COVERSTORY
by Eric Hopper
ExHale CO 2 Bags
J
ust as plants grown outdoors need CO 2 for pho-
tosynthesis so do plants grown in an indoor
garden or greenhouse. Oscillating and intake
fans are used to bring fresh air (which contains
CO 2 ) into the garden space. It can be
a challenge for gardeners to provide
enough CO 2 for photosynthesis to
an indoor garden or greenhouse that
is packed wall to wall with plants.
Without an adequate amount of CO 2 ,
the plants will never perform up to
their full potential. Sufficient air flow
is the key to maintaining ambient
CO 2 levels within an indoor garden or
greenhouse.
However, indoor gardeners and
greenhouse growers have the unique
opportunity to raise the CO 2 level in
the garden to levels above that of the
ambient air. The ability to increase
CO 2 levels within the growing space
is one of the biggest advantages of
the heightened control provided by
indoor horticulture. Enriching the
growing space with CO 2 can boost
the rate of photosynthesis and, in
6
turn, boost growth rates. Plants grown in a CO 2 en-
riched environment are generally more robust and can
produce larger fruits and flowers. One of the easiest
and most cost effective ways a grower can add CO 2 to
www.GardenandGreenhouse.net
October 2017