Sofia Martinez
Plastic greenhouses are vulnerable to overheating and can suffer from heat build-up, especially in the summer months. This can cause poor plant growth, the need for frequent watering, and increased electricity bills due to fans running constantly. To prevent this, it is important to ensure proper ventilation and shading. While some plastic greenhouses only have a front door and slide flaps for ventilation, there are various methods and modifications that can be employed to improve airflow and regulate temperatures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ventilation options | Fan-powered vents, solar-powered roof vents, natural ventilation, a fan and tube system, roll-up sides, a solar-powered greenhouse shutter, continuous louver, automated vent openers, internal blinds, polyethylene mesh or netting |
| Shading options | Shade cloth, a curtain or sheet draped over the greenhouse, a towel draped over the top, or a different cover for the greenhouse |
| Other methods | Keeping the door open during the day, placing the greenhouse in morning sun and partial shade, using a humidifier, mister, or swamp cooler |
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What You'll Learn
Fan-powered vents
There are various types of fans available for greenhouse cooling and ventilation, including exhaust fans, shutter fans, and horizontal airflow (HAF) fans. Exhaust fans are an excellent option for cooling as they are simple to install and inexpensive to run. HAF fans, also known as circulation or stir fans, help to maintain a uniform temperature in the greenhouse by eliminating "hot spots". These fans can be installed on the ceiling, wall, or as freestanding units, catering to a range of greenhouse sizes.
When choosing a fan, consider its ability to bring in fresh air and circulate the existing air. This not only helps regulate temperature but also manages humidity levels, creating an environment less favourable to pests and diseases that thrive in damp conditions.
For those seeking a creative, low-cost solution, some individuals have utilised computer fans, coupled with a louvered dryer vent, to create a functional venting system for their plastic greenhouse. This innovative approach showcases the potential for upcycling and adapting readily available materials to meet the unique needs of a plastic greenhouse setup.
In addition to fan-powered vents, other methods to manage the temperature in a plastic greenhouse include strategic placement to maximise airflow, using shade cloths or covers, and monitoring temperature with tools like greenhouse thermometers to make informed adjustments. By combining these techniques with fan-powered vents, you can effectively maintain a comfortable environment for your plants.
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Solar-powered roof vents
The installation process for solar-powered roof vents varies depending on the type of greenhouse you have. For polyfilm greenhouses, the vents can be directly installed into the film coverings using the pre-installed base channel and a wiggle wire (included). However, for polycarbonate greenhouses, you will need to build a curb for installation, as the necessary wires and bases are not included.
One of the advantages of solar-powered roof vents is their ability to automatically open and close. You can set the vents to open when the temperature inside the greenhouse reaches a certain threshold, typically between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This feature ensures optimal ventilation and temperature control, creating an ideal environment for your plants.
Additionally, solar-powered roof vents often come with optional insect screens. These screens play a crucial role in keeping unwanted pests and debris out of the greenhouse while still allowing for adequate airflow. This feature is especially beneficial during the warmer months when insects are more active and can pose a threat to your plants.
Overall, solar-powered roof vents offer a convenient and eco-friendly solution for ventilating your plastic greenhouse. By harnessing solar energy, these vents provide consistent airflow while reducing the need for manual labour. This technology helps create a sustainable and controlled environment for your plants, ensuring their healthy growth.
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Natural ventilation
To achieve natural ventilation in a plastic greenhouse, you can try the following:
- Place your plastic greenhouse where it receives morning sun in winter and spring, but has evening shade in late spring, summer, and early autumn. Keeping the door open during the day and closed at night can help prevent extreme temperatures.
- Monitor the temperature inside your plastic greenhouse and adjust its position and shading as needed. You can use a thermometer to record maximum and minimum temperatures, allowing you to make informed adjustments.
- Consider adding an extra window or door to the rear or sides of your plastic greenhouse to increase airflow. This modification can be done using kits designed for adding zips to the plastic material.
- Use a shade cloth or a different cover for your plastic greenhouse to limit the amount of light that enters and reduce heat buildup. A sheer curtain or a white sheet draped over the structure can also help lower temperatures.
- In less windy conditions, draping a towel over the top or tucking it between the metal frame and cover can be an effective temporary solution to keep the heat out.
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Greenhouse positioning
In the summer, you will want to increase airflow by limiting how much air the plastic cover keeps out. You can do this by adding an extra window or door to the rear or sides of the greenhouse. You can buy kits designed for adding zips to the plastic, but this is a substantial modification. A cheaper alternative is to drape a cloth over the top of the greenhouse to reflect sunlight and keep temperatures down. You can also use shade cloth, a towel, or a shade curtain.
You can also increase airflow by using a fan to move out hot air. Fans are almost a necessity, even with vents. A humidifier, mister, or swamp cooler can also help lower the temperature by evaporation.
To ensure your plastic greenhouse is sited correctly, monitor the temperature inside and adjust the position and shading as needed.
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Shading
Positioning
Place your plastic greenhouse where it receives morning sun in the winter and spring, but ensure it has evening shade in the late spring, summer, and early autumn. This positioning will help prevent extreme temperatures and potential damage to your plants.
Shade Cloth
Shade cloth is a popular option for creating shade in greenhouses. It comes in various colours, such as black, white, green, red, grey, and blue, and different shading percentages, like 50%, 70%, and 80%. The key is to understand how much sun your plants need and choose the shade cloth density accordingly. For example, orchids and herbs require less direct sunlight, so a denser shade cloth would be suitable. You can place the shade cloth on the inside or outside of your greenhouse, depending on your preference and goals. External shade cloth absorbs or reflects light and heat before it enters the greenhouse, while internal shade cloth reduces the temperature by blocking the light within the structure.
Sheets and Curtains
Using sheets or curtains to cover your greenhouse can also help reduce temperatures. A white, sheer curtain draped over the greenhouse can significantly lower the temperature. Similarly, a white sheet or a Grandma's ultra-sheer fancy curtain can also be used to reflect light and keep the temperatures down.
Paint
Greenhouse shade paint is another option for creating shade. It is easy to apply externally and is shower-resistant. Remember to wash it off towards the end of the season.
Netting and Blinds
Netting and blinds can be used to create shade and retain heat during winter nights. While they can be rolled up during the summer, keeping them in place allows for quick deployment when needed.
Additional Ventilation
Increasing airflow by adding an extra window or door to the sides or rear of your plastic greenhouse can help reduce temperatures. While this modification may be substantial for a low-cost item, it is an option to consider if other shading methods are insufficient.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to vent a plastic greenhouse. You can use a fan to move out hot air, a shade cloth or a different cover for the greenhouse, or a humidifier, mister, or swamp cooler to lower the temperature by evaporation. You can also add an extra window or door to the rear or sides, or use a solar-powered roof vent.
Place your plastic greenhouse where there is morning sun in the winter and spring, but evening shade in the late spring, summer, and early autumn. Keep the door open during the day but closed at night and in high winds. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the position and shading as needed.
Ventilation is important for a plastic greenhouse to prevent excessive temperatures, which can result in poor plant growth, the need for frequent watering, and increased electric bills from fans running all the time. Ventilation also helps to protect plants from excess heat and provides sufficient air circulation.
