Best Heater for a Small Greenhouse

Having a greenhouse is such an important aspect of gardening. Not only does it act as a shelter to shield your plants from the harmfulness of unwanted insects and microorganisms, but it also is a good temperature regulator. Having the ability to adjust the temperatures based on the plants that you grow, it can also simulate different environments – allowing your plants to grow all year round, regardless of seasons. In the winter, space heaters can be a really useful additional tool. Here is a guide for everything you’ll need to know about space heaters. 

Keep Your Greenhouse Warm

Greenhouses need to be kept warm to create a conducive environment for plants. As gardeners, it is our duty to keep our greenhouse warmed efficiently. However, we can never be 100% sure that the system will stay perfect throughout harsh environmental conditions. While there is a small amount of risk, we can still make sure that we invest in good space heaters. 

Will a Greenhouse Stay Warm in the Winter?

The ability for a greenhouse to stay warm throughout winter is dependent on where you live and the size of your greenhouse. If your area is perpetually cold for most of the year, you might require extra heaters. Similarly, a large greenhouse will require more heaters to ensure that the warmth is being spread out equally.  

Types of Space Heaters

Space heaters come in a great variety. Like any other product, each has its pros and cons. As such, you will need to understand your plants and greenhouse well enough to know what kind of heater is most suitable. Here is a list of 6 popular choices of space heaters among gardeners. 

  • Conventional Fuel-based Space Heaters
  • Electric Space Heaters
  • Portable Space Heaters
  • Oil-filled Radiant Heaters
  • Ceramic Space Heaters
  • Infrared Space Heaters

How to Heat a Greenhouse

Heating a greenhouse is something that’s practiced by almost every gardener. While most of the work lies in the installation of space heaters, there is also the responsibility of adjusting the temperature accordingly to the climate and types of plant you are growing. Here are some ways that space heaters can keep the environment in your greenhouse conducive for your plants: 

1. Conventional Fuel-based Space Heaters

Wielding its energy from traditional sources (wood, kerosine and oil), these fuel-based space heaters are rather basic and minimal. It is recommended that you only get a conventional heater if you own a relatively large greenhouse. Using it in a small greenhouse can greatly increase the amount of harmful gases in an enclosed area. Not only is it harmful for your plants, but it also puts you in danger when you enter the greenhouse. Thus, they are more popular among people who own well ventilated and large outdoor greenhouses. 

2. Electric Space Heaters

Considered a safe energy source, electric heaters can be used in both small and large greenhouses alike. While it can be used in large greenhouses, we recommend getting more than one if your greenhouse is really large. However, this might also rack up quite a bit of cost. Space heaters are classified into two types: convective and radiant. 

Convective heaters generally only work when the doors and windows are shut. Not necessarily made specifically for greenhouses, it can also be used for heating up living rooms, etc. On the other hand, radiant heaters work by heating up objects. Over time, the air around the objects gets heated up as well. To most people, radiant heaters are more popular compared to convective heaters as they are considered more efficient and energy-saving. 

3. Portable Space Heaters

As the name suggests, the main draw for this kind of space heater is its portability. Portable space heaters are handy and lightweight. If you are someone who moves around a lot, this might be helpful for you. However, portable space heaters generally run on electricity. Having it turned on for long hours can rack up a pretty hefty bill. If not looked after carefully, portable space heaters can be a potential fire hazard

4. Oil-filled Radiant Heaters

On the outside, they may look just like any other regular heater, with its main source of energy coming from oil and electricity. Compared to a regular heater, oil-filled heaters consume a lot less electricity. In addition, they are known for their cost efficiency and portability. 

5. Ceramic Space Heaters

Just like the other heaters, ceramic space heaters primarily run on electricity. It can also be installed with wheels to ensure its portability. Compared to the other heaters, which might be unsafe if there are children around, ceramic space heaters are a lot more child friendly. In other words, this means that the surface of ceramic space heaters are generally not hot to the touch. They also tend to be Inexpensive and pose a low fire risk. 

6. Infrared Space Heaters

Categorized under radiant heaters, infrared space heaters work by heating up objects directly. The heated objects then heat up the air in the room. Infrared heaters are popular as they heat things up more efficiently, pulling out what’s necessary and what’s not. 

There are many uses for space heaters. Depending on the type of greenhouse you own, you will then know the best-suited heater for your greenhouse to create the best possible environment for your beloved plants. There are three things that you’ll need to take note of when choosing the best heater for your greenhouse. They are: the size of the greenhouse, temperature readings, and your income. For people with more disposable income, an electric space heater is recommended. However, for most common folks, a conventional space heater is sufficient. 

Information about space heaters can be daunting and confusing at first. However, they are a necessity that you will need a good understanding of in order to provide the best for your plants. Plants thrive in different environments. If you reside in countries with four seasons, you will most definitely need a space heater. We hope this guide gave you good insights on the next heater you’ll get for your greenhouse! 


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