Thinking ahead - insulation

[Ger-annie-um]

For years I've used 'bubblewrap ' to insulate my greenhouse over the winter months. I need to invest in replacing it this year as the current plastic is past it's best. In an effort to reduce my use of plastic I've been research alternatives and came across a company who sell 30g fleece for insulating greenhouses. It's not any more expensive than the bubblewrap. Has anyone used it and are there any more options? Thoughts please

[mrsbusy]

I have no idea but will it not cut out too much light?

[Ger-annie-um]

I have no idea but will it not cut out too much light?

Well I wondered about that too but we use it over hoops to protect crops and they don't seem to suffer.

[Jungle Jane]

The fleece replacement is a good idea,the reviews were alright on one website I looked at,plants are used to less light in the winter,they would think it’s just a bit cloudy could some of your old bubble wrap still be used too,cut sections maybe?

[ameno]

I feel I should point out here that horticultural fleece is also made of plastic. Polyester, I think.
So I would judge it based just on price, how insulating they are, and how many years they last (fleece doesn't last very long outdoors, although it should probably last longer in a greenhouse). Fleece probably has poorer light transmission than bubblewrap, too.

[Ger-annie-um]

I feel I should point out here that horticultural fleece is also made of plastic. Polyester, I think.
So I would judge it based just on price, how insulating they are, and how many years they last (fleece doesn't last very long outdoors, although it should probably last longer in a greenhouse). Fleece probably has poorer light transmission than bubblewrap, too.

I had a horrible feeling that might be the case. Stuck between a rock and a hard place now!

[Ger-annie-um]

The fleece replacement is a good idea,the reviews were alright on one website I looked at,plants are used to less light in the winter,they would think it’s just a bit cloudy could some of your old bubble wrap still be used too,cut sections maybe?

All I really will keep in the greenhouse over winter will be my 3 lemon trees (brought them inside last year..bad idea, spider mite got them). I'll probably start off some seed sowing in early 2023 and I do have growlights although not sure I'll be able to afford to run them. I will, reuse as much bubblewrap as I can but it is 7yrs old and not as clear as it once was.

[Jungle Jane]

The fleece on the garden naturally website I was looking at is made from spun bonded polypropylene,which is made from recycled plastic so is more environmentally friendly. £18.35 for a 6x6 greenhouse.

[mrsbusy]

Does one line the whole greenhouse ie roof and sides? How do you attach the lining?
if you just had a few plants to overwinter, would an individual cover work just as well?

[Jungle Jane]

Clips come with the fleece to clip up If you have just a few plants to overwinter it might be easier to wrap the plants with fleece or bubble wrap to keep the frost out

[Ger-annie-um]

The fleece on the garden naturally website I was looking at is made from spun bonded polypropylene,which is made from recycled plastic so is more environmentally friendly. £18.35 for a 6x6 greenhouse.

Ooh yes. That was the site I looked at too. It would cost <£30 to do my entire greenhouse. Apart from my lemons I would look to overwinter some Fucshia. Recycled plastic would make me feel better too. Thanks JJ I may just give it a go

[Ger-annie-um]

Clips come with the fleece to clip up If you have just a few plants to overwinter it might be easier to wrap the plants with fleece or bubble wrap to keep the frost out

If the insulating properties are good enough though maybe I could start some early seed or put onions/garlic in modules to start them off?

[Jungle Jane]

That sounds good,beetroot too & potatoes in bags