Have you ever wondered how to keep your greenhouse cool? If your greenhouse is too hot, it can damage your plants, causing them to wilt and die. One of the best ways to keep a greenhouse cool is to maximize shade, ventilation, and airflow.
However, the coolness of your greenhouse depends on several factors, such as your location, climate, the type of plants you’re growing, and more.
What Temperature Should You Keep Your Greenhouse?
Greenhouses that exceed over 90 degrees F is already too hot for your plants. If your greenhouse is too hot, your plants may wilt, dry out, or stop producing leaves and fruits. For your plants to grow and produce fruits or vegetables, they need to be at their ideal temperature.
Generally, the temperature of your greenhouse should be between 80- and 85-degrees F. However, some plants thrive best in temperatures lower than that, so make sure to know the ideal growing conditions of your plants.
How Do You Cool a Greenhouse in High Humidity?
There several ways to cool a greenhouse during high humidity. Here are three of the most cost-effective ways to do so:
Ventilation
To effectively lower greenhouse temperature, you need to provide plants with a good inflow and outflow of air. You can place roof vents and side vents. Additionally, your greenhouse’s door should also create a movement of air to cool your plants.
Placing roof vents to one-fifth of floor space should give your greenhouse a complete air change every two to three minutes. But if roof vents are out of the budget, opening the side vents and doors is enough.
Shade
Proper shading can help keep your greenhouse cool. However, adding shades to your greenhouse is tricky because plants need sunlight to grow. While shading can help cool down a greenhouse, you also have to allow enough sunlight inside.
One of the effective shading techniques is to use shade paints. Shade paints are a cost-effective way to shield your plants from the sunlight. As summer rolls in, you can add more coats of paint and brush it off as cool-season begins. However, shade paint may not be the best option for all greenhouses. If you can’t paint your walls, you can opt for netting or blinds.
Dampen
Dampening your greenhouse is the cheapest way to cool down your greenhouse. In fact, it’s practically free – all you need is water. You can dampen your greenhouse by wetting hard surfaces. As the water evaporates, the moisture increases, helping plants cope with excessive heat.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Mini Greenhouse?
Investing in a mini greenhouse is one of the best things you can do for your garden. It’s economical, convenient, and you’ll get the same benefits as a regular-sized greenhouse. If you’re still on the fence, here are some of the reasons why having a greenhouse is a great investment.
Many varieties to choose from
Some people think that greenhouses are made of floor to ceiling glass as big as a house. While there are extravagant greenhouses, most of them come in many shapes and sizes. A good greenhouse doesn’t always have to be large and spacious. Mini greenhouses are great for home gardeners who want to grow plants in their backyard.
Protect your plants from harmful pests
Snails, rodents, caterpillars, aphids, and other animals and insects love to eat your produce. To keep your plants safe from these critters, it’s best to place them in a greenhouse. Plus, you’ll also protect your crops from certain diseases.
Keep your plants safe from harsh weather
Heavy rain, high winds, dust storms, and blizzard can destroy your crops in an instant. Having a mini greenhouse makes it easier for gardeners to grow plants in unpredictable climates. For example, some states generally have excellent growing conditions, but it only takes one severe storm to wipe out months of hard work.
Perfect for gardeners with limited space
Mini greenhouses are perfect for gardeners who have limited space. Don’t let these constraints stop you from growing your own fruits and vegetables. You can place your mini greenhouse anywhere – from balconies, patios, decks, and even on tabletops. Even though it’s small, these greenhouses will give you the same benefits as a regular-sized greenhouse.
Ideal for beginners
Mini greenhouses are great for those who want to dabble into greenhouse technology. Before buying a bigger, more permanent greenhouse, a mini-greenhouse lets you know the ins and outs of using a greenhouse. Once you know your preferences, you’ll be able to decide whether you want to invest in greenhouse gardening.
Extend the growing season
With a mini greenhouse, you can extend your growing season by planting before the cold season begins. After the danger of frost has passed, you can transplant your plants into your garden. In this way, you’ll be able to harvest earlier than usual.
Final Thoughts on How to Keep Your Greenhouse Cool
To summarize on how to keep your greenhouse cool, make sure to keep your greenhouse well ventilated, to put adequate shade, and to dampen walls. You can also add fans, and a cooling system added coolness.