Supplies Needed for Your Greenhouse

A greenhouse may help a person to shorten the growing period of the plants. This allows a person to harvest the crop earlier than the usual period he would normally expect. Greenhouse planting requires proper planning to absolutely have an increase of crop production. He may be kept busy throughout the year attending to his greenhouse because of the continuous cultivation and gardening activities.


The germination status of each plant could turn out for the better because the seeds may produce different kinds of plants. A greenhouse has the capacity to control the amount of sunlight needed by the plants. It can also control the temperature and the humidity inside that will ensure the person to have healthier and an increased production.

He may start on propagating the seeds to ensure an organic growth with his plants. It is also advisable not to apple fungicide on his seeds because it might destroy its nutrient absorption on the soil’s organic fertilizer. A greenhouse allows plants to grow faster and bigger that their usual sizes unlike when plants are raised in the traditional way of agriculture where the climate affects the growth of any plant.

Greenhouses may come on small and large designs. It may depend on the space area allotted for its foundation. The shapes are commonly rectangular but there are new styles that are applied on new greenhouses such as those conservatory styled greenhouses, which are attached to the house. A person may not judge the style of the greenhouse but for its approach to its plants. In order to have a more conventional greenhouse a person may consider different supplies and accessories to maintain and upgrade its full potential.

1.  The best advisable covering a greenhouse should have is a fiberglass covering. The maintenance is very easy and it does not deteriorate fast. It has the ability to control the needed sunlight compared to plastic and wooden shades. The ventilation is readily prepared on the roofing to control the temperature and humidity inside the greenhouse.

2.  The potting benches are the most common helpful supplies he may need in the greenhouse. Most potting benches come with one or two shelves that store potting supplies such as dirt, manure, fertilizer and the pots. He may not need extra effort in cleaning it after its use because of the tray supporting the holders and the flat top. He may place the potting supplies near his potting area so that it would be more convenient for him not to waste any movements while gardening.

3.  Rainwater systems are also available for ecology oriented and conscious gardeners. He may collect the needed water from the downspouts and gutters of the greenhouse water system. The irrigation and watering of the plants can be environment friendly compared to those automated water systems.

4.  The lighting supplies are very essential in the greenhouse. He may avail of grow lights that increase the spectrum growth of the plants. It also provides the needed warmth and artificial sunlight in cases of climate changes. They may be very effective during the winter season where most plants grow short because they are not exposed to the needed sunlight.

5.  A greenhouse should have shelving supplies. There are growing shelves supplies that stabilize the greenhouse condition. They come with aluminum frames where he can place the seeds on its trays. They also feature an ultra violet plastic stabilizer covering to create the needed greenhouse conditions. 

6.  He may need to supply the greenhouse with a misting propagation system. This will ensure the plants of a healthier growth because of the sustained moisture in the air. To have a balanced and controlled humidity, he may avail of the automated misters. They come with timers to mist the place and moisture sensors for the moisture density. The misting propagation system is very essential to those greenhouses that grow tropical plants.

Other optional supplies and accessories he may add to his greenhouse are the automatic plant misting system, soil sterilization supplies, thermometers, special shelving systems, shelters and shades with roof ventilation, plant lighting tools, and humidity gauges. All these supplies may have their own use in a greenhouse. He may consider his budget before availing any of these optional supplies.

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Selling Greenhouses to Farmers

Farmers face many challenges when working on the land. This isn’t just tilling the soil or giving it water and nutrients until harvest season. It is also about being prepared to fight off pests and diseases that will ensure the person there is sufficient stock to sell in the market.


In order for the farmer to do that, the supplier must do the job of selling a greenhouse to ensure there are enough crops for everyone in the community.

This can be done by explaining what a greenhouse is. Since these are there to help the farmer grow crops in a controlled environment, pest and diseases will become a problem in the past.

Since this comes in various sizes, the designer can bring a brochure to show what is available. If the space cannot accommodate the existing models, that person can also offer the farmer to make a customized version according to the layout of the land.

This will involve measuring the area where it will be and the type of weather that is prevalent in the area.

There are two things that make up a greenhouse. The first is the structure. Should the proposed area have strong winds, then the supplier should recommend the kind made of metal. This will keep the greenhouse on the ground and will not blow over due to a storm.

The second thing is the panels. Both panels and frames are made up of different materials which are a change from how these were made years ago. Should the farm be in a place that has frequent hail or snow storms, the supplier can recommend panels made of Plexiglas or plastic.

Using this type of material will save the farmer money since these will not break unlike glass or shatter unlike glass. By explaining the benefits of using the right materials, money gained from selling crops can make further improvements in the farm.

Another concern that farmers face is the weather during the winter season. Some farmers are not able to plant anything since these will just freeze.

The supplier can also introduce in the package heaters which can be used to let farmers grow crops in a cold climate. These devices are used to keep the crops warm. This can be powered by electricity, gas or oil that can be installed in side the greenhouse.

The summer months may also bring in too much heat inside the greenhouse. The supplier can handle this by also having a ventilation system installed as part of the package to be offered to the farmer. This will ensure that there is sufficient oxygen and carbon dioxide for the plants to grow.

The farmer even with the manpower and the resources available may sometimes have difficulty managing the place. The supplier can also provide a solution for this by offering a timer to be installed in the greenhouse.

This is set at a certain time in the day that will release water mixed with nutrients at certain times of the day to help the plants grow. 

Since suppliers also attend conferences and conventions about farming more often that those who work the land, the supplier can give certain recommendations that can help improve crop production.

A good suggestion is offering a very good technique when it comes to working with greenhouses. This is called hydroponics farming in which plants are grown using water instead of soil.

The supplier can cite cases where this technique has proven to produce more crops than the traditional method of using the soil.

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Greenhouses: Where the Grass is Green All Year-Round

Gardening enthusiasts in the more interesting temperate climates and any place where there are four seasons are faced with great benefits as well as challenges. Because of the four seasons, gardeners are blessed with huge plant varieties conducive for planting on one or two of the seasons. In the period of a year, they are given an opportunity to plant varieties that must grow in cooler climates, and take advantage of the sunny summer to plant those that would require more exposure to the sun.


However, the seasonality of plant varieties may pose challenges to those who would rather grow plants continuously, regardless of season. This is especially true for flower and fruit varieties that require continuous sunlight for an entire year, for example, or fruit and vegetable perennials that do not bear fruit and instead shrivel up in the winter.

The response to these challenges is the creation of greenhouses or greenhouse facilities. A greenhouse is a structure made of glass or plastic that stores up the sun’s rays in order to simulate the temperatures in the spring all year long inside. By storing up heat inside a greenhouse, it allows individuals to grow plants continuously even while winter rages hard outside it. Greenhouses also go by the name glasshouses or hothouses.

The glass or plastic used in the construction of greenhouses are specially designed to have transmission qualities that will allow for the sun’s ultraviolet rays to be stored inside the greenhouse facility, providing a warm atmosphere inside, and in effect, warming the plants and the soil. A greenhouse leaves little or no openings through which the air heated by the stored sunlight can escape; leaving a small window or hatch open in a greenhouse will lead to a drastic drop in temperatures.

The general idea of a greenhouse is to protect temperature and climate sensitive plants from extreme shifts in temperature—either too hot or too cold. Maintaining a greenhouse has its own share of toil. Unlike the normal outdoor environment, which may be left to its own devices to some extent as nature creates some degree of balance, a greenhouse must be placed under strict regulation. Inside the greenhouse is a controlled environment that must simulate the outdoors without overdoing it.

For a start, it must regulate heat and humidity inside the facility. Other factors to be considered are irrigation of the plants (and sufficiency of the water available to them), light exposure, and the presence of pests and diseases must be put into great consideration. Moreover, due to the fact that the spring outdoors is sealed into a single facility, natural activities like pollination must be simulated by the introduction of species that will help make this possible. Bumblebees are the most popular option for pollinators in greenhouses.

