If you’re growing plants in a greenhouse, you’ve probably already invested a lot of time, energy, and money into creating the perfect environment for them to thrive. But here’s something we often don’t think about until it’s too late: Mother Nature is unpredictable. One minute, everything’s calm, and the next, a storm rolls in, or a heatwave hits out of nowhere, and suddenly, your carefully cultivated greenhouse feels more vulnerable than you’d like.
Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, or even freak weather can come out of left field. But having a plan to protect your investment can make all the difference between bouncing back quickly or facing a devastating loss. It’s doable.
With a few smart strategies, which we’ll share below, you can get your greenhouse ready for whatever nature throws its way.
Understanding the Risks in Your Area
Identify Common Natural Disasters in Your Area
Your greenhouse in a coastal region will face different challenges than those in a snowy mountain town or a wildfire-prone valley. So, understanding what types of natural disasters are most likely to hit your region gives you a better idea of how to prepare.
Are you in a hot, arid desert or a humid, subtropical zone? For example, tornadoes and thunderstorms might be your biggest concern if you live in the Midwest. On the flip side, if you’re in the Pacific Northwest, heavy rainfall or flooding may be more common.
You can also take a look at the history of natural disasters in your area. Most places have some sort of track record when it comes to major weather events—whether it’s hurricanes, earthquakes, blizzards, or wildfires. This information helps you spot patterns and identify the most frequent threats.
However, it’s not just the weather itself but your region’s geography that can determine how much damage a disaster might cause. For example, if you live near a river, floods could be a bigger concern for you, even if heavy rainfall isn’t constant. But, if your greenhouse is located on a hillside, mudslides or strong winds might pose more of a threat.
Additionally, you can speak to locals, experts, and experienced greenhouse owners to share some advice on the kinds of disasters you might face and how to prepare for them. Sometimes, the best insights come from people who’ve lived through extreme weather events in your area.
Determine the Vulnerabilities in Your Greenhouse
Your greenhouse is a living, breathing system, and like any system, it has points that are more vulnerable to damage. So, when identifying vulnerable areas, the first and most obvious place to start is the greenhouse’s structure itself.
Is your greenhouse strong enough to handle high winds, heavy snowfall, or sudden impacts like hail or flying debris? The framing material, whether it’s wood, aluminum, or steel, makes a huge difference. Steel frames, for instance, are more durable and resistant to high winds than lightweight aluminum or wood, which might warp or break under pressure.
If your structure is on low or poorly drained land, heavy rains or rising water levels can quickly turn your greenhouse into a swamp. Even small amounts of water can affect plant growth and lead to mold, while larger floods can damage the structure or wash away the soil entirely.
Also, check how well your doors and vents seal. Are they secure and properly fitted? Loose doors can be blown open by wind, while vents that don’t close properly can let in water or cold air. So, strengthen them if needed to ensure that wind or rain doesn’t sneak in through small gaps.
Choose the Right Building Materials
The materials you select to build your greenhouse is what stands between your plants and the forces of nature. The right materials can mean the difference between a greenhouse that survives a storm and one that needs repairs after every weather event.
Your greenhouse’s frame is the backbone of the entire structure, so it needs to be strong enough to handle any severe weather events you might face. Steel is often considered the gold standard when it comes to durability. It’s incredibly strong and can handle both high winds and heavy snow loads without bending or warping.
If you live in a region with high winds, hailstorms, or heavy snow, it’s advisable to use polycarbonate panels for glazing. Polycarbonate is durable, impact-resistant, and much lighter than glass. It can also withstand strong impacts without cracking.
Strengthen the Greenhouse Foundation
No matter how strong your frame and glazing are, your greenhouse can still be at risk during a storm if it isn’t properly anchored. The foundation does more than just hold up your greenhouse. It distributes weight evenly across the structure, keeping it stable when heavy winds or rain try to pull or push it.
We advise using concrete foundations to keep your greenhouse firmly in place. Concrete is heavy and can provide a stable base that anchors the structure to the ground, reducing the risk of it being blown away, shifting, or cracking under pressure. This foundation can also help secure your greenhouse if your area experiences earthquakes.
