Greenhouse heating, ventilation, and water supply

Heating the Greenhouse

In northern areas the heating plant is the most expensive part of a year-round greenhouse. Since I decided, with expansion in mind, on a rather large heating apparatus, it cost $500.00 installed. Actually, a smaller, possibly secondhand heating plant costing about a quarter as much, would be adequate for this 10- by 12-foot house. The hot water boiler is powered by fuel oil. Tall, stainless steel smoke stacks remain free of rust despite condensation. Hot water circulates through fins on pipes which go around the inside of the greenhouse. The cost of heating per season, September through May and part of June, averages $100.00.

Ventilation and Water Supply

The ventilation arrangement in my greenhouse is of the simplest type. Four of the roof lights fit into redwood sash. Hand openers, made by attaching grooved sticks to hinges on the sash, can be operated from the floor. The vents can be raised just a crack or opened completely. During the summer one of the glass panes in the east wall is removed and a screen inserted in its place to let in more air (while keeping out insects). Directly below this is an 8- by 28-inch vent with sash fasteners for easy opening, to permit ventilating as required throughout the year.

In winter, when a glass replaces the screen, I slip a shelf across the east end of the greenhouse. This is a fine place for a few vines or other salable plants.

Water for the greenhouse comes through the household water system. A mixing faucet in the greenhouse provides room-temperature water which often means the difference between full vigorous growth and the unthrifty appearance of plants that have been shocked by irrigation with ice-cold water.

Tags: home greenhouse

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