It is recommended that greenhouses be built in the southeast portion of the property. It is in this way that the minimal sunlight available during the winter will be maximized by the greenhouse. Moreover, the house can serve to protect the greenhouse from strong winter blizzards coming in from the north.
Greenhouses may be built attached to a house, or as stand-alone structures. The latter option provides more growing room for the greenhouse facility.

While it may seem that there is too much to do in order to simply start a greenhouse, gardening enthusiasts will be more than willing to vouch for greenhouses, especially if gardening is a hobby. Gardening affords even the busiest of folks to tend to their plants when they are available. With a greenhouse, the constraints of day and night, and even the seasons, are put in the backseat. Greenhouses provide the option of tending to gardens even at night because lighting and heat is consistently present inside the structure.

Moreover, it gives gardeners the ability to plant exotic flowers and fruits that are usually grown in warmer tropical areas as they are able to control light exposure and heat inside the greenhouse.

Greenhouses may even provide profit-making possibilities for gardeners. With potted plants for indoor growing and flowers growing in demand, greenhouse owners are given opportunities to sell what they grow inside their greenhouses to buffer whatever maintenance costs they incur along the way.

In the higher-latitude territories, greenhouses carry the important task of growing fresh produce in areas where the climates are harsh and cruel on plants. This is one of the biggest reasons for huge greenhouse facilities that house vegetables and fruits more than flowers and exotic foliage.

At the end of the day, greenhouses allow for the creation of a miniaturized and highly controlled natural environment to suit gardening needs. Its growing potential to provide for fresh produce in territories even with the instability of global climate proves to be a benefit that may be explored in the future.

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Tips on Planning and Building Your Home Greenhouse

Building a greenhouse is like building a house. You should have a well-designed plan and several things need to be taken into consideration. There are different types of home greenhouses but your choice should depend on the growing area, architecture, location and costs. Most importantly, the greenhouse that you will be building should, of course, serve its purpose of maintaining a proper environment for plants to grow.


As mentioned, there are several things that need to be considered when putting up a greenhouse. To give you some tips, here are the things to be included in the planning stage:

- Location. First thing to note in building a greenhouse is its location. The best location for a greenhouse is a place where it will get maximum sunlight. Morning sunlight is best for plants because it makes them start processing early which will result to maximized growth.

Thus, the best location is on the east side where it gets maximum morning sunlight especially from November to February. North of buildings or any major structure is the last location to be considered as it only provides little light. Also, it is best to make sure that the trees nearby the chosen location will still allow enough sunlight to reach the greenhouse.

Other things to be considered when choosing location are good drainage, location of sources of water, electricity and heat. The location should also be convenient for the owner or the caretaker as well as to the utilities.

- Greenhouse type. In general, a home greenhouse can be any of these two types – a free-standing structure or one that is attached to your house or garage. Attached greenhouses also have different kinds. One example of an attached greenhouse is the lean-to. This is a half greenhouse attached directly to one side of a house or building with doorway, if possible. This type is close to sources of heat, water and electricity and is the least expensive. However, this kind of structure also has some limitations on space, ventilation, and sunlight.

Another attached greenhouse variation is the even-span. This kind of structure has one gable end connected to a building. It provides more usable space and allows for better air flow to maintain temperature. It is also the most costly, though, among the attached ones.

The third type of an attached greenhouse is the window-mounted. This type can be attached on the east or south side of the house or building. This is a glass enclosure that extends a foot or so, which gives enough space for growing a few plants at low cost.

Freestanding greenhouses are separate structures that are not limited to a small space. Since it is set apart from an existing structure or building, it should have its own water and electricity sources as well as heating system.

When choosing the preferred structure, make sure that enough space for benches, storage, as well as future expansion is considered. The University of Maryland Cooperative Extension Service suggests a minimum area of 6 feet by 12 feet for a free-standing or even-span greenhouse.

- Structural Materials. Your greenhouse should also have a good structural foundation to withstand extreme weather conditions. There are several options for a frame and framing materials to choose from. Do-it-yourself greenhouse plans commonly use wood or metal pipes as their structural material. There are different kinds of frames available which range from simple to complex designs. Some examples of frames are Quonset, gothic, rigid-frame, post and rafter, and A-frame.

Another material to be considered is the covering for your greenhouse. Your choice of frame and covering should correctly match. Some factors to be considered to choose a good covering is its ability to trap the most amount of heat inside, as well as its life span. The different choices for greenhouse covering include regular glass, fiberglass, double-wall plastic, and film plastic.

- Foundations and flooring. Glass frames and the double-wall plastic need a permanent foundation and the plan should be provided by the manufacturers of the frame. It is also recommended for the greenhouse to be elevated a little to have enough space for water to flow. Thus, permanent flooring is not advisable as the soil may stay wet and make the floor slippery. A walkway made of gravel, concrete or stone is advised for easy access to the all the plants.

- Environmental systems. Once you now have a good plan for the structure of your home greenhouse, the next thing to consider is its proper maintenance. Aside from sunlight and heat, different elements are important to maintain the ideal growing condition for plants. These environmental systems that should be included in greenhouse planning are heating, air circulation, ventilation, cooling, controllers and automation, water and lighting systems.

Building a greenhouse can prove to be demanding and challenging. Complete knowledge about greenhouse is needed for you to be able to build a productive structure. A considerable amount of time is needed to make a good plan which should cover all aspects. It pays to learn and scout for different options before making your final decision.

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Paneling Up the Greenhouse

Farming is normally done in an open area. Since the weather is something that man cannot control, harvests are some times lost due to floods and other calamities which will take another year recover. 


To sustain the growth of the farmer, some have decided to use greenhouses which prove to be better than growing it out in the field.

Greenhouses enable the farmer to grow just about anything inside a controlled environment. Since this varies on the species of the plant, the farmer has to choose what to concentrate on to yield more money from the harvest.

The greenhouse is made up of two important things. The first is the frame which is the foundation of the structure. The other is the panels which are designed to keep the plants warm and essential for maximum growth.

Greenhouses in the past were made of glass. Since these shatter when hit by a hailstorm or break due to a lot of snow, other people have decided to shift to acrylic or plastic which are better resistant to these types of weather conditions.

Panels serve both as the roof and the walls of greenhouse. If there are plants inside that do not need that much sunlight, various covers can be used to block off some of the sunlight that enter the structure.

According to experts, the amount of ultraviolet rays coming from the sun that most plants need is about 70-75%. Anything more than that is too much and could kill those that are planted inside the greenhouse.

There are three kinds of panels that are available in the market.

The most common is glass. This does not provide the plants adequate protection from the sun’s rays which is why people want to try others things to be used as panels for the greenhouse. People have also used tempered glass which has proven to be stronger than the regular version. 

People who use glass should hire a contractor to do the job since these are heavy and will require more than 3 people to do the job. This will save time and money should it break without the help of professionals.

The next is plastic. Manufacturers have been able to produce panels made using fiberglass, polyester or acrylic and polycarbonate. These have proven to withstand hail storms, heavy snow, balls and rocks that may fall upon the greenhouse. These are also very light and only allow the right amount of light for the plants.

The third is the use of film that is placed on top of the panel. There are to kinds normally used namely Polyethylene and polyester which also provide adequate protection from the sun. These are relatively cheap and are bought in rolls. Once the panels have been set up, the person can just cut it to the size of the panel and put in on.  

Each of these types of panels has its own pros and cons. Choosing the right one will depend on how often the greenhouse will be used and the types of crops to be planted. 

Farm maintenance is not easy and will require the proper tools to make it work. As the climate changes during the year, having the right panels will ensure that plants are able to grow under any conditions.

Panels can be purchased right from the store or made to custom fit the specifications of the greenhouse. Both the farmer and the contractor must measure the site first to make sure the right panels are made.

If these are too expensive for the farmer, there are some sites on the internet that may provide the services at a cheaper price. All the person has to do is canvass around first before making the decision of the type of panel ideal for the greenhouse.

Plants need both water and sunlight to survive. The process known as photosynthesis is essential for plant growth. The person has to do some research on the types of plants to be grown and the amount of sunlight needed to ensure a good harvest.

