Green House

GREENHOUSE-HIGH TUNNEL

The beautiful thing about modern greenhouses and high tunnel technology is that your operation no longer has to stop or slow down during the long, cold winter months. Even outdoor crops can benefit from some of the same season-extending techniques used to grow inside high tunnels.

Along with having a proper high tunnel winter growing setup in place before winter comes knocking, it’s also crucial to have a planting schedule laid out so you can have the most successful winter harvest possible.

Having the right tools on hand before the first frost touches your field or garden is the best way to ensure that you can keep healthy crops growing well into the cold.

VENTILATION

Greenhouse ventilation is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy and productive growing environment. Proper ventilation helps to regulate temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide-to-oxygen ratios, which are all essential for plant growth. In this post, we’ll discuss the importance of greenhouse ventilation and the different types of ventilation systems available.

Greenhouse ventilation helps to optimize the environment of your structure throughout the year, extending your growing season and producing the highest yields at the best quality. A greenhouse ventilation system will:

Regulate temperature: excess heat is a major plant killer, and many plants are quite heat sensitive.
Control pests: air circulation will help ward off opportunistic pests that love to prey on sickly plants.
Maintain fresh air levels: a greenhouse ventilation system will let air come in freely and circulate it throughout the entire structure.
Aid in pollination: consistent air movement will help your plants pollinate, especially with self-pollinators like greenhouse varieties of tomatoes.

The right greenhouse ventilation system will depend on the specific growing requirements and environmental factors. Consider the following aspects when selecting a ventilation strategy:

Greenhouse Size and Design: The size, shape, and layout of your greenhouse will impact airflow patterns and ventilation effectiveness. Larger greenhouses may require more powerful fans or additional vents to maintain proper air circulation.
Climate: Consider your local climate when selecting a ventilation system. Greenhouses in hot or humid regions may require more aggressive mechanical ventilation methods, while those in cooler or drier climates may be better suited for natural ventilation.
Plant Needs: Different plant species have varying temperature, humidity, and airflow preferences. Consider the needs of your specific crops when designing your ventilation strategy.
Budget: Factor in the initial costs of equipment and installation, as well as the ongoing energy expenses associated with mechanical ventilation systems.

It is recommended that your total fan capacity should be 2 times the floor area of your greenhouse. Fan capacity is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air moved. So, in a 30′ x 100′ greenhouse, the fan capacity should be 30′ x 100′ x 2 = 6000 CFM.

12” Fan – 900 High CFM
24” Fan – 4450 High CFM
36” Fan – 8860 High CFM

BEFORE WINTER

Many of the crops listed under August and September can be planted on an ongoing basis.

June: peppers and tomatoes
July: beans, broccoli, collards, peas, eggplant, and summer squash
August: beets, carrots, parsnips, turnips, parsley, cabbage, kale, and potatoes
September: cilantro, mustard greens, tatsoi or bock choi, miner’s lettuce (Claytonia perfoliate), garlic, and short-day onions
October/November: onions, chicory, endive

WINTER

Preparing your greenhouse for winter by following a few simple tips will keep your structure solid, your plants growing into the colder weather and ensure you are ready to take advantage of sunny days.

Wash the exterior and interior walls of your greenhouse with mild dish soap and water. Removing dust and accumulated water spots will allow your plants to get the most from the weaker winter sun.
Tighten your greenhouse plastic and patch any small holes with quality greenhouse repair tape. Preventing wind from entering will not only help your greenhouse retain heat it will also help protect your structure from damage during storms.
Oil hinges and tighten any bolts and screws that have wiggled loose. Keeping your hardware tight will prevent your structure from shifting in high winds.
Protect your plants from rodent damage by checking for holes around doors and baseboards. Adding rodent repellent or traps near possible entry points will help ensure that unwanted visitors don’t decide to take advantage of the cozy environment you have built for your plants.
Take the time to collect, wash and dry any equipment, that will be stored in the greenhouse over the winter. Dirty pots and muddy shovels can harbor plant diseases that will survive and thrive in the warmer, humid environment.
Check your drainage trenches and any gutters for debris before the rains start. Pooling water from poor drainage is easier to prevent than to remove in the middle of a storm.
Keep a rope long enough to go over the greenhouse or a long-handled squeegee on hand to help remove snow buildup.