Plant Protection from Frosts, Wind and Pests - A Keder Greenhouse Guide

Ensuring your plants are cared for in all conditions in the garden is key to confident greenhouse gardening. With the right routines, plant protection keeps growth steady through frost, wind, and pest pressure.

A Keder greenhouse helps enormously. Robust, high-tensile frames stand firm in severe winds; whilst insulating, diffused cladding maintains steady temperatures and keeps light gentle on leaves. Secure, well sealed doors and strategically placed vents allow you to fine-tune airflow and control entry.

With the Keder Smallholder range you have large vents on either side that drop down to let ample air through, or alternatively just drop them a little to keep the air flowing around your plants.

The Keder Domestic range come with a vent as standard, at the opposite end from the door, that allows a nice flow of air through, alternatively you can add the option of an automatic roof vent, that opens as the temperature rises. However it is always worth noting that if you are due to experience high wind speeds, you must disable the auto function by removing the pin and locking the vent.

A Keder greenhouse is the ideal solution to keep conditions reliable all year round.

Frost protection for garden plants

We all know only too well that frost damages plant tissues quickly, so insulation and simple routines matter to ensure cold protection. Aim to slow temperature swings and keep foliage dry and resilient for consistent growth.

Keder’s multi-layer, UV-stable cladding insulates while delivering gentle, diffused light. It spreads light evenly, so lower leaves keep working during short winter days. The cladding has an R-value of 1.7, providing dependable heat retention. As a result, winter salads, herbs, and strawberries continue growing when outside conditions slow.

Monthly practical frost defence

Late autumn is the perfect opportunity for winter preparation. Keder cladding extends beyond the door and vent lines, sealing the structure completely from draughts.

Raise planting trays off cold floors. In mid-winter, use fleece during clear nights and vent briefly at midday to reduce humidity through the roof vents. In late winter, increase airflow slowly.

These steps deliver effective plant protection from frost without wasteful additional heating, keeping growth sturdy and leaves clean.

Heating options

In a Keder Greenhouse the use of thermostatic heaters is kept to a minimum and only on the very coldest nights of the year. Set the thermostat on a low, safe settings for targeted protection.

Place a minimum thermometer near crop height, checking it at dawn for accurate readings.

Focus on protecting growing points rather than heating empty air. Efficient greenhouse heating choices save cost and help plants develop strong, balanced growth.

Wind protection for plants

Wind is a consistent test for structures and plants in the UK. Good design helps, and strong habits complete the picture for dependable plant protection. Keder greenhouses use high-tensile, galvanised steel framing. When anchored correctly, these structures withstand very high winds, even up to 120 mph. Select an anchoring method suitable for your base, and position the doors to minimise wind tunnels. Tie in tall crops to reduce sail effect and strain.

Keep this checklist in mind when storms are forecast:

·      Secure doors, vents, and latches firmly

·      Tie in tall plants and remove temporary shading

·      Lower lightweight staging for stability

·      Clear gutters and ensure drainage flows

·      Move tools, pots, and cans off shelves

·      Photograph beds for quick post-storm checks

In spring, harden seedlings with short venting through the roof and side openings so stems strengthen gradually. Tomatoes and chillies toughen quickly with controlled airflow. In summer, restrain cucumbers and melons early to limit strain on stems and supports. In autumn and winter, check frame fixings monthly, especially after storms. Replace any plant ties promptly so supports remain secure and crops stay upright in gusty spells.

Keep pests out of the greenhouse

If you wait too long to address a problem in the greenhouse, such as waiting too long to

• before cleaning or tidying

• remove damaged plants or debris

• treat infested plants

• regularly monitor the greenhouse

  
  

Pests exploit those delays, so prevention beats cure. Build light, regular actions into your week to keep populations under control.

Door discipline is key, and Keder’s tight-fitting doors reduce gaps, protecting your plants from pests. Fit insect netting to vents during peak times to block entry. Quarantine new plants for about a week on a spare bench to prevent spread. Clean benches and trays before sowing to protect young plants. Yellow sticky cards around the greenhouse help you monitor pest activity, so you can act early with minimal intervention.

Seasonal pressure points

In spring, aphids rush to soft tips on peppers and herbs, so wash tools, space seedlings, and avoid overfeeding lush growth. In summer, whitefly and red spider mite build up fast on tomatoes and cucumbers. Controllable vents keep air moving, making life harder for these pests. In autumn and winter, clear residues quickly. Old leaves and stems shelter eggs, larvae, and disease, so never store green waste inside.

Targeted responses

Remove heavily infested leaves early and introduce beneficial insects before populations surge. Rotate crop positions to break pest cycles effectively. This targeted approach supports plant protection against aphids, whiteflies, and red spider mites with minimal disruption, especially when airflow remains steady.

Prevent condensation and mould in the greenhouse

Condensation fuels mildew and botrytis. Control moisture first, then support leaves with good light and sensible spacing throughout the canopy.

Botrytis (Grey Mould) on Grapes

Open roof and side vents earlier than you think on bright mornings, using short, regular bursts to release moisture. Close doors and vents gradually as temperatures ease. This rhythm helps prevent condensation in the greenhouse and keeps foliage drier and healthier.

Watering and spacing that reduce risk

Water targeting the root zone, then allow the surfaces to dry before the next irrigation, especially during cold spells. Morning watering works best. Space plants for airflow rather than capacity. Keder’s diffused light powers the lower canopy, so basil, parsley, and lettuce stay productive without overcrowding.

Cold-weather humidity control

In winter, vent briefly at midday on sunny days to clear moisture. Add fleece for harsh nights and wipe persistent condensation on frames and doors. The insulated cladding slows temperature drops, assisting mould prevention on leafy crops and protecting new growth.

Helpful tools to complement your Keder greenhouse

Use calibrated thermometers to guide decisions and keep records. Add automatic vent openers to maintain consistent airflow when you are away. Fit irrigation on timers for deep, even watering so roots develop well. These tools complement Keder’s strengths and make good routines easier to maintain.

A Keder greenhouse sets you up for success, creating calm, stable conditions that plants love. With simple, regular habits, you turn that stability into results. Vent at the right moments, water at the roots, and keep entry points tidy. Secure the structure before storms and stay alert to early pest signs.

With steady routines and Keder’s dependable design, your plant protection remains strong, whatever the forecast.

David Domoney

To find out more about our Brand Ambassador and Guest Blog Writer visit https://kedergreenhouse.co.uk/david-domoney

Thank you for reading the blog - David Domoney discussing how to Maximize Growth Potential with Keder Greenhouse Cladding