To be sure that the plants are getting just enough in a controlled environment such as a greenhouse, the right panels should be used to make it work.

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Greenhouse Misting System

Greenhouses have become important tools in plant cultivation. They provide much needed growing rooms for places which are not very conducive for the development of certain plants. They allow the cultivation of plants in places which could grow these plants normally.


There are many factors which can affect the development of plants inside a greenhouse. The proper balance of air circulation, ventilation, humidity, shading and heating will provide the plants with an optimum environment.

Misting

Other factors will such as ventilation and shading, are important for prevention of overheating in the greenhouse. However, proper misting or the control of humidity is the main factor which maintains a comfortable environment for the cultivation of plants. Evaporation uses up heat when it turns water from liquid into a gas. When the venting process is done, much needed moisture is lost from the greenhouse because it escapes into the air. Misting is one of the ways to replace the lost moisture inside the greenhouse.

The amount of moisture which is needed to be maintained by the greenhouse is dependent on several factors such as the amount of shading and ventilation that is provided, the status of the local climate and the fluctuations in the daily weather. The rule of thumb is that for each 10 square-ft of area, there must be 1-2 gallons/hour of moisture. A misting system will effectively distribute moisture evenly to all the parts of the greenhouse. A good misting system can disperse water in a fine mist, this will prevent the plants from being soaked.

Misting systems reduce temperatures by as much as twenty-five degrees F which is about 14 degrees Celsius.

Here are some facts about misting systems

-Misting systems can be used to disperse water in an ultra fine mist or a very coarse spray. The size of the droplets can depend on the nozzle type, the spacing of the nozzle and the operating pressure.

-Misting systems are used for many different kinds of applications aside from its normal greenhouse chores. They can be used from dust suppression, controlling static electricity control and concrete curing.

-Misting systems utilize pumps which are designed for intermittent or continuous duty. Intermittent pumps are designed to sprinkle water for five minutes and rest for a minute in between misting.

-Misting systems now come with electronic timers which can be programmed to mist 1-14 times a day with each misting ranging from 1 minute to 24 minutes. Other systems can be programmed to mist in shorter durations but more often.

-Nozzles are made from brass or plastic materials. The brass nozzles can be easily affected by minerals that abound in the water supply. The plastic nozzles can tolerate these minerals and can actually repel lime and other deposits.

-The amount of water which is needed to maximize the efficiency of the misting system can be calculated by multiplying the rate of the nozzle flow per minute by the number of nozzles in the system and the result will then be multiplied again by the minutes that the misting system will be in operation each day. This result will be a good estimate of how much water is needed by the system.

-Most misting systems today offer pumps which are almost noise-free. They will not affect the plants and especially the people near the greenhouse.

-Misting systems can be supplemented by an evaporative cooler. They work very well in dry climates (where humidity is below 50%). The air is cooled by around 10-20 degrees by the water which is evaporated because they are drawn through the cooler and then into the greenhouse. Too much humidity can be a problem and this is why people should water the plant only when they need it.

-The use of tools which can measure humidity can also be very helpful for greenhouse enthusiasts.

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Should Farmers Do Business with Greenhouse Manufacturers?

The ancient people of Egypt did farming using a good irrigation system and proper sunlight to make the crops grow. This practice still continues today which has served as the backbone of the agricultural industry.


Since the weather, insects and diseases threaten the crops throughout the year; this has prompted scientists and farmers to use of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides to sustain crop production.

Recent studies have shown that this does more harm than good since the ingredients for these products are hazardous to health. This has changed again the approach used by farmers and scientist who want to go back to organic farming.

To control crop production against the weather, greenhouses have been erected. This provides a controlled environment to grow the plants all throughout the year.

Greenhouses are usually built using wood and metal while the panels are made of glass. Since this isn’t sturdy enough to withstand the weather, termites and rust, manufacturers have come up with many models using different materials.

The frames of the greenhouses can now be made of aluminum and plastic which is rust and termite resistant. Frames on the other hand can be made of plastic or film which has been proven to be stronger than glass during heavy snow and hail storms.

It is also scratch proof and will not break even if a rock is thrown at it. This has also proven to allow only 70% to 75% of ultraviolet rays from entering the greenhouse which is the right amount of sunlight needed for plants to grow.

Each of these depends on the specifications of the farmer and how big the area is. There are freestanding versions and there are those that can be custom made. The person has to assess the area before making the decision of what kind of greenhouse is ideal.

Greenhouse manufacturers do not only make the shelter for the plants. It also provides instruments and machines to ensure plant growth. This will all depend on how often it is used, the types of plants and the weather where it will be put up.

Farmers who live in cold climates need heaters to keep the plants warm during the autumn and winter months. This can be bought in different sizes that cater to the needs of the individual.

Manufacturers can also provide timers that can release water at different times of the day to give plants the proper nutrients for growth. 

There are many ways to do farming and manufacturers who have been in the business for years can give good advice. A very popular technique used in the United States and in Europe is called Hydroponics.

This uses water instead of soil for plant growth. Manufacturers of these greenhouses can provide the necessary tools and machines that will make this process work. There are many ways that this can be done and those who are new to this technique can learn from these professionals.

A good thing about this technique is that farmers are able to product 4 to 6 times more than the traditional method. It also helps these people avoid the usual problems with soil such as weeds, diseases and pests.

Greenhouses do not have to be expensive. The farmer just has to check what is needed then work with the manufacturer within a certain budget. Some manufacturers can even offer better prices when these are ordered online with free delivery.

There are organizations that farmers and hobbyists can reach to get the right greenhouse. Some of these people also join agricultural conventions and other events to promote the use of greenhouses.

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5 Factors to Consider When Choosing Greenhouse Lighting

If you are one of those few people who are in love with nature, then, having a greenhouse garden at your background is an incredible idea. In fact, according to some statistical reports, 80% of the 100 people that owned greenhouses in the United States were nature lovers, while the remaining 20% said it was purely for commercial gains.


Built specially for plant cultivation, greenhouses or hothouses are specially designed to suit the needs of every plant lover. It is a sanctuary where people and plants can bond together and enjoy each other as they fill the world with lush flora and abundant greens.

In as much as greenhouses are designed to provide the perfect environment for any kind of plant, there are some cases wherein the viability of the equipment is still dependent on the owner of the greenhouse or to those who manage the area.

In this sense, it is important for every greenhouse owner to see to it that the needs of the conservatory are being met.

The Greenhouse Setting

Technically, the main concept of a greenhouse is that the plants are placed in a space confined in a specially designed structure. Since the plants were not cultivated in an open area, it is extremely important for the owner to provide the necessary requirements that the plants have.

One should keep in mind that the plants are placed in a secured place; hence, it is the responsibility of the greenhouse owner or the one who manages the place to provide the needs similar to that of the ones being enjoyed by the plants in the exterior environment.

The Lighting

One of the most important necessities of every plant in order to manufacture its own food is the light. You have probably learned from your grade school science teacher that plants need light in order to produce its own food, along with the other factors such as water and air.

With respect to the conditions inside the greenhouse, it is important for the plants to receive adequate amount of light in order to develop and grow on its maximum state. This is especially useful during winter, where no amount of natural light can be produced.

Hence, it is extremely significant to provide some artificial lights in order to supply the lighting needs of every plant inside the hothouse.

Today, there are various kinds of lighting features that are built to suit the individual needs of the plants being cultivated in greenhouses. Choosing a specific greenhouse light can be very tricky, especially if you are not yet familiar with it.

Hence, it is so important to consider some factors when buying a greenhouse light. Here is the list that you can use when buying the items:

1. Type of greenhouse

Before buying a greenhouse light, try to consider first the kind of greenhouse that you have. Is it a commercial greenhouse or a personal one?

Knowing what type of greenhouse that you have could easily teach you what kind of light to choose. For instance, if you have a commercial greenhouse, it is best that you buy a light that is created to endure humid, adverse conditions that are commonly found in commercial conservatories.

