Humidification, Cooling and Lighting in Greenhouse

Humidification and cooling

Evaporative coolers do a wonderful job of both humidifying and cooling. One unit offers controlled cooling and humidifying-from a gentle breeze to a full torrent of air at the turn of a three-speed motor switch. At full capacity this unit will change the air in a 14- by 30-foot greenhouse approximately every 2 minutes. Directional air-flow louvers on the fan swing easily into position to control flow to any part of the house to promote draft-free ventilation, cooling, and humidifying.

Most coolers currently on the market are built for eye appeal, as well as service and stability. In one model, heavy-gauge zinc-coated steel cabinets and louvers are primed with rust-resisting zinc chromate and finished in baked-on enamel, while special non-vibrating mountings support the heavy three-speed motor. Evaporating elements are constructed of three removable pads of odorless aspen.

Light and plant growth

Green-leaved plants need light to live. Light acting upon leaf and stem cells helps change carbon dioxide taken from the air and moisture from the soil into sugars and starches, necessary elements for plant growth. This manufacturing process is called photosynthesis. To carry on photosynthesis plants must have, in addition to light, proper temperatures and nutrients.

Measuring Light

Light is measured in foot-candles. One foot-candle is “the illumination at all points that are 1 foot from a uniform source of 1 candle-power of light.”

22. Ready-made fluorescent-lighted cases for propagation or growing

can be slipped under greenhouse benches, workroom tables, or into any

dark, unused spot. (Courtesy, General Electric Co.)

The intensity of light varies with the seasons. In summer, it may reach 10,000 foot-candles or more during the brightest part of the day. This is too much light for African violets, begonias, and decorative green pot plants. During winter months, light intensity may be reduced to a meager 500 foot-candles. Clouds and smoke from factories also reduce light. When light intensity becomes too low, plant growth slows almost to a halt, stems become weak, leaves thin, and flowers are paler than under normal conditions. Under too-high light intensity, plants tend to wilt, wither, and may become yellowed or show burned spots.

With optimum conditions such as good soil, correct watering, and proper temperatures, food production in plants is stepped up as they receive more light. To achieve maximum growth and flowering, you must regulate light intensity to make up for seasonal changes. Shade your greenhouse during summer to cut down the light; remove shade to admit more winter sun; brighten all dark corners with artificial light.

Tags: home greenhouse

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