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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