2. Length of use

It does not necessarily mean that when you buy lighting fixtures you will absolutely use them 24 hours a day. The duration of light use in greenhouses are based on “photoperiods.” This means that the period, in which, the light will be used may vary. For example, one may use lighting for a “12-hour photoperiod.” This means that within 24 hours cycle, lighting will be used for 12 hours and 12 hours with no light at all.

Hence, it is important to buy a light that will provide the necessary benefits even if it will take longer hours of use.

3. Purpose

Buy a light that will focus more on your desired results. For instance, if you want to motivate the growth of your flowering plants like the orchids, it is best to buy a light that will put more weight on the “spectrum colors” like the red, blue and the “far-red wavelengths.”

Besides, the colors of the light have notable effects on the plant growth. This means that not all light can actually produce the desired results.

4. Electrical efficiency

Even if lighting can provide most of what your greenhouse needs, it is also important to take note of the efficiency of the product. This means that you should better opt for those lighting products that provide optimum effect without having to compromise the amount of energy that they consume.

It would be better to buy lights that are efficient but can still conserve as little energy as possible.

5. Heat

Do remember that lighting should only be used where it is needed. This goes to show that any light that emits more than what it is needed for is actually worthless. Simply put, a light that emits more heat as it releases light is of no use. Too much heat on plants will trigger its death. For example, it is not a good idea to buy an incandescent bulb because it gives out too much heat.

Indeed, lighting is such an important factor in a plant’s development. Hence, it is very important to consider the kinds of light to be used in your greenhouse in order to ensure the quality of plant growth that you want to achieve.

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Greenhouse Kits for Plant Enthusiasts

Greenhouses are used for cultivating different kinds of plants. From fruits, vegetables, flowers and other ornamental plants, these are now grown in greenhouses. A greenhouse uses the concept utilized by Earth to maintain heat inside. It is a structure which uses electromagnetic radiation to be able to capture heat and keep it inside to make the environment more conducive for plant cultivation.


Greenhouses are usually made up of plastic or glass materials. It heats up the plants by acting like a blanket for them. The warmed air is retained by the walls and the roof of the green house.

The plastic or glass used in greenhouse construction is specifically made to trap the energy into the greenhouse. The greenhouse prevents convection and thus prevents the heated air from escaping outside.

There are several requirements in effective plant cultivation in greenhouses as compared to plant cultivation outdoors. Special care is needed to be able to prevent pests and diseases from infesting the plants. The greenhouse’s temperature should also be monitored so as to give the plants the optimum conducive environment for their growth.

In this light, the right greenhouse supplies should be availed by interested cultivators. There are a lot of greenhouse kits available out there for people who would want to put up their own greenhouses for commercial plant cultivation or as a plain hobby.

Here are some of the available greenhouse kits that are out in the market:

Sunshine

These are greenhouse kits which are framed by fantastic redwood. They have polycarbonate insulations for covering the plants. Another good thing about the sunshine greenhouse kits is that they provide a lot of space because they have very tall frames (usually 10 feet tall). They are also very easy to install because the insulated polycarbonate insulations are already built into the frame. Their prices rage from a thousand dollars to around four thousand.

Cross Country

These are high quality greenhouses which have several modified options which are available. They are framed with aluminum which provides sturdy support for the greenhouse. They also come with doors with screened windows and an automatic ventilation system. They are priced from $2,500 to $30,000 dollars. They can be quite expensive but the price speaks of their quality.

Little Greenhouse

These are greenhouses which provide economy for people who would want to engage in plant cultivation. These kits come with structures which are protected from ultra-violet rays. They also include bench setup and an exhaust fan. They come with a PCV frame, a four millimeter polyethylene covering made up of plastic. They provide optimum environments for plant cultivation. These are recommended for beginners.

Juliana

Juliana greenhouse kits are very popular for their rust-free frames which are made from aluminum and a poly-carbonate, twin-wall covering which provides cultivators with a long time of enjoyment at a very affordable price. There are many models under this kind of greenhouse kit. They come in very affordable prices- as low as 65 dollars.

Portable

These are very inexpensive greenhouse kits which are very easy to assemble and disassemble. They are recommended for seasonal gardening because one can easily put them up and store them away when they are no longer needed. They come with one of the most durable coverings which are made with plastic film. Their structures are made of steel. They also come in with a build-in door and a screened ventilation windows. They also have storage bags. They are available for the price of 300 dollars.

Hobby Gardener

These greenhouse kits are covered by original “snapglas” panels. These are panels which have the clarity that is offered by glass and the sturdiness and durability possessed by polycarbonate. They are also equipped with barn-like roof which provides more room for plants. They also include hinged-doors, hinged-roof and ventilated walls. They are priced at around a thousand to two thousand dollars.

There are many kinds of greenhouses for different kinds of enthusiasts out there. One must be keen in choosing the kit that suits his needs and preferences. Moreover, he must be able to know which greenhouse will provide the optimum environment for the growth of the plants which he will be cultivating.

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A Greenhouse Kit for Both Amateur and Professional Gardeners

A greenhouse kit is a great way for both amateur and professional gardeners to enjoy year round gardening. Greenhouses are garden structures designed to cultivate plants by harnessing the heat generated by the electromagnetic radiation coming from the sun. The heat is retained within the structure’s walls and roof to heat the plants and the soil within it.


Greenhouses can be used to effectively farm various plants such as flowers, fruits and even vegetables within its controlled environment wherein humidity, condensation and light are the key factors that contribute to its effectiveness. These structures are generally freestanding however other designs may also be joined to the house or built in a lean-to manner.

The size of greenhouses also varies depending on the purpose of the structure. Miniature greenhouses may simply be a window extension that can be used for growing herbs while massive greenhouses can be as wide as block and usually for business purposes.

In previous years, greenhouses were generally custom-built with a huge price tag attached to them. But today greenhouse kits have become readily available and affordable for the enjoyment of every amateur or professional gardener.

Things to Consider When Before Buying a Greenhouse Kit

Ready-to-build greenhouse kits have become quite popular as they offer an extensive selection of sizes and styles. These kits give a gardener the opportunity to adapt the structure to the design of their garden in order to fit and match. Before choosing and buying a greenhouse kit, it is important to consider a number of factors in order to be able to select the ideal kit.

It is important to take into account the type of plants to be grown within the structure as well as the type of gardening to be done along with the climate of the region where the greenhouse structure would be assembled.

For instance, a gardener interested in planting within a wintry climate should consider a greenhouse kit that has a double-walled area that is securely sealed. On the other hand, a gardener that wants to start seed planting should think about getting a greenhouse kit constructed with plastic frames and sidings.

Greenhouse Kit Details

Greenhouse kits come in various sizes ranging from 6 feet by 8 feet to 16 feet by 24 feet. The styles of greenhouse kits are also varied to represent classic conservatory designs that are marked by the typical gable roof with straight eaves. Victorian style greenhouse kits are also available. This style features either a rustic look with wooden frames or a gothic vaulted roof with curved eaves.  

In most cases, the frame of greenhouse kits are usually made either of plastic, aluminum, galvanized steel, cedar or redwood. However, many favor plastic greenhouse kits as they are more affordable and provide the smallest amount of heat loss compared to other kits.

In traditional custom-made greenhouses the siding is built with either a double or triple wall of glass in order to keep the heat trapped within. Greenhouse kits use mainly plastics that provide excellent insulation and at the same time unbreakable. Commonly plastics used are polyethylene, polycarbonate and fiberglass.

Greenhouse kits are generally easy to put together as the parts are already pre-drilled and pre-cut. There are even greenhouse kits available that use a snap-together frame for easier assembly. A reasonably priced greenhouse kit may possibly include aluminum or galvanized steel frames, a see-through plastic cover with a door incorporated into it.

The door may either be a zippered side-flap or a roll-up depending on the design of the greenhouse kit. The typical ceiling height of a greenhouse kit is about 8 feet to allow for headroom of the gardener. There are times however when a greenhouse kit may not include certain items such as shelving, flooring or anchor system.