In areas where flooding is your major concern than wind, a raised foundation might be your best option. You can elevate your greenhouse off the ground using concrete blocks, stilts, or even a raised platform to keep water from entering the structure during storms or floods.
This is mostly useful in low-lying regions or areas with poor drainage. It also allows air to flow underneath, reducing the chances of rot or mold building up from excess moisture.
Storm-Proofing Your Greenhouse
Protect Against High Winds and Tornadoes
High winds, particularly during storms or tornadoes, can turn a greenhouse into a fragile shell, with panes blowing out and frames collapsing. So, one of the first things you need to consider is the frame of your greenhouse. High winds, especially those caused by tornadoes, put immense pressure on the structure. If your frame is weak or not properly anchored, it will be vulnerable to bending, twisting, or even being ripped out of the ground.
In this case, galvanized steel is more resistant to bending and breaking during extreme wind situations. You want something with enough weight to stay grounded but also enough flexibility to absorb some of the wind’s force.
Windbreaks are another excellent way to slow down wind speeds before they hit your greenhouse. They act as a defense, spreading the intensity of the wind and minimizing its direct impact on your structure.
You can also use natural windbreaks like trees and hedges. If you place them strategically around your greenhouse, they can help reduce wind speeds significantly. Just don’t place them too close.
If you cannot plant trees or they take too long to grow, consider artificial windbreaks. These can be made using sturdy materials like wooden fences or mesh screens.
Shield Your Greenhouse from Hail and Heavy Rain
Hail can break windows, dent frames, and even destroy crops, while heavy rain can lead to flooding, leaks, and weakening of your structure. To prevent this, you’ll want to storm-proof your greenhouse.
The first place to start is your roof. When large hailstones fall, or relentless rain pounds your greenhouse, your roof takes the brunt of the impact. If you’re in an area that is prone to hail, consider using polycarbonate panels for your roof. They are incredibly strong and impact-resistant, making them ideal choices for hailstorms.
In areas with lots of rainfall, make sure your greenhouse roof promotes water runoff. You don’t want your roof to be a bucket collecting rain! You can also add gutters along the edges of your greenhouse roof. These will catch rainwater and prevent it from spilling directly off the roof and pooling around the base of your greenhouse.
You can attach downspouts to your gutters to direct the water away from the greenhouse’s foundation. Aim for the water to flow toward a drainage ditch or garden area but never toward the foundation itself, as this can cause waterlogging or damage the structure over time.
Preparing for Floods
Install Flood Barriers and Drainage
Think of flood barriers as your greenhouse’s front-line soldiers, blocking water before it even gets close. These barriers help keep floodwaters at bay and protect your structure from becoming a swimming pool.
One of such barriers is sandbags. You can stack them at the greenhouse’s entrances, windows, and low-lying areas where water is most likely to enter. While this might sound old-school, sandbags are a quick and inexpensive option when storms are forecasted. Plus, they’re easy to store and deploy when needed.
If you want more permanent protection, consider installing flood panels or flood doors. These barriers attach to your greenhouse’s doorways and create a watertight seal to prevent water from leaking inside. They’re reusable and can be easily installed and removed as needed. However, you can go for automatic flood doors if your budget suits it.
Once you’ve blocked the water from coming in, you also need to ensure that any water that does get inside (whether from heavy rain or condensation) has an efficient way out. So, you must have a good drainage system.
If your greenhouse floor is made of impermeable materials like concrete, install floor drains at specific points around the structure. Water can then flow into these drains and be directed away from the greenhouse before it can pool.
Flood Recovery Planning
Flood recovery planning involves thinking ahead and being ready to take action once the waters recede. While it’s great to invest in preventive measures like flood barriers and drainage systems, having a solid recovery plan ensures that if a flood does occur, you can minimize damage, salvage your crops, and get back on track faster.
Once the floodwaters start to go down, the first step is to assess the damage. Walk around your greenhouse and look for signs of water damage, such as:
- Flooding inside the structure: Did water get into your greenhouse? If so, how deep did it reach, and what areas were affected?
- Damaged plants: Some plants may be completely submerged, while others may only be partially affected. Determine which crops can be saved and which may need to be discarded.
