Greenhouse Temperature Control: How To Cool Your Greenhouse In Summer

A backyard greenhouse is definitely every gardener’s wish but why use a greenhouse? Apparently, it is a perfect place to grow any type of plants all year round. It enables ample and reliable production of crops that thrive in a warm environment such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and melons. Greenhouse gardening can be really useful for gardeners but to know how to use a greenhouse, you should understand some greenhouse basics such as temperature control and greenhouse shading. If you are curious about how to start a greenhouse, you can start by learning inside greenhouse temperature control.

Greenhouse Temperature Tools

To achieve the ideal greenhouse temperature for your plants, you need to use reliable and accurate greenhouse temperature tools. Using a greenhouse for beginners can be tricky but these tools can help you achieve optimal greenhouse temperature.

Thermometer

A thermometer is one of the basic tools you can use to monitor the humidity, temperature and climate in your greenhouse to make sure your plants are growing in optimal conditions. You can choose from a wide array of thermometers such as hygrometers, humidity meters, hi-low memory thermometers but a standard thermometer can do the job for you.

Fan

Using a greenhouse requires fans for proper ventilation. Basically, greenhouse fans are important in reducing the air temperature so your plants will grow. It also moves fresh air into your greenhouse; thus reducing the relative air humidity around your plants. Another good thing about green fans is that they help control diseases and prevent them from spreading through the greenhouse.

Barrels

Once you know how to use plants in a greenhouse, it will be easier to make good use of greenhouse temperature control tools. For one, you can use barrels to keep your greenhouse warm even after the sun sets. They are also perfect for growing greens as they help maintain ideal temperatures for greens and tropical plants.

Automatic Vent Opener

There are times when cold days are mixed with warm temperature which may compromise the condition of your plants. By using an automatic vent opener, you can prevent this problem as it responds to intense temperatures. There are myriad of greenhouse uses and by using these tools, you can take good care of your plants and help promote their healthy growth.

How to Cool a Greenhouse

Greenhouse cooling is one of your responsibilities as a gardener. As the heat builds, it is important to keep your greenhouse cool and ensure proper humidity and ventilation. If you want to keep your plants in their healthiest condition, follow these greenhouse cooling methods and reap the benefits of having cool greenhouses.

Ventilating a Greenhouse

One of the greatest ways to battle heat is to provide your plants with good air flow. Apparently, the roof and side vents on your greenhouse should be large enough to get a good air movement. During extreme heat, the temperature inside your greenhouse can exceed outside temperature by 10-20 °F even with a high-quality ventilation system and air movers. In this case, you can take advantage of evaporative cooling. You can use evaporative cooling pads which use heat to evaporate water from the plants, cooling the entire structure.

Shading a Greenhouse

Another thing you can do to combat heat is to shade your greenhouse. You can use shade paints to filter out the strength of sunlight. Shade paints are cost-effective and provide quick results which you can also use to create a nice greenhouse design for hot climates. You can also use internal or external blinds in filtering the sunlight but if you want a more affordable option, you can simply use a mesh or shade netting. Ventilation may also be needed during sunny winter days to keep your plants in maximum condition. You may use a fan as the least expensive option and operate them at low speed. You can also use a fan-jet for quicker and more effective results.

Damping Down a Greenhouse

Another trick you can do to ensure greenhouse temperature control is to damp down your plants and keeping them cool. To raise the humidity inside your greenhouse, keep all the hard surfaces wet such as staging and paths. It will help the plants deal with the heat and survive in any dry condition. You can damp down your greenhouse as often as you desire but don’t overdo it when it is too hot.

Avoiding Water Stress

Your plants need enough moisture to grow and thrive in the greenhouse so you should always make sure they are properly watered. When plants lose moisture through leaf pores, they are kept cool by using transpiration. When they have enough moisture, your plants can avoid water stress and maintain their coolness, especially tropical plants like cucumber.

To know if your plants are overstressed, look for some common signs. For one, when your plants are wilting at the edges, they probably lack enough water. When they are water-stressed, they will also start losing their usual healthy and glossy look. To confirm your assumption, stick your finger in the dirt and if you don’t feel moisture up to four inches depth, your plants definitely need some watering.

Conclusion

Summer greenhouses are perfect for controlling temperatures around your plants and keeping them healthy. If you want to build your own open-air greenhouse, the above tips can help you create a nice and healthy environment for your plants, leading to a bountiful harvest and a rewarding gardening experience. Once you’re ready, prepare your greenhouse tools and turn your backyard into a cost-efficient and sustainable greenhouse garden.