Although some greenhouse kits provide the owner with information on how to lay down a foundation for the hothouse using any of these weather resistant materials like wood, poured concrete or even concrete patio stones. The purpose of a level-flooring surface is to provide good drainage as well as hinder wind damage for the structure. Reasonably priced floor-framing kits are readily available at gardening stores that also sell greenhouse kits

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How Does Greenhouse Humidification Work?

Each plant may grow with the changing condition of greenhouse humidity and temperatures because of the different factors composed by a greenhouse environment. Temperatures are partially light in quantity. It can vary in the density and humidity of the air, which transforms to moist. The warmth and the changing climate condition that may occur to the greenhouse could be great factors in a plant’s growth.


Heat my transfer to the plants’ leaves and stems. This happens only when the greenhouse adapts to certain humidity parameters that are responsible in the phototropical and photosynthetic plant activities. The heat transfer that is responsible for maintaining energy balance in the greenhouse is very essential to the plants’ canopy.

The growth of various plants such as vegetables, exotic fruits, flowering plants, orchids, and other green plants in the greenhouse need their own warming and cooling depending on certain climate changes. A climate change influences the humidity and temperature in a greenhouse. Other gardeners that may not be knowledgeable in the parameters of air temperature and humidity may encounter short and unhealthy plants.

If a greenhouse has an unbalanced state of humidity, it could be very hard to produce the right amount of humidity needed by the plants. Plants have their own way of adjusting to the quantity of light intensity and other aspects that involve greenhouse climates.  The optimal level in the greenhouse is also created by the photosyntetical occurrence in plants where the sunlight plays a very big role in the greenhouse humidity.

Sunlight or the solar radiation with energy parameters that influences a plant’s growth is one factor that may affect the greenhouse humidity. The intensity of the solar radiation spectrum can directly and indirectly affect the energy balance that is essential to a plant’s life process. The energy needed may depend on the solar radiation intensity that enters the greenhouse. A life process could show active or inactive characteristic levels of adjustments that may increase or decrease their development and growth.

The soil or plant base temperature may also influence the humidity in the greenhouse. Heat transfer on the ground soil is needed by the plants to acquire the needed temperature in the greenhouse. Many experiments prove that the optimal soil temperature affects the life process of plants especially of those naturally grown by organic fertilizers. The light intensity and humidity factors can also influence soil temperature because of the absorbed heat and warmth on the leaves and stems.

Lighting, humidification, and cooling systems are important aspects that may create different effects on a greenhouse. Evaporative coolers play big roles in sustaining the humidity and temperature. There are units that offer warmers and humidifiers from cool air to a maximum torrent of humidity, which is operated by a three-speed fan motor.

When it is fully used in its maximum potential to a large greenhouse, it can totally control the air moisture in a constant time interval. Other units that are essential in the humidity of the greenhouse are the directional airflow louvers, which maintain the flow of the air to create a humidifying, ventilation, and cooling.

Coolers that are available in the market are designed to have better significance in a greenhouse. There are some that are modeled with heavy-gauge, zinc-coated metallic louvers and cabinets that feature a zinc-chromate. This is also furnished on baked-on enamels. They also have non-vibrating frame supports, durable fan-swings, and three-speed motors. These evaporating elements are built with three unattached pads.

Lighting and humidifiers are needed by most plants to live. The sunlight and humidity that is received by the leaves and stem cells create a balance distribution of Carbon Dioxide from the greenhouse humidity. This developmental cycle from the plants and to the elements of the life process is called photosynthesis. Sunlight and proper temperature is needed in order to supply photosynthesis in the plants.

The needed sunlight depends on the season of the year. Too much exposure to sunlight can be experienced during summer seasons. It is better to have cooler systems and humidifying systems to maintain a balanced temperature inside the greenhouse. This process also goes well during winter seasons where sunlight could be scarce. The need to have heating systems and proper ventilation should also be considered to have a balanced life process in the greenhouse.

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All You Have to Know About Greenhouse Heaters

Temperature changes several times a day. And during the night, it could really drop to a low level that may not be healthy for plants. Thus, to keep the temperature at a suitable level for a successful plant growth, greenhouse heaters are needed. In choosing the right greenhouse heater, you must take into consideration not only the capability of having a good temperature during cold, winter nights, but also the costs to be incurred in installing and running it.


Kinds of Greenhouse Heaters
- Electric heaters. This kind of heater is most suitable for smaller greenhouse structures. Electric heaters can efficiently maintain specified temperature levels. These do not produce any fumes and there is no further need for ventilation when these heaters are being used.

- Gas heaters. Since these heaters are fuelled either by natural gas or bottled ones, they can be less efficient that the electric heaters. Their waste products due to combustion are discharged into the greenhouse and ventilation is required when they are in use. Also, these heaters should be placed in a safe location and need constant monitoring and replacement.

- Paraffin heaters. This kind of heaters is the most basic among the three. Paraffin heaters need constant refilling and wick-trimming. They also need fuel to run, thus, fumes are again discharged into the greenhouse and would need ventilation. However, paraffin heaters can reduce the risk of frost damage and act as emergency standby.

Heater Mounting
- Hanging. These heaters are mounted directly to the ceiling or hung from it. It is advantageous to use because of less floor space consumed. They should just be hung high enough as to not be an obstruction.

- Wall. This type of heaters is mounted directly to the wall and vent towards the outside of the greenhouse. No floor space is required but the area in front of them should be clear.

- Floor. This type is not mounted as they have their own stand and can be placed anywhere on the floor of the greenhouse. That is the disadvantage of this type because it occupies a lot of space.

Heater Combustion
- Open. This kind of heater uses air inside the greenhouse for combustion. As long as the air does not have contaminants in it, this will work just fine. Flammable liquids should not be placed near an open combustion heater, though, because its burner is not sealed.

- Separated. A gas heater uses this kind of combustion mechanism wherein it uses the air outside the greenhouse for combustion. Its burner is also sealed to trap all the air in from outside of the greenhouse. The exhaust pipe is run to the outside of the structure.

- Sealed. This kind is a lot similar to the separated combustion type. The burner is completely sealed inside and there is no access to air inside the building. Sealed combustion heaters use direct vent both for exhaust and intake.

Heater Vents
- Unvented. Being unvented heaters, combustion-produced gases are directly released to the heated area. Unvented heaters are only for temporary use because of the sensitivity of some plants.

- Gravity. The exhausted air from this type of heater should rise through the pipe and released outside, thus, the vents should be vertical. The air expelled must be replaced by outside air.

- Power. These power vented heaters have a blower that pushes air through the pipe and outside the structure. The vents may be arranged vertically or horizontally, and the vent pipes are smaller making it more efficient.

- Direct. This kind of venting is special to sealed combustion types. It has only one vent pipe with both the inlet and exhaust; one pipe is inside the other. The amount of air that leaves the pipe is the same amount that it pulls as intake. There is no additional air outside needed to replace the expelled air.

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Gardening inside the Greenhouse

Most homes have a front lawn or a backyard with trees and grass. The person can easily make a few changes then it will be better than it was before.  A good hobby that some individuals have taken in the spare time is gardening and the same thing can be done if one decides to have a greenhouse.


The first thing that needs to be done is assess the area where the greenhouse will be. If there is not that much space in putting a free standing version, then perhaps attaching the greenhouse to the home is a good idea.

The first thing to be done is to measure the area. The greenhouse should have enough sunlight for the plants and shade when it gets too hot. This can be done by making some observations at different times of the day.

The home may be affected by the cold climate or the heat during the summer. Preparations need to be done to install and heater and a ventilation system which could to counter the threat and make the flowers grow in the greenhouse.

The kind of heater to be used for a greenhouse can be powered by electricity since the area isn’t that big. Getting something like those that use oil or gas may only be needed if the structure is expanded.

Both systems will provide the gardener sufficient oxygen and carbon dioxide that is needed for the plant to grow.

Another way of giving plants enough space to grow is the type of panels used for the greenhouse. Since plants need sunlight to grow, the type of material used for the windows and ceiling are important.

