A greenhouse’s ability to trap heat makes it ideal for providing necessary warmth to plants in cooler winter months.
But managing that heat in the warmer summer months can present a challenge for the grower.
That’s why understanding and employing proper greenhouse cooling methods is necessary to ensuring your continued gardening success throughout the year.
As warmer temperatures start to arrive where you are, keep these cooling techniques in mind so your greenhouse doesn’t overheat—and your plants don’t suffer!
Shadecloth. An easily added option that works well in all climates, shadecloth cools by keeping heat out of the greenhouse. It’s recommended that you use a light meter to determine what your light levels are, then selecting an appropriate shading factor for optimal efficiency. For best results, install the shadecloth on the outside of your greenhouse to prevent additional heat from entering the structure.
Ventilation. Active (mechanical) or passive (natural) ventilation methods are a low-cost and low-maintenance option for cooling greenhouses, but they may need to be paired with another option in an extremely hot climate. Whether your system involves vents and/or fans, use cooler outdoor temperatures to your advantage whenever possible to maximize their efficiency. Even in very hot climates, this may only happen at night.
Evaporation. Misters, wet walls and evaporative cooling systems help bring temperatures down as vaporized water absorbs heat from the air. Commonly found in large commercial operations, evaporative cooling can work on a smaller scale in residential greenhouses. These systems are ideal in dry climates, but technology is at work to develop wet wall options for humid environments.
Not sure which cooling method will work for you? Or do you need some advice to create a custom system? Call us at 1-800-531-4769 and let our friendly representatives help you today! You can visit our website at www.GothicArchGreenhouses.com for any greenhouse gardening needs.