Prepare Your Greenhouse for Cooler Temperatures in New Zealand
February 3, 2025
As autumn arrives in New Zealand, temperatures begin to drop, and your greenhouse may need extra care to stay productive throughout the cooler months. Whether you are growing winter vegetables or simply protecting delicate plants, a well-maintained greenhouse will make all the difference. Here’s how to get your tunnelhouse in New Zealand in top shape for autumn, featuring some handy accessories from Morrifield to help you along the way.
1. Inspect and Repair Your Greenhouse Structure
Before the cold sets in, take a good look at your greenhouse for any wear and tear. Small issues can become big problems when the weather turns.
- Check for cover damage – Even minor tears in your polythene cover can let in cold air and moisture. Morrifield’s All-Weather Repair Tape is a simple but effective fix for patching up small holes and preventing them from spreading.
- Is your cover old? – If your tunnelhouse cover is old, opaque, or damaged, growing won’t be as successful. A new replacement cover will have better light transmission ensuring better growth.
- Ensure doors function smoothly – If your greenhouse door is sticking or not sliding as easily as it should, it might be time for new replacement door wheels to keep everything running smoothly.
2. Improve Ventilation to Prevent Plant Disease
With cooler temperatures comes increased condensation, which can lead to plant diseases. Keeping air flowing properly is key. It’s important to keep all ventilation, vents, windows, and doors open as much as possible.
- Install a screen door – Morrifield’s Screen Door Kit is a great way to improve airflow while keeping pests out. It’s designed to fit alongside your existing polythene door, so you can alternate between them as needed.
- Add a rear window, or door for extra airflow – For even better ventilation, consider a Door kit to allow warm, humid air to escape. This prevents condensation from building up and keeps your plants healthier.
3. Strengthen Your Greenhouse Against High Winds
New Zealand’s autumn weather can be unpredictable, with strong winds putting stress on your tunnelhouse structure.
- Secure your tunnelhouse with High Wind Bracing – If you’re in a wind-prone area, Morrifield’s High Wind Bracing provides additional bracing to reinforce your greenhouse, making it more resistant to strong gusts.
4. Clean and Sanitise to Keep Pests and Diseases at Bay
A deep clean at the start of autumn ensures a fresh, healthy environment for your plants.
- Clear out dead plants and debris – These can harbor pests and diseases over winter, so remove any plant material that is past its prime.
- Wash surfaces and tools – A mild disinfectant will help eliminate lingering pathogens and reduce the risk of disease spreading.
5. Check and Upgrade Insulation
A well-insulated greenhouse will retain heat better, keeping your plants happy even as temperatures drop.
- Inspect your polythene cover – If it looks worn out, consider replacing it with a new prefabricated polythene cover from Morrifield to ensure proper insulation and protection of the structure. Replace door and window film if they are worn or damaged. Door /Window recovery kits are an easy DIY option.
- Replace old PVC capping – This small but essential part helps hold your cover in place around door, vent, and window openings, preventing heat loss. If it’s cracked or loose, swapping it out will make a big difference. Missing or broken capping can cause your cover to be damaged in a gale wind.
6. Prepare Heating Systems
Depending on where you live, your New Zealand winter may be milder or more harsh. Even if you experience mild winters, some plants may still need extra warmth to get through the cold season.
- Check any heating systems if in use – Make sure they’re in good working order before the coldest nights hit.
- Monitor the temperature – Using a reliable thermometer will help you track conditions and adjust ventilation or heating as needed.
Get Your Greenhouse Ready Now
By taking the time to inspect, repair, and upgrade your greenhouse in NZ now, you’ll create a stable, productive environment for your plants throughout autumn and winter. Morrifield’s range of replacement parts and accessories can help you keep your tunnelhouse in New Zealand in peak condition, ensuring your crops thrive even in the cooler months.
Check out our full range of accessories here, or enquire with our friendly team to learn more about the Morrifield difference.