Traditionally, glass can do the job but some studies have shown that too much sunlight passes through and kills the plants. To avoid this, panels made of film, plastic or Plexiglas is much better.

The greenhouse should also use the ideal kind of flowers that will survive the climate. The person can ask the sales representative at the gardening store or look at the label posted on each plant before buying and bringing it home.

When everything is ready, the person has two options. The first is draw the design then go to a supplier who can do that or go directly to the contractor to make a drawing then have it made.

If the person doesn’t have an idea where to start, one can look at how the other people who do this as a hobby in the neighborhood do it. The person can also visit the arboretum or look at gardening magazines just to get an idea what kind of greenhouse is best for the home.

The soil in that part of the house should be prepared before construction is under way. Basically, this is just to enclose the area so it is alright if there are plants in the site already. 

The greenhouse can later be improved to not only have soil but have water at all times that will enhance the plants growth. This technique which is done by farmers to increase crop production is called hydroponics farming.

When the gardener, has enough money, soil can be changed to water channels that release water mixed with nutrients to the plants. There are various ways to do this and doing some research on the way this can be implanted will get the gardener moving on the right track.

Another thing needed to properly work in the greenhouse is having the right equipment. This can easily be purchased at the local gardening store and these should be stored properly when not in use.

It will be a good idea to have this locked to prevent children from playing with it and accidents from happening.

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How To Fertilize Greenhouse Plants

A plant newly potted will need some time so that it can grow new roots in order to absorb or take in the fertilizer that you will apply.


How you fertilize and what type of fertilizer you use is dependent on what kinds of plants or crop you grow in your greenhouse, because every crop has a particular requirement with regards to nutrients, and this requirement should be met.

For house plants, it is usually much easier to fertilize a large group together.  Generally, plants need to be fertilized every one or two months while there is rapid growth and all throughout the winter season, twice or once only.

Alternatively, you can apply the fertilizer more frequently when using a liquid fertilizer diluted in water; this familiarizes certain plants that otherwise be injured when you use a fertilizer of full. Generally half of the recommended strength or dosage means that you use only half fertilizer in every plant.

Annual plants can flourish very rapidly and will require fertilization every two weeks throughout their “short season”. A few flowering plants such as the Azalea must not be applied fertilizer while in their blooming or flowering stage.

Most fertilizers that are generally used have considerable amount of nitrogen (50 percent); they contain the preferred amount of nitrate f and are usually labeled and identified as “peat-lite”.  This type is preferred and recommended for greenhouse hobby use.  The N-P-K ratio can be verified by reading the label that is found at the fertilizer bag.

Fertilizers are usually applied at the amount or ratio of “200 ppm nitrogen” fertilizer like “21-5-20” or “20-10-20”.  This is completed by continuous liquid application; this ratio is the basis for mostly all pot grown “greenhouse plants”.  The rate may be adjusted downward or upward depending on the plant that is grown.

Any pre-mixed or ready mixture of fertilizer for the kind of plants that you grow is acceptable; for most flowering and foliar plants.  An N-P-K ratio analysis that is similar to “1-2-1” will supply a balanced growth.

Soluble fertilizers can be conveniently applied and deliver faster results compared to solid fertilizers or “slow release” gravel-like fertilizers. Just apply the solution in a manner like you are watering your plants, however, instead of water, use the fertilizer solution, making certain that the plant soil is slightly moist before application.  You should never apply fertilizer solution onto plants with dry soil the roots can be injured by the fertilizer chemicals; moist soil further dilutes the chemicals.

Apply fertilizers always following or much weaker dose than the suggested dilution strength, and not stronger, as seedlings, newly established cuttings, and developing plants will derive benefit from much weaker solutions; stronger solution will only injure young and soft roots.

There are many injections or siphon devices available in the market to make application of soluble fertilizers much easier; however, when you use them, be certain that you install “backflow preventers” in order to keep the nutrients or chemicals in the fertilizer solution from contaminating your water supply in the home.  Likewise do not water your plants with a “water-softened” water due to its “high salt” content.

Recommended fertilizer products

A mixture of floramicro, florabloom and floragro, will enable you to combine a wide range of many different nutrient blends or solutions in order to fulfill the specific requirement of virtually any kind of plant that you grow, and at different stages of the plants life. 

This is accomplished by changing the mixture combinations as well as the general strength of your solution.  You can combine different ratios and different strength of nutrients by adjusting the water quantity when blending floragro, floramicro and florabloom.

Calcium Nitrate in Greenhouse Grade may be used in large scale growing.  It can be economical to buy fertilizers in 50-pound quantities. Calcium Nitrate in Greenhouse Grade and Hydro-Gro are great combinations to achieve complete nutrient blend.

Greenhouse plants need your attention.  Check on them each day to be sure that they are free from disease and pests and act immediately if there is any problem.  It is a wise idea to know the characteristics of each type of plant that you grow in your greenhouse.  Have fun taking care of your plants!

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Choosing The Right Greenhouse Design

When one has a greenhouse, it means that one never has to quit gardening just because of weather conditions. You can keep on propagating cuttings and seeds and grow several plant varieties whatever the season.


When choosing a greenhouse, select a greenhouse style that matches the design of your home and the layout of your garden. Weather conditions should also be taken into account, as when your area experiences heavy snows during the winter, most likely you will not select a flat or straight roof design, rather a roof that will allow the snow to slide off easily.

The standard free-standing with curved or peaked roof greenhouse up to now is very popular that can be found in so many gardens. The rectangular or square shape permits for utmost growing space for plants, usually designed with benches on the sides and at the back.

Lean-to or home or wall attached greenhouses designs are manufactured and used when there is limited space at the backyard.  These greenhouse designs are very accessible and convenient for connecting much needed water and power supply.

When choosing a certain design in the market, the “sky's the limit”. Small solariums of various designs are widely available, medium and large sized greenhouses and even  prefabricated greenhouse kits for easy installation.

Here are some greenhouse designs:

1.  Gable greenhouse.  This design type usually is attached to a wall or garage or any structure utilizing only half the gable’s actual gable design. Generally, this type has flat roof panels but slightly sloping and vertical sidewalls. At times, the gable types of greenhouse are also attached to another greenhouse employing the use of the end wall rather than sidewall.

2.  Barn style greenhouse.  This design type is, as the name suggests shaped similar to a barn having wide roof and interior and with shorter walls. This design is usually incorporated in a garden of country setting or theme or a rustic garden appeal. This greenhouse design can be attached to another greenhouse or can be beautifully constructed in a garden freestanding.

3.  Dome greenhouse. This design is identical to a dome, meaning it is half a ball and placed directly on land. This design can not be attached to a structure and only can be constructed as a freestanding type of greenhouse, as this design has no sidewalls. This type of greenhouse is a bit expensive to make due to the many pieces of different glazing that generally are needed to complete this design shape.

5.  Gothic style greenhouse.  This design type has a very historical gothic appearance. The walls and roof are formed in such a manner as to create a continuous form, allowing snow to fall down easily. This design type can be either attached or freestanding, however it is usually not recommended attached except when your home’s design  is very much similar to a gothic design.

6.  Hoop greenhouse. This type of design is constructed with a metal pipe or PVC to make the hoop’s shape then enclosed with plastic covering. This type of design is very cost effective on your initial purchase, but the maintenance of continuously replacing the cover (plastic) can really add up.

One will find that the majority of greenhouses are manufactured from aluminum material that is weatherproof and lightweight. Galvanized steel also is sturdy and lightweight. Wood can also be used, but one has to make sure to use a lumber that has been pressure treated such as redwood or cedar because these are weather resistant.

As to whatever greenhouse design should you decide on, be sure to look for a structure with the highest strength and stability and must have these features:

•  Will be cable to endure extreme weather conditions, like very high winds and snowfall build up.

•  Should have the necessary support for grow lights, sidewall shelving and hanging baskets.

•  Should have an intricate detail of having hinged screened storm doors as well as large side or individual roof vents.

