I love spending time in our greenhouse. It's my safe space where I can get some quiet time (if Ava allows it!) and just enjoy a minute and appreciate the joy of gardening. It’s a wonderful place to just sit and take a moment to enjoy nature as well.

And, of course, the main reason - It allows me to prolong my growing season! Yeah, for greenhouses!

So when fall and winter come around, I am very excited to get it ready and utilize it! 'Cause let's be honest, spending time in the greenhouse during summer is NOT that fun!

We would generally get our greenhouse ready for winter in October or November, depending on how crazy it has been ;-)

Scroll down to see how we prepare the greenhouse for winter so that we can continue to enjoy gardening throughout the colder months. I also decorated the greenhouse for the fall season and it brings me so much joy every time I walk by. Scroll down to also see my friend’s greenhouses ready for fall.

How To Prepare The Greenhouse For Winter

Having a greenhouse can serve many purposes, including:

To move some of your fall veggies and plants inside to prolong their growth;
To grow veggies over winter if your growing zone allows it;
To overwinter growing plants;
Or to get a headstart for spring gardening and starting seedlings inside.

READ MORE: Seed starting basics

Whatever your reason for having a greenhouse, it is crucial that you deep clean it every once in a while and do some maintenance tasks, especially so for the winter months.

By "winterizing" a greenhouse, you prepare it for colder temperatures, rain, and windy conditions. It also ensures you have the optimal space and growing conditions for your plants.

Here are my top tips for preparing your greenhouse for the winter:

INSPECT THE STRUCTURE

You don't want your greenhouse to come tumbling down due to the load of a thick snow blanket or gusty winds! Or struggle with temperature control due to broken windows.

Take a good look inside and all around the outside for any structural damage and repair or replace any panels, leaking roofs, broken glass, or unstable shelves.

INSULATE!

Poor insulation and drafty openings are the biggest culprit of heat loss and struggling to regulate temperatures and humidity.

Use caulk or foam sealant to cover cracks in the structure, around the foundation, door frame, and windows. You can also insulate your greenhouse by applying bubble wrap to the inside or outside walls.

PROPER AIR CIRCULATION, TEMPERATURE CONTROL, AND VENTILATION

Proper ventilation and circulation will ensure that all your plants are exposed to the correct temperatures and humidity levels.

It will prohibit mold and fungus issues and also protect your plants against extreme cold and frost conditions.

REMOVE WEEDS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE

Weeds can very quickly get out of hand and infest your plants. They are also heavy feeders, making it more difficult for plants to compete for food and nutrition.

So clear the area around the greenhouse of weeds and remove any that have found their way inside.

SANITIZE GARDEN TOOLS

Before you start to do any gardening in the greenhouse, sanitize your garden tools. You never know what diseases and pests may be lurking on them!

By sanitizing the tools, you avoid cross-contamination and bringing diseases from the outside inside.

CLEAN SHELVES, STANDS, POTS, WALLS, AND FLOORS

It is just as essential to clean the physical structure, fixtures, and other equipment. They can also harbor diseases and pests that you do not want to affect your plants.

Soapy water, an organic disinfectant, or a biodegradable product will do the job. Alcohol is also an option to wipe your surfaces with. You can use bleach for more severe problems such as mold or mildew.

And don't forget your windows! Sunlight needs to be able to reach your plants through the glass for growth and to provide heat for your veggies.

CHECK AND REPLENISH YOUR SOIL

It is a good idea to replenish or completely replace the soil you use in your planting boxes, trays, and pots every few seasons.

When your soil is replenished or renewed, plants get more nutrition, phosphorus, nitrogen, and other minerals for optimal growth. This way, you will also avoid the build-up of unwanted diseases that can lurk beneath the surface.

STOCK UP

Get everything you think you may need for seed starting and protection in winter and early spring. This can include seed starting trays, potting soil, fertilizer, heat lamps, horticultural fleece, fans, new tools, etc.

GET HEATERS AND FANS READY

And the electricity to run them! When you heat your greenhouse during winter, you have the opportunity to grow a broader range of vegetables and plants. You will also be able to start growing spring vegetables earlier, getting a headstart on the season.

The ideal temperature for most plants is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but you should be ok if you average between 75-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Install thermometers around your greenhouse at different levels to observe the temps all over.

Some heating options include electrical heaters, propane (gas) heaters, or solar panels.

HAVE SOME FUN AND DECORATE!

A greenhouse is meant to be enjoyed and a space where you feel comfortable spending time in. Go crazy and decorate it according to the holidays or glam it up with beautiful fairy lights!