When managing the environment in your greenhouse, don’t overlook the importance of controlling the humidity. While some plants, like orchids, need more humidity, others prefer dryer conditions. Controlling greenhouse humidity can help you create an ideal environment for what you love to grow.
Just-watered plants do have a satisfying look, but be warned that moisture build-up from overly humid conditions can be dangerous. For starters, bacteria, mold and fungi love humidity, which leads to the proliferation of pests and disease if unmanaged.Greenhouse humidity can also affect how well plants absorb nutrients, which can pose a threat to overall health. Therefore, controlling the humidity helps keep the environment, and the plants themselves safer.
Properly managing humidity in your greenhouse is actually fairly easy. Follow these five strategies to help your plants thrive and ward off diseases and pests!
Control Greenhouse Humidity
Increase Ventilation
The simplest step to controlling humidity is to ventilate, especially since most greenhouses have some ventilation equipment. That could mean everything from opening doors, vents, running fans, etc. More ventilation means more water evaporation can escape, hence, a dryer greenhouse.
Control Temperature
Another easy option is to control the temperature because that influences relative humidity, the rate of moisture present and the total moisture-holding capacity at that temperature and pressure. Don’t rely on thermometers alone; humidity meters can add an extra layer of accuracy.
Proper Watering
Take care not to overwater. As the water evaporates, more moisture is released into the greenhouse. Water just enough so there is no excess on the floor, as well as water enough during the day so plant surfaces can dry before evening.
Plant Spacing
Give plants room to thrive! Plant canopies trap and collect a lot of moisture. And that’s often where the highest relative humidity is in a greenhouse, all because of insufficient air movement. Create more space between plants or use mesh benches to improve circulation, thereby decreasing moisture.
Air Movement
You won’t be able to rely on natural forces to help circulate the air in your greenhouse. So, heaters and fans will sometimes need to be used to help you control humidity. Important considerations with whichever combination or type (fan-jet system or horizontal air flow (HAF) system) is that the air is always circulated evenly and enough (as in the leaves should move slightly).
Questions about what you need or how to address the humidity in your greenhouse? Let us know! Call our friendly representatives at 800-531-4769 or visit www.GothicArchGreenhouses.com today!