Hi there, Palram fan here, especially of our octagon Oasis. It's my 2nd full winter season and I can tell you that a good wrapping of bubble wrap makes a difference! We hoping to get the greenhouse wired up soon. We also switched to solar this year, so that helps. We did not have wildly crazy heating bill last year despite not insulating.

I keep the greenhouse, 6a, SE Michigan, around 40-50 degrees into December, and after that, above 20 because I keep only hearty herbs in there. My rosemary LOVES it. I use a Govee to monitor the temps.

Here's a little Insta video about my set-up as of this November. I hope it helps: https://www.instagram.com/reel...

Little greenhouse fan,

~ Deb

First year:


Last fall


Winter herbs doing fine all winter, January 2023:

Electricity is the most expensive way to heat, unless you just burn money in a stove.

You have received some very good advice here. Not much more I can add.

Best of luck with you GH and let us know how it works out for you.

EDIT: Just went back and did some more reading. Didn't notice the first time that this thread is from 2021.

Although electric has classically been the most expensive way to heat they claim mini split heat/ac units are much more efficient. I think they work most efficiently in moderate climates but work in cold temps at a less efficient rate. I believe at moderate temps their up to 3 times more efficient than standard electric heaters. Their pricy and it's important to determine the max btu you need to size the unit correctly.

Hello,
Today is my first time on garden.org, and I've been reading the posts on how to heat a greenhouse. Very helpful. I live in Zone 7 (NY) and am considering a greenhouse. I have solar panels for my house which has been so helpful. Is it possible to create a greenhouse about 12' x 12' with one or two panels mounted on the roof? If the panels take up < 40% of the roof surface, I'm hopeful that will let in enough light, and would also create enough electricity to warm this greenhouse through winter (where we can get a foot of snow, and can dip to zero degrees at extremes).
And another (maybe crazy) question - My dream would be to grow a few small self-pollenating plants like Avocado, Lemon, Mango, Mini-banana. Does anybody have thoughts? Much appreciated!!