- Soil conditions: Check for soil saturation. Flooded soil can quickly become compacted, which affects the root systems and slows plant recovery.
- Structural damage: Look at your greenhouse’s foundation, walls, and roof. Flooding can weaken the structure, so it’s important to spot any cracks, distortion, or shifting.
Once you’re done accessing the damage, remove mud or sediment carefully without disturbing the plant roots more than necessary. Also, clear out any plant debris like broken stems, dead plants, or soggy leaves.
Please note that not all plants will survive a flood, but some can bounce back with the right care. So, remove any dead or dying parts of the plant to prevent diseases from spreading and give your crops a better chance at recovery. Floods can wash away nutrients, leaving the soil depleted. You’ll also need to replenish it with organic matter, compost, or fertilizers to restore fertility.
Once you’ve dealt with the plants and soil, turn your attention to the greenhouse structure itself. Floods can compromise the integrity of your building, and taking care of repairs early can prevent bigger issues down the road.
Extreme Temperature
Cooling Systems for Extreme Heat
As temperatures increase, especially during heat waves or long periods of intense sunlight, your plants can quickly become stressed, dehydrated, or even die if they overheat. However, you can use a proper cooling system to maintain a stable environment for your plants, even in the hottest conditions.
Good airflow is the first line of defense against extreme heat. You can install vents on the roof or upper walls of the greenhouse to allow hot air to escape while lower vents pull cooler air in from the outside.
You can also use fans or exhaust systems to move air through your greenhouse. These systems are useful during extreme heat waves when natural airflow isn’t enough to cool the space down. However, you can combine and install vents, fans, and exhaust systems to help maximize ventilation and maintain a steady airflow throughout your greenhouse.
Water Management During Heatwaves
During a heatwave, it’s normal to feel tempted to drench your plants with as much water as possible to keep them cool. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, nutrient leaching, and other problems. Instead of flooding your plants, try increasing the frequency of watering while maintaining moderate amounts. Frequent but smaller watering sessions will keep the root consistently moist without overwhelming the plants.
Mulching is another simple and effective way to keep your plants cool during heat waves. Simply put a thick layer of organic mulch (such as straw, leaves, or compost) around the base of your plants to help insulate the soil, keep it cooler, and prevent water from evaporating as quickly.
You can also use misting systems to cool the surrounding air and increase humidity levels during a heat wave. A fine mist helps reduce the overall temperature in your greenhouse, allowing plants to absorb water through their leaves and keeping them hydrated in extremely hot conditions.
Heating Systems for Extreme Cold
If you live in a region where winter temperatures drop really low, you’ll need to install the right heating system to help your plants thrive. There are several heating options avaialable, so you can choose based on your needs and budget.
- Electric heaters: These are easy to use and reliable and are a go-to option for many greenhouse owners. They are great for small to medium-sized greenhouses and provide controlled and consistent warmth. However, they can be costly to run, especially if you’re in an area with high electricity prices.
- Gas heaters: These are a more efficient solution for larger greenhouses. Propane or natural gas heaters can warm up a space quickly and are often more cost-effective in areas where natural gas is affordable. Just make sure your gas heaters are vented to avoid harmful fumes building up inside.
However, heating your greenhouse is only part of the solution. The real challenge is keeping that heat in. You can start by installing thermal curtains or bubble wrap over the greenhouse’s walls and roof to create additional insulation. These materials help reduce heat loss at night or on cold days.
Finally, check your greenhouse for any gaps or cracks, especially around doors and windows, where heat might escape, and seal those, too.
Conclusion
Building a resilient greenhouse isn’t just about building something strong. It’s about thinking ahead and being able to adapt to whatever Mother Nature can throw your way. All you have to do is break it down into manageable steps and be proactive rather than reactive.
One of the best things you can do is create a long-term strategy. You can do this by keeping up with climate trends and adjusting your strategy as weather patterns change. However, this is just as important as frequently inspecting your greenhouse to prevent small issues from becoming big (and expensive) problems. With a bit of thinking ahead and care, your greenhouse can become a safe growing space for your plants, no matter what the weather has in store.
