plastic much cheaper. Similar effect

 

[shohin_branches]

Get shade cloth to put over it. Greenhouses have insane temperature fluctuations

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Congratulations on your new greenhouse!

Just one note. From my past experience, please be sure to get advice from folks who do have or have previously had a greenhouse for bonsai. Experience is key.

We’ve two smallish greenhouses and work in another much larger one. From experience, there are two general options available. Heated or unheated.

From what is described inside the greenhouse - trees with little roots, likely the heated greenhouse option is best. But only heated to keep the temperature in the above 32F and below 45F temperature band on average .

To do this best the greenhouse will need some sort of temperature regulator, like a Thermocube ….. a heater sufficient to keep the temperature from freezing. (I use a milk house heater on the 750W side for 8x6 ft greenhouse - maybe the 1500w side would work…. but likely two might be best.)

… and of course a good reliable fan is mandatory to prevent fungus..

It is also wise to install an auto temp activated opener for both your ceiling vents. (Many sold on the internet will work) Can’t see if there are lower vent louvers… which likely would be a great idea to have… with an auto opener.

Mulching in can help if you choose not to heat the greenhouse. Wont hurt. (Won’t be my first choice due considering the roots, but your trees, your choice.)

@JudyB has a really swell set up I learned a lot from. Might be good reading.

There is an Overwintering Bonsai resource with background, theory and a greenhouse example. Don’t be put off by the azalea focus, overwintering theory and the examples are the same for all trees.

Good Luck with your new greenhouse!

cheers
DSD sends

 

[mikeybeanzz]

Congratulations on your new greenhouse!

Just one note. From my past experience, please be sure to get advice from folks who do have or have previously had a greenhouse for bonsai. Experience is key.

We’ve two smallish greenhouses and work in another much larger one. From experience, there are two general options available. Heated or unheated.

From what is described inside the greenhouse - trees with little roots, likely the heated greenhouse option is best. But only heated to keep the temperature in the above 32F and below 45F temperature band on average .

To do this best the greenhouse will need some sort of temperature regulator, like a Thermocube ….. a heater sufficient to keep the temperature from freezing. (I use a milk house heater on the 750W side for 8x6 ft greenhouse - maybe the 1500w side would work…. but likely two might be best.)

… and of course a good reliable fan is mandatory to prevent fungus..

It is also wise to install an auto temp activated opener for both your ceiling vents. (Many sold on the internet will work) Can’t see if there are lower vent louvers… which likely would be a great idea to have… with an auto opener.

Mulching in can help if you choose not to heat the greenhouse. Wont hurt. (Won’t be my first choice due considering the roots, but your trees, your choice.)

@JudyB has a really swell set up I learned a lot from. Might be good reading.

There is an Overwintering Bonsai resource with background, theory and a greenhouse example. Don’t be put off by the azalea focus, overwintering theory and the examples are the same for all trees.

Good Luck with your new greenhouse!

cheers
DSD sends

Thank you very much.