Non-permanent Structures : Basic Airflow Principles
For those cultivators on a strict budget , or those who just want to grow a small summer crop in the safety of a greenhouse , there are a few tricks that can be done to counteract heat issues . Again , these tips are best suited for simple , non-permanent structures such as hoop-houses . For starters , cultivators can design their greenhouse foundations with basic permaculture principles in mind , namely digging the base three feet down into the ground . The ambient temperature within the strata of the earth ranges from 60-70˚F . Also , summer gardeners can greatly reduce heat issues by simply folding up the walls and removing the ends of greenhouses . This practice leads to a far greater amount of airflow throughout the structure . To aid in this simple process , and in a fashion akin to indoor growing , an inline outtake exhaust fan should be mounted at one of the highest points of the greenhouse interior , with a length of ducting going to the outside of the greenhouse . With this set-up , the outtake fan will help remove hot and humid air at the top of the structure . To aid in the interior airflow of the greenhouse , cultivators should also use wall fans mounted directly on the greenhouse frame or T-posts . It is important to note that when using these passive , slightly-automated cooling measures , gardeners should always use a tall greenhouse frame so there is sufficient space between the garden canopy and the greenhouse roof . This is largely because the very top of the greenhouse has the hottest ambient temperatures as well as the poorest airflow .
Permanent Structures :
Wet Walls
For those outdoor gardeners with ample financial resources and large-scale ambitions , permanent greenhouse structures provide the necessary platform for complex , automated cooling systems . Permanent greenhouse structures are generally built on solid , level foundations of concrete or gravel and have the infrastructural might to support heavy equipment additions . With these notions in mind , all greenhouses fall within two categories — closed greenhouse systems and open greenhouse systems — that directly dictate the choice of an industrial air conditioner or a wet-wall for cooling options .
Both wet wall systems and AC systems are attractive to summer greenhouse cultivators because each approach requires that greenhouse walls stay closed . As a result , privacy remains intact and atmospheric regulation is left largely at the hands of automation and cultivator needs . However , industrial AC systems are extremely expensive and generally only utilized on a commercial scale . Greenhouse wet wall systems , on the other hand , are semi-affordable , energyefficient options for those planning a summer garden operation in a permanent structure . While the installation of a properly working wet wall system should be left to a professional contractor , here ’ s an overview of how it works . At one end of the rectangular greenhouse , there ’ s a thick , permeable cooling panel . This wallsized panel features a pipe on the upper portion that keeps a continuous flow of water going throughout the membrane . When the water finally drains at the bottom of the membrane , it is recirculated to the top . At the opposite end of the greenhouse , there are large exhaust fans that pull air through the entire length of the structure . The air being pulled through the wet wall membrane and through the greenhouse reduces ambient temperatures inside from 10-15 degrees . One should note , however , that the use of a wet wall system greatly increases humidity within a greenhouse . Therefore , it is essential that an industrial dehumidifier compliments the wet wall system to counteract potential problems with mildew and mold . Also , wall fans are an essential ingredient in keeping an even environmental stasis through the wet wall cooled greenhouse .
“ Without proper cooling measures , the excessive heat in the summer months can greatly hinder the well-being of a healthy garden .”
So , no matter what type of greenhouse you have , there are options out there to help keep it cool and safe for your plants in the high heat of summer . grow cycle 107