Chloe Zhang
Plastic greenhouses are more susceptible to overheating than glass greenhouses due to their lack of ventilation. They can quickly accumulate heat, especially during the summer months, which can be detrimental to plant growth. Therefore, it is essential to implement strategies to cool down a plastic greenhouse and ensure adequate ventilation. This can be achieved through various methods, including shading, using fans, installing vents, and modifying the greenhouse structure. This paragraph introduces the topic of venting a plastic greenhouse, highlighting the importance of addressing overheating and inadequate ventilation to create optimal conditions for plant growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ventilation | Vents, fans, windows, doors, roll-up sides |
| Shading | Shade cloth, curtains, towels, blinds, netting, external structures |
| Temperature Monitoring | Thermometers, temperature adjustment |
| Cooling | Evaporation, airflow, air exchange, water movement, air movement |
| Vent Types | Solar-powered, manual, motorized, wax cylinder |
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What You'll Learn
Using a fan
Ventilation is essential for a successful greenhouse as it helps regulate temperature, provides plants with fresh air for photosynthesis, prevents pest infestations, and encourages pollination. Poor ventilation can cause plants to become sick and fall victim to pests.
Fans are a great way to ensure proper ventilation in your plastic greenhouse. There are two primary types of greenhouse ventilation: passive and active. Passive ventilation relies on airflow through vents, windows, and doors to regulate temperature and humidity. Active ventilation, on the other hand, uses mechanical tools like fans and evaporative coolers to actively circulate air. Active ventilation offers more precise control over airflow, temperature, and humidity but can be more expensive.
If you opt for active ventilation, you can choose between exhaust fans and circulation fans. Exhaust fans are powerful fans that pull stale, hot air out of the greenhouse, creating negative pressure that draws fresh air in through vents and openings. Circulation fans, also known as horizontal airflow (HAF) fans, move air within the greenhouse, promoting even temperature distribution and reducing humidity pockets.
When using fans for ventilation, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the size, shape, and layout of your greenhouse will impact airflow patterns, so larger greenhouses may require more powerful fans or additional vents. Secondly, consider your local climate; greenhouses in hot or humid regions may require more aggressive mechanical ventilation methods. Additionally, make sure your greenhouse layout allows for unimpeded airflow by avoiding overcrowding plants or placing large objects in the path of circulating air.
To regulate temperature and humidity effectively, you can operate circulation fans 24/7, even when using exhaust fans or opening vents. Ensure your greenhouse is properly insulated and sealed to maintain temperature stability and reduce the need for excessive ventilation. Finally, consider connecting your fans to a thermostat, which will automatically turn the fans on once a certain temperature is reached.
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Adding more windows or doors
While plastic greenhouses are a cheaper alternative to glass greenhouses, they are more vulnerable to overheating. This is due to the lack of ventilation, which can cause a build-up of heat and, in turn, damage plants. Therefore, it is important to ensure your plastic greenhouse is properly ventilated and shaded.
One way to improve ventilation is to add more windows or doors to the structure. This will allow for a through-draft and limit temperature build-up. There are kits available for adding zips to the plastic, which can then be used to attach windows or doors. However, it is worth noting that this is a substantial modification and may not be cost-effective for a low-cost item. Instead, it may be easier to purchase a different model with additional ventilation routes, such as a poly-tunnel.
If you choose to add more windows or doors to your plastic greenhouse, it is important to consider the placement. Windows or doors placed on the sides or rear of the greenhouse will provide additional airflow. You may also want to consider adding roll-up sides, which can be costly but provide an effective means of ventilation.
In addition to adding windows or doors, you can improve ventilation by using fans. Exhaust fans placed towards the roof of the greenhouse, opposite the door, can help decrease the temperature. Circulation fans can also be used to keep the air moving throughout the structure, ensuring it reaches all the plants. These fans can be solar-powered, with automatic openers that respond to temperature changes.
By combining additional windows and doors with effective fan placement, you can create a well-ventilated plastic greenhouse that regulates temperature and provides fresh air for plant photosynthesis.
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Using blinds and netting
Blinds and netting can be used as a low-cost method of cooling a greenhouse. They are usually placed inside the greenhouse and fixed with clips, although external fitting is better as it prevents light and heat from entering the greenhouse in the first place. However, external blinds are harder to arrange and are more expensive.