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How Greenhouse Climates Work in the Growth of Plants

There are geothermal heated greenhouses that support a plant’s life process in changing climate conditions. These heated greenhouses consume a large amount of heat energy when it comes to gardening and agriculture. However, it should be satisfying to most gardeners because of the good results they provide to the growth and development of a plant.


Most of these energy needs and geothermal conditioning are basically structured according to the environmental and ecological orientation of most greenhouses. The energy needs are adjusting based on the certain climate changes that may occur from the different seasons of the year. They are built with light materials that have minimal insulating features to create a stable climate inside the greenhouse.

The external climate brings a different approach to an internal climate system in a greenhouse. The necessity to have a greenhouse may occur during colder seasons where there is limited sunlight. The main purpose of having an internal climate system is to optimize the needed factors for plant growth. The internal climate factor that will be obtained is the photosynthesis process involved in environment and plant reactions.

Photosynthesis is the reaction process between the plants and the sun’s solar radiation. This means that carbon dioxide is supplied by sunlight to create a life process for the plants. There is a certain amount of climate heat that is calculated to designate the needed supply for lighting and heating. The greenhouse climate is essential in calculating the needed heat and coldness to the demand of the greenhouse.

The existence of heating and humidifying systems can adjust to the conditions of any external climate changes. Some processes that take part to the continuous energy balance maintained in any greenhouse is the water transport through the soil, plant canopy, and air. The formation of chlorophyll affects the entire internal climate. This happens because of the effect of heat transfer, solar light, oxygen and carbon dioxide cycle.

Here are some factors in valuing each aspect of parameters that is important to the climate condition and character of the internal climate.

1.  The air movement in the greenhouse may influence the needed heat transfer on the air composition to the plant canopy. It also involves the process of water transfer to the plant canopy. This process will sustain the energy balance needed by the plants to continue a healthier life process in the greenhouse.

2.  The heating installation is essential for the proper distribution of temperature inside the greenhouse. It also allows a controlled air movement to maintain the humidity and moisture in air characteristics that is affected by the external climate changes.

3.  The water transport in the greenhouse also plays a big role in sustaining the photosynthetic process in the environment the plants. The roots have aspects pertaining to cultivation base that offers a needed amount of water, which is also needed in humidity and greenhouse temperature.

4.  The air temperature affects the whole energy state inside the greenhouse. It is the connective heat supplied in the different aspects of the environment. The characteristic of the air movement in the greenhouse influences the leaves and stems of each plant.

5.  The light factor is very essential in producing photosynthesis reaction to the plant’s canopy and to the formation of carbon dioxide that serves a big role in the respiration of the plants. Its necessity takes significance on the plants’ development and life process inside the greenhouse. Solar radiation provides instant intensity of light spectrum to supply the needed warmth and heat energy during colder seasons.

6.  The soil or ground base temperature affects the condition of the climate inside the greenhouse as well. The significant parameter involves the transfer of heat energy directly to the ground structure, which includes the roots and the water flow system that partakes in the plants’ growth.

7.  The carbon dioxide concentration also takes part in the life process inside the greenhouse. The normal average of carbon dioxide concentration in the external air atmosphere is 0.03%. This is important to maintain a balanced temperature and humidity density in a greenhouse.

It is important for a greenhouse to have installed systems to create an environment that will provide continuous life process for plants in changing climate conditions. A well-planned greenhouse climate should assure a person of having proper distribution of light, temperature, water, carbon dioxide, and other essential factors needed for every plant to grow.

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What are Greenhouse Accessories and How Do They Benefit the Plants?

Enhancing your greenhouse is not as simple as how you enhance your decorations or designs at home. In fact, it is entirely different thing compared to whatever enhancements that you do, whether at home, in your work station, in your backyard, etc.


Hence, when it comes to greenhouses, obtaining some accessories is not actually your ordinary way of creating a good impression that you can brag about with your friends. To obtain some greenhouse accessories is to actually buy things that will be of good use to your greenhouse.

But before we narrow down to the accessories that you need to purchase for your greenhouse, you should know first the meaning of greenhouse.

Basically, greenhouse is a structure where plants are nurtured and developed. While other s call it hot house or glasshouse, this is because a greenhouse, is in fact, made of glass. Sometimes there are greenhouses that are made of plastic.

The main reason why greenhouses are built with this kind of materials is to allow the heat coming from the sun to enter the house so as to warm up the plants, soil, and other items that are innate inside the structure. The heat that sets inside the greenhouse does not easily escape the place. It stays inside the structure, thus, warming the air inside.

Because taking care of plants in a greenhouse is just the same as nurturing them in a typical garden, there is not so much of a secret that needs to be divulged here. However, not all of the accessories that are being used in a typical backyard gardening are the same as that of the items used in greenhouses.

Hence, it is important for every person, who wishes to set up his or her own greenhouse, to know the different greenhouse accessories that must be purchased and utilized inside the hothouse.

Here is a list of the necessary greenhouse accessories:

1. Temperature gauges

Since the heat that seeps inside the greenhouse is not instantly dispersed or released because it continues to hold on to the walls or ceilings of the hothouse, it is important to keep track of the available temperature within the area.

With the temperature gauges, you can easily detect the available temperature inside the greenhouse. With this device set up inside the place, you can easily spot any drastic changes in the temperature inside.

Most of the temperature gauges have large dials, like that of a clock. In this way, you can easily see the available temperature reading.

2. Thermostats

For optimum temperature control within the greenhouse, it is important to use a thermostat in order to control the amount of temperature within the area.

Moreover, thermostats are specially designed to promote ventilation in the conservatory. In this way, the hotness or warmth within the area is managed.

3. Humidistat

Controlling temperature within the greenhouse is important, but where temperature matters, so does humidity. This is because when a certain place gets hot, the surrounding air gets humid or damp. Hence, it is also important to control the amount of moisture inside the hothouse.

This kind of device is made available for people who wish to control the hotness inside while keeping the moisture lock in such a way that it provides enough moisture for the plants. Too much heat can dry up the air. Hence, it is important to use this device to detect if there is some moisture that is still present in the air.

4. Lighting accessories

Most of the lighting system being used inside the conservatory is the “grow light.” This refers to the device that boosts the amount of light inside the hothouse, especially when the amount of light is inadequate. This is usually applicable and very useful during the winter season.

5. Light meters

Indeed, plants need light in order to grow and develop in a healthier way. However, it does not necessarily mean that too much light is still healthy for the plants.

Hence, it is important to keep track of the amount of light that is being fed to the plants. With light meters, you can control the amount of light that you think would best work for your plants.

These are just some of the many greenhouse accessories necessary in order to boost the healthy development of the plants. Just keep in mind to consider the condition of your greenhouse and the nature of the plants so as to determine the right accessories that would best work for you and your plants.

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Learn the Benefits of Greenhouse Gardening

A greenhouse should provide all the important aspects in gardening. Many people take importance of the need to nurture and develop healthy plants in all sorts of climate conditions. Greenhouses are very important in providing necessary methodical ways to grow and develop plants in a more conventional and easy way. Plants can grow larger and quicker than their usual growth in normal agricultural methods of gardening.


The traditional methods seem to supply less production and allow a farmer or a gardener to spend much of his time in laborious work and consume effort in tending to the various needs of growing his crop and plants. A farmer may encounter some inconveniences in the changing climate conditions that may occur unexpectedly, leaving him with no choice but to let the crop find its own way to survive. There are certain plants and crops that only live in a specific season of the year.

Greenhouses help gardeners to grow plants regardless of the season. Greenhouses are built with well-planned internal systems that will provide the necessary aspects for plant to continue its life process. There are installed heating systems and humidifying systems that will supply the exact amount of heat needed to warm and light the plants during winter season where sunlight is limited.

Sunlight is very essential for a plant to grow and develop. It is where it allows its solar radiation to produce the photosynthetic reaction needed by the leaves and stems of the plant. This process is very essential in supplying the needed chlorophyll by the plants to grow healthier and larger.

However, too much exposure is not that good as well to some plants. Greenhouses must also be structured with proper shading and coverings to allow only the needed solar radiation. A good ventilation system is also required to have a good circulation of air that will react to the needed humidity and cooling in seasons where too much external heat affects the humidity inside the greenhouse.

