Q: How can I prevent overheating in my FlowerHouse greenhouse?
A: All models except the DomeHouse come with a free shade cover included. FlowerHouse greenhouses and mini greenhouses also feature screened doors, windows and vents which can be secured in an open, partly open or closed position as needed, to regulate the temperature. Since these are portable greenhouse structures, it is easy to move them to a shadier location in the heat of the summer if you wish. Bear in mind the amount of sun required by the particular plants you are growing. A maximum / minimum thermometer is an important accessory enabling you to know what the greenhouse temperature is when you are not there.

Q: How should I monitor the temperature in my FlowerHouse?
A: You should install a maximum / minimum thermometer in your FlowerHouse greenhouse. This type of thermometer will record the highest and lowest temperatures since the last time you set it. Try to find a position where the thermometer is not in direct sunlight. Placing it in an open-ended, light colored box will give the most accurate readings. Air will flow through the open ends and the light color will block direct sunlight.

Q: Why would I choose a portable greenhouse made of clear plastic rather than one made of Gro-Tec plant protection fabric?
A: Clear plastic allows for the transmission of more heat and light to the interior of your FlowerHouse. If your greenhouse is to be placed where it can readily be seen, you may think the clear ones, with their green trim are more attractive to look at. The clear plastic allows you to enjoy a view of the plants in the greenhouse from other parts of your yard or from your house. If you spend a lot of time working in your greenhouse or just want to sit and relax in it the clear plastic allows you to enjoy the view of your yard.

Q: Why would I choose a FlowerHouse greenhouse kit made of Gro-Tec plant protection fabric rather than one made of clear plastic?
A: Since the Gro-Tec fabric helps to control the build up of excessive heat in the greenhouse a Gro-Tec greenhouse does not need to be monitored as closely as a clear plastic one. Gro-Tec is more beneficial for plant growth than clear glass or plastic. For more information, go to our Gro-Tec Fabric page.

Q: Will a FlowerHouse portable hobby greenhouse keep my plants warm at night?
A: The interior of your FlowerHouse will retain the heat it has accumulated from the sun for a while after the sun goes down but the temperature will gradually drop overnight until it equals the outside temperature. The plants will still be protected from the effects of wind chill. Refer to the next two questions for heating options. No greenhouse is designed to be insulating. The very properties which make them work well in the daytime allow them to loose heat at night.

Q: How can I heat my portable greenhouse inexpensively?
A: If you place a large thermal mass such as a rock or container of water in the greenhouse it will absorb and store heat during the day when the sun is out and release it at night warming the interior of the greenhouse. A 55 gallon drum of water works well in the walk in greenhouses or you could use one or more garbage cans (metal is best but plastic works well too).

Q: What is the best type of heater to use in my FlowerHouse portable greenhouse?
A: A small ceramic electrical heater works best. There are numerous models on the market but we recommend you look for one with the following features:

• Automatic overheat shut off.
• Thermostat control: This allows you to set your desired temperature and the heater will automatically turn off and on to maintain that temperature
• Humidity sensor: This reads the percentage of humidity in the air.

Q: Can I leave my FlowerHouse greenhouse in place year round?
A: Yes, FlowerHouses are designed and built to withstand harsh weather conditions including winds up to 60 mph. Just be sure the ground flaps are well weighted down and if your model has high wind tie downs stake them in securely. Clear heavy falls of snow off the roof; a little light snow is no problem. Snow can be removed from the walk in models by tapping the roof from inside. It makes sense to place your portable greenhouse in a relatively sheltered location, protected from the prevailing winds. If you don’t want to grow plants in the greenhouse in the winter it can be used for storage

Q: When using Planthouses as a winter plant covering in a cold climate, when do you put the PlantHouses over the plants and when should you remove them in the spring?
A: Cover them in the fall before the ground freezes. Remove the PlantHouses or other mini greenhouses when the ground thaws.

Q: Should I let the snow build up over my PlantHouses (covering plants in the garden) during the winter?
A: Keep the snow cleared off the top and as far down the south, east and west sides as necessary to allow the sun to warm the interior of the mini greenhouses during the day.

Q: Does the use of a mini greenhouse over shrubs or perennials in the garden allow you to grow plants which otherwise might not survive in your climate? Would it make a difference of say one climate zone?
A: It will definitely help plants which are borderline hardy in your area and give them a better chance of surviving the winter. We can’t make any specific claims but your plants will benefit from the lack of wind chill and from not having the ground freeze as hard under them.

Q: How can I heat my FlowerHouse greenhouse inexpensively?
A: If you place a large thermal mass such as a rock or container of water in the greenhouse it will absorb and store heat during the day when the sun is out and release it at night warming the interior of the greenhouse. A 55 gallon drum of water works well in the walk in greenhouses.

Q: What is the best type of heater to use in my FlowerHouse portable greenhouse?
A: A small ceramic electrical heater works best. There are numerous models on the market but we recommend you look for one with the following features:

• Automatic overheat shut off
• Thermostat control. This allows you to set your desired temperature and the heater will automatically turn off and on to maintain that temperature.
• Humidity sensor. This reads the percentage of humidity in the air.