How to Create Different Greenhouse Environments

A greenhouse is essentially a self contained ecosystem.

A green house is essentially a self-contained ecosystem and you can determine with careful control the environment of the green house. The greenhouse temperature will determine which plants you can grow. In general, the higher the temperature, the higher the humidity and watering needs. You might consider installing an automatic watering system. Greenhouses benefit from good winter insulation and effective summer shading.

Things You'll Need

• Greenhouse
• Heating
• Water

Instructions

1. Design a frost-free greenhouse. A frost-free greenhouse is the most common type of green house and should be maintained with a minimum daytime winter temperature of 41°F (5°C) and a nighttime temperature of not below 36°F (2°C). Use a heater fitted with a thermostat in winter and provide good ventilation all year. Hose down the floor as necessary to decrease temperatures and increase humidity. These conditions are suitable for overwintering frost-tender plants and starting seedlings early in the year. Extra heat will be needed for propagation; a small, heated propagator is ideal for this.

2. Design a tropical greenhouse. An exotic tropical greenhouse can be maintained by insuring a daytime winter temperature of at least 60°F (15°C) and a nighttime temperature of not below 55°F (13°C). Use an electric or fuel-fired heater, natural gas or propane are safest, and a thermostat in winter, with shading and automatic vents in summer to prevent overheating. Keeping plants moist and humidity high is also essential are suitable for growing tropical and sub-tropical plants, both ornamental and edible.

3. Design a temperate greenhouse. A greenhouse to encourage waterplants, begonias and violets, a temperate greenhouse should be maintained with a minimum daytime winter temperature of 50°F (10°C) and a nighttime temperature of not below 45°F (7° C). Use a heater with a thermostat in winter, and vents and shading in summer to keep temperatures down. These conditions suit half hardy and tender pot plants and vegetables.

4. Design a succulent greenhouse. A specialist gardener who hopes to amass a collection of cacti and succulents needs the protection of a greenhouse to develop and flower to its full potential, but tolerates fairly cool greenhouse conditions. Regular ventilation keeps the air circulating, and shading is essential in summer to prevent leaves from being scorched. Under the greenhouse bench is the best place for plants that dislike direct sunlight and tolerate shade.

5. Design an aquatic greenhouse. A greenhouse dedicated to the cultivation of aquatic plants will have the same requirements as a temperate greenhouse with regards to temperature. An aquatic greenhouse should be designed with individual water containers or above ground pools and filtration systems. You will also want to cultivate some fish or aquatic life to keep waterborne pest at a minimum.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful using electric heaters need water sources.