Internal blinds do not have the same cooling effect as external blinds since sunlight is allowed to pass through the glass and generates heat. However, they are probably more easily automated than external blinds in order to provide shade when it is most required. There are a wide variety of materials available in a range of degrees of shading and with varying permeability to allow air exchange. Polyethylene mesh or netting (shade netting) is a cheaper option than blinds and can be fixed tightly to the inside of the greenhouse. The plastic is likely to biodegrade over a few years but is not expensive to replace.
Shading can be used on cold winter nights to limit heat loss. By September, shading should be gradually reduced and removed as soon as ventilation alone can control overheating. Blinds and netting will considerably reduce heat losses.
Insect netting can also be used to keep pests out of your greenhouse and to keep beneficial insects inside. It can be installed using a spring and lock channel system to provide a mesh screen at any openings such as vents, doors, and sidewalls. It can also be used to create screen doors for additional ventilation.
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Covering with cloth or shade cloth
Plastic greenhouses can quickly build up high temperatures, especially during the summer. This can be detrimental to the plants inside. One way to combat this is by using a cloth or shade cloth to cover the greenhouse.
Shade cloth is a porous fabric that can be draped over the plastic covering of a greenhouse. It is important to note that shade cloth should not be placed directly on the plastic film, as it can be damaging. Instead, it should be suspended between high posts directly over the structure. This will help to limit the amount of light and heat that enters the greenhouse, reducing the temperature.
When choosing a cloth to cover your greenhouse, consider using a sheer curtain or a white sheet. These lighter fabrics will reflect light and keep temperatures down. You can also try using a towel, which can be draped over the top or tucked between the metal frame and the cover.
In addition to using a cloth cover, you can further increase airflow by adding an extra window or door to the rear or sides of your greenhouse. This will create a through-draft and help to limit temperature build-up. Monitoring the temperature inside your greenhouse with a thermometer can help you adjust the position and shading as needed.
By using a combination of cloth covers and increased airflow, you can effectively vent a plastic greenhouse and provide the optimal growing environment for your plants.
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Solar-powered roof vents
The solar-powered vents open and close automatically in response to the interior temperature of the greenhouse, typically set between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This automation ensures that the greenhouse remains well-ventilated without requiring manual adjustments. Additionally, these vents are constructed from lightweight aluminium and UV-protected polycarbonate, weighing approximately 8.5 pounds. They are easy to install, as they can be directly fixed into the film coverings of polyfilm greenhouses using the included base channel and wiggle wire. However, for polycarbonate greenhouses, a curb needs to be built for installation.
One of the key advantages of solar-powered roof vents is their ability to provide continuous air ventilation. The generous size of the vents, measuring 20 inches by 48 inches, facilitates effective airflow. This feature is particularly beneficial during hot summer days when increasing airflow is crucial to maintaining optimal temperatures for plants.
Some models of solar-powered roof vents offer additional features such as adjustable solar panels and built-in screens. The adjustable solar panels allow for customisation based on the specific needs of the greenhouse. Built-in screens serve a dual purpose: they keep insects and pests out, preventing potential damage to plants, and they also act as a safety measure to prevent debris from entering the greenhouse and causing harm.
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Frequently asked questions
If the temperature inside your plastic greenhouse is above 27°C (81°F), you should consider adding some form of ventilation to prevent plant damage.
Some low-cost ways to ventilate a plastic greenhouse include:
- Keeping the door open
- Using a fan to move out hot air
- Installing a shade cloth or a different cover for the greenhouse
- Draping a towel over the top or tucking it between the metal frame and the cover
To increase airflow in a plastic greenhouse, you can modify the structure by adding an extra window or door to the rear or sides. You can also use roll-up sides or solar-powered shutters that open and close automatically based on temperature.
Some signs that your plastic greenhouse needs ventilation include:
- Sun-flag (partial collapse)
- Leaf scorch
- Desiccation of tender young plants and shoots
- High temperatures that can be monitored with a thermometer
Ventilation helps plastic greenhouses by allowing excess heat to escape and cooler outside air to enter, maintaining optimal temperatures for plant growth. This can be achieved through vents, louvers, or fans.