Many gardeners nowadays build their greenhouses with proper greenhouse accessories that will supply them the needed functionality to have a well-balanced environment. It is necessary to set up some basic supplies that will attend to the need of producing healthier and larger plants. Some supplies instantly help a gardener to calculate the temperature such as the thermal measuring system that sets up the needed temperature to heat and cool the plants depending on the type of internal climate.

Rainwater systems are also important to have a well-distributed water flow in the greenhouse. He may collect water from the downspouts and gutters of the greenhouses, which is considered ecologically friendly instead of installing automated water system that can be installed with set timers and metered watering systems that irrigates the plants in specific intervals according to the set time to water the plants.

Some people also accessorized using modernized potting benches and tools, which are very helpful every time a gardener attends to his plants. He may have the luxury of placing his tools with the proper designated places where a gardener feels comfortable and allow him to work conveniently in sowing and cultivating the soil. Potting benches are mostly featured with trays and holders serving as storage whenever a tool is not in use.

Greenhouses are structured and are sometimes attached to the house where all the basic supplies are all provided in the systems of the house. In this way, all materials and basic needs are supplied directly into the house such as water, electricity, shadings and coverings. However, many people have more pleasure in freestanding greenhouses where they spend much of their time in enjoying and relaxing while tending to their plants.

In some cases, greenhouses are hydroponically oriented where the use of organic chemical materials is supplied on their plants. This method is vastly accepted all over the country. This method is basically conventional because a gardener may not need the use of soil in his gardening.

He may save more space and time in cultivating and potting his plants. The liquid solution is fed the roots of the plants allowing the roots to accept and distribute the needed nutrients to the fast growth of the plants. It also helps a farmer in increasing his production using this kind of method.

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Free Greenhouse Plan for You

A person may have the interest of constructing a greenhouse in his backyard where he can enjoy tending to his plants. Most greenhouses constructed are independently structured with their own watering and misting systems to accommodate the needs of the plants. A greenhouse should be properly designed and built so that a person may not encounter any problem concerning the maintenance and supply materials that are used in the greenhouse.


A greenhouse should have a well-planned misting propagation system. This is very essential in propagating and growing healthier plants and crops. The system should have the ability to maintain the moisture and humidity of the air.

He may set automated misters in the greenhouse to maintain the high temperature and humidity needed by the roots of the plants. He may avail this system with timers and meters where he may set a constant time detector to indicate the needed humidity inside the greenhouse.

He may also have a well-planned rain water system in the greenhouse. This is essential in conserving water from automated watering systems that provides the needed water from the pump or from the electricity. The greenhouse must have properly placed gutters and downspouts to water the plants from natural rainwater. He may supply the greenhouse from the collected water from this systems, this is more accessible and environmentally friendly to the gardener.

The electricity in the greenhouse should also be planned according to the needed warmth and lighting of the plants during cold climates. He may use grow lights to increase the amount of spectrum present in the greenhouse. This is very essential for the leaves of the plants.

He must also consider the climate that may affect the growth of the plants. Winter season may have shorter days and there could be no sunlight available during this season. The lighting should play a very big role to prevent the plant from being shorter because of its less exposure to sunlight. It is important to have a lighting supply on the plan.

There are many free greenhouse plans that a person may find in the Internet. There are plans that will help him how to plan the greenhouse with supply systems to have a full potential greenhouse. There are also sites that provide instructional methods on how to propagate and learn the methods of hydroponics gardening which is popular nowadays. There are also websites that provide free greenhouse plans for constructing and building a freestanding or a lean-to greenhouse.

For those people who have not yet started building their own greenhouses, here are some free greenhouse plans that will help a person how to build a small greenhouse.

1.  He may use such materials such as a 15 to 20 squeeze clips, 1 roll duck tape, 3 rolls heavy duty 3M clear tape, 6 mm clear plastic, 18 ratcheting tie downs, 4 to 8 T posts, 10 x 20 Universal canopy, and the options of adding grow lights and heaters. These materials may not cost him much for these supplies may just be enough to build his small greenhouse.

2.  He may need the services of two to three persons to set up the frame of the greenhouse. He can insert the pieces to the frame to make the connection. He must make sure that the connection points are properly wrapped with the Duck Tape. The pipe will then be properly placed according to the position he would like to place the greenhouse.

3.  He may now connect the 18 tie-downs to connect to the upper part of the frame. He may use four T posts to support the four corners of the structure. He may place an extra T-post inside the frame and drill it at least 12” to the ground.

4.  He may now make two separate plastic coverings to have a full view on the structure. He may cut the plastic that may fit the covering of the greenhouse. He may cut the plastic with a measurement of 30 ft.

5.  He may now use the ladder to cover the greenhouse then use the gravels to down the plastic on the sides. He needs to make sure that the plastic covers all the end caps to the ground.

This is a free greenhouse plan structural instruction may a gardener a little help on how to build a small and cheap greenhouse that is within his budget.

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Big Business Using Commercial Greenhouses

Maintaining a farm is not easy given the large area to cover and the manpower needed to make it work. Through the years, scientists and other experts have made some progress such as the use of sewage, irradiation, pesticides and herbicides, to ensure that there is enough produce to cater to the market.


Even with the resources available, farmers still have to deal with weeds, diseases and the weather that could endanger the crops during harvest season. Though this has brought some relief, this is not enough since these have proven to be detrimental to public health which has prompted the farming industry to go back to the basics.

This means growing things the natural way. Aside from tilling the land using organic methods,  there is another way that could still improve crop production and that is the use of commercial greenhouses.

Commercial greenhouses are enclosed buildings that are usually made up of metal, wood and glass. These structures are designed so that the farer can grow vegetables, flowers and fruits in a controlled environment. The sizes of these vary and some can be custom made according to the specifications of the farmer.

Farmers can still use soil to grow the plants inside these structures or use other methods that have also proven to work. A very good example is hydroponics farming. This technique doesn’t require the use of soil but rather water to make the plant grow.

Tests have shown that this technique helps crop production significantly as the plants are able to absorb the nutrients faster from water than soil. In one experiment, tomatoes grown using the soil were only able to produce 4 tons while it was able to produce 40 tons using water.  

There are many ways that hydroponics can be done. This depends on the type of plants that the producer wants to grow inside the commercial greenhouse.

Most commercial greenhouses are free standing version models. Before erecting the structures  in the farmland, it is best to check how many can fit in the desired location and if there is adequate sunlight and wind to help the plants grow.

The climate changes all year round and farmers must be prepared to handle any situation. Strong lamps can be used to act as artificial sunlight to keep the plants warm especially at night. The installation of a ventilation system should give the crops oxygen and carbon dioxide. The structure can also have a timer system programmed to release water and nutrients at different times of the day.

The panels used for commercial greenhouses are vital to plant growth. This should give the crops the much needed sunlight to help it grow. Aside from glass, plastics can also be used since these appear to be stronger during winds and hailstorms. 
The frames of commercial greenhouses can be made of wood, metal, aluminum and plastic. The farmer has to choose the strongest to withstand different weather conditions.

Greenhouses are not only used in the United States but in Europe as well. On the other side of the Atlantic, these structures are called glass houses. Most of these are used to plant flowers and are attached to most homes.

Commercial greenhouses are expensive. The price range is from  $4,000 close to $50,000. The owner of the farm and the supplier should make the proper measurements and estimates together before the installation can begin.

There are many companies that do this so it will not be hard to find. Those living in farmlands should know a lot of suppliers. Should these be a bit expensive, the person can check online to do a comparative before making the decision who to order from.

The use of commercial greenhouses allows the farmer to grow just about anything inside these structures. Since not all fruits and vegetables may produce the same quantity during harvest season, the farmer can choose what types of plants to focus on which will be good for the business.

A lot of things should be taken into consideration before getting a commercial greenhouse. By having a budget in mind and choosing one that can work well against pests, diseases and the weather, the farmer can be sure of a good harvest when the season comes.

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