Horticulture II
Greenhouse Basics
Plants grow naturally outside, so why do we need a structure to grow them in? What is the purpose/function of a greenhouse?
Greenhouse Environment
Temperature
Moisture
Just as temperature matters, so does moisture. Some plants need dry environments, while others need very wet environments. How are moisture levels controlled?
Watering Humidity
Level of water vapor in the air.
Pest Control
One of the biggest problems growers face is pest control. What types of pests?
Insects (aphids, whiteflies, etc) Diseases (fungus, bacteria, viral) Weeds (oxalis, henbit, etc) Rodents (mice, rats)
Nutrition
Plants, like animals, need nutrients to survive. Growers provide plants with the nutrients they need by supplementing either the water or soil with added nutrients. Growers also have to ensure adequate ventilation.
Carbon dioxide
In addition to the cost of plants, pots, soil, fertilizer, etc, growers also have to deal with two other MAJOR expenses.
Labor Heat
Labor is usually the greatest expense. Heat is usually the second highest expense.
Environmental Control
In order for a greenhouse to be effective, the greenhouse environment has to be closely controlled. What happens if the environment is not controlled? How do we ensure that the environment is kept constant?
Environmental Controls
Humidistats
Humidity
Photocells
Light
Heat Loss
Greenhouses, while efficient collectors of heat, are not good at storing it. Heat is lost through the greenhouse covering (called glazing) and additional heat may have to be provided.
Especially in winter.
Heat Control
Heat, or more specifically temperature, has to be closely monitored and continually adjusted in a greenhouse. Temperature in a greenhouse is monitored by a thermostat, which controls sensors to open vents, operate exhaust fans or intake fans which pull air through a pad cooling system.
Thermostats
Thermostat types
Aspirated Thermistor
Aspirated Thermostats
An aspirated thermostat utilizes a small fan which blows air continuously over the temperature sensing unit. This helps to maintain a more uniform temperature.
Thermistors
A thermistor is a relatively new control that utilizes solid-state electronics. These devices allow the grower to use computers to monitor and control the greenhouse environment. Growers can set defined temperature ranges for certain time periods and the computers turn heat and cooling devices on and off as needed to maintain the desired temperatures.
Light Control
Light levels have to be monitored in greenhouses to ensure that plants are receiving the correct amount. Photocells measure light intensities and may relay that information to computers that turns on additional lights or activates a shade cloth to reduce light. Timers may also be used to lights on or off at certain times.
Moisture Control
Moisture in the air (humidity) should also be closely monitored for optimum growing conditions. A Humidistat measures the relative humidity in the air and controls fogging or misting systems to regulate the humidity. Humidity changes as heat dries the moisture from the air. Moisture must be added by both watering and fogging or misting for most plants.
Summary
The greenhouse environment has to be closely monitored so that plants grow in the best possible conditions. A plant that grows in an environment where temperature, moisture, light, nutrition, and pest levels are ideal and continuous will be as strong and healthy as it can possibly be.