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The Hope Diamond

The history of the Hope diamond, believed to be the world’s largest deep blue diamond, is full of twists. The 112 carat stone that became the Hope beganwhen the French merchant traveler, Jean Baptiste Tavernier purchase the stone from the Kollur mine in Golconda, India, in the 17th century. Its color was described by Tavernier as a beautiful violet.

The stone was sold to King Louis XIV of France in 1668 with 14 other large diamonds and several smaller ones. In 1673 the stone was recut by the court jeweler resulting in a 67-carat stone. Because of its intense steely-blue, it was known as the ‘Blue Diamond of the Crown’ or the ‘French Blue’.

In 1749, King Louis XV had the stone reset and during the looting in 1792 the French Blue diamond was stolen.

The blue diamond resurfaced in London by 1813 and was owned by jeweler Daniel Eliason . Strong evidence showed that the stone was the recut French Blue and the same stone known today as the Hope Diamond. The blue diamond that surfaced in London was estimated at 44 carat. There was evidence that it was acquired by King George IV of England, and upon King George’s death, the diamond was sold to pay off debts.

By 1839, the blue diamond was in procession of Henry Philip Hope, from whom the Hope diamond takes its name. The Hope family is said to have been tainted with the diamond’s curse. According to legend, the once-rich Hopes bankrupt because of the Hope Diamond.

The diamond changed hands several times during the next several years, ending with Pierre Cartier. In 1910, the Hope was bought by the mining heiress Evalyn Walsh Mclean, of Washington. Though Evalyn Mclean wore the Hope diamond as a good luck charm, others saw the curse strike her too. Her first son died in a car crash, her daughter killed herself and her husband was declared insane and confined to a mental institution until his death in 1941.On her death, Harry Winston bought the Hope diamond and later donated to the Smithsonian Institution.

For the next ten years the Hope Diamond was show at many exhibits and charitable events throughout the world. By contrast, the stone’s ownership by the Smithso nian has been much more fortunate. Today, it is the institution’s most popular artifact.

Hope Diamond Facts:
45.52 carat
VS1
Dark Blue in Color
Size: 21.78mm wide, 25.60 mm long, 12.00 mm deep.
It is surrounded by 16 white diamonds plus an additional 45 white diamonds which make up the necklace chain.

Of all the well-known big diamonds the most infamous is the Hope Diamond, a blue colored beauty that was dubbed “The Killing Stone.”

According to the legend the hope was placed in front of a Buddha statue when it was stolen by a warrior, Tavernier, and a curse that foretold bad luck and death befell on the stone ever since. For this transgression, the legend says, Tavernier was torn apart by wild dogs on a trip to Russia just after he had sold the diamond. This was the first horrible death attributed to the curse. But many others would follow…

The businessman who had acquired the stone sold it to king Louis XV. Soon after that, the businessman got poor, contracted a mysterious disease and died suffering terrible convulsions.

When Louis XV died, his grandson, Louis XVI, became king with Marie Antoinette as his queen. According to the legend, Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI were beheaded during the French Revolution because of the blue diamond’s curse.

After the French Revolution, the diamond was hidden in a government building, where it was stolen in 1791. Six years later, the thieves were condemned to the death penalty.

In 1830, Francis Hope bought the huge blue diamond in an auction for 90.000 pounds and gave the stone his name. Francis Hope, who was a member of the parliament, soon died a sudden, unexplained death. Soon after his demise, his widow was burned to death in their mansion. After receiving the stone, Francis Hope’s heir and nephew, Thomas, went bankrupted and was abandoned by his wife.

Thomas got rid of the diamond, which was purchased by the Russian prince Iva Kitanovski who gave it to a ballerina. The night she wore it for the first time she was shot and killed.

After a series of tragedies the stone found itself in the hands of Sultan Abdul Mamid II, who was forced to resign in favor of his brother and took the Hope along with other personal things to exile.

In the beginning of the 20th century the Hope was purchased by the McLean family and soon after, their daughter committed suicide and their nine-year-old son died in a car accident. Mr. McLean got really depressed and died months later in a mental institution in 1941. Evalyn McLean had wanted her jewelry to go to her grandchildren. But in 1949, two years after her death, her jewelry was put on sale in order to settle debts from her estate.

When the Hope diamond went on sale in 1949, it was bought by a famous New York jeweler: Harry Winston. For almost a decade, Winston offered the diamond on numerous occasions to be worn at balls to raise money for charity.

Then, on the 10th of November of 1958, this magnificent blue diamond traveled in a plain brown box by registered mail and was met by an eager group of people at the Smithsonian Institute. Some believe that Winston donated the Hope diamond to rid himself of the curse.

In 2003, the Hope was taken to a museum laboratory for testing. It was only the second time in 20 years the Hope has been removed from its necklace setting. They focused an ultraviolet beam on the stone. Then turned off the beam and, in pitch dark, the diamond glowed bright orange-amber (most blue diamonds phosphoresce light blue.) It’s that strong color, which lasts for several seconds, that intrigues scientists. Some speculate it’s related to chemical impurities that give its blue color. What causes the gem to fluoresce remains a mystery. But since the Hope Diamond has inspired many legends, some say that the glowing color reflects the blood of royalty spilled during the French Revolution and the trail of death and bad luck that followed the stone over the centuries.

Aside from its bad reputation, this diamond has been nothing but good luck for the Smithsonian Museum. After Winston’s donation, attendance has jumped and it has encourage others to donate, helping the museum to build its world-class gem collection.

So don’t worry if you decide to visit it, the Hope’s negative magnetic energy won’t pass through the thick crystal glass that guards this mystical, largest deep blue diamond in the world.

Over the past five years, I’ve changed the way I buy and give gifts. Once upon a time, I bought ‘needed’ gifts. I then progressed to ‘should have’ gifts. Then I gave ‘you get it any way’ gifts. All of this obviously came from my theory about what others needed, wanted, or had to have no matter what.

I’m past all these internal theories related to gift giving. I now look for gifts ‘from the heart’. I’ve found that it is such a beautiful thing to find a special charm to add to the lovely gold charm bracelet I gave my daughter several years ago. I’m adding charms that tell a story of our lives together.

Last year I decided to add these mementos in a special gift basket that I make for each of my children and my niece. I found lovely gold charms created by a craftsman who only sells them at fairs. He takes gold coins, actual coins from other countries, and cuts them into beautiful patterns. Since I appreciated his gold coins, as well as, the jewelry he made with diamonds, he spent some time talking to me describing his craft.

He actually agreed to make me several more pieces. I was truly appreciative since he does not do orders. He is a one of a kind craftsman who willingly shared his time and artistry with gold with me. These beautiful gold coins were a wonderful addition to last year’s gift basket.

I have not found the ‘perfect I Love You’ gift for this year but I’m sure I will.

Everyone Loves Diamonds…
When they said that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, they weren’t joking. Women love diamonds for their brilliance and for what they represent, and men like diamonds for the elegance and class associated with the gems. No matter whom you’re shopping for, especially if it’s yourself, you can’t go wrong with diamonds. A diamond watch is a gift that anyone would love to own.

How to Decide Where to Buy and How Much to Spend
If you need to keep the time anyway, why not do it in style? But shopping for diamond watch is never easy. Every jewelry store is competing with all the others, and you hear so many horror stories about this jewelry store and that. You hardly know which store to go to when they all make each other out to be crooks. When every jewelry store advertises that the competition doesn’t know what they’re doing, who are you supposed to trust? And diamond watches are so expensive, many of the prices found in the jewelry stores are just too much to pay.

A little Internet shopping might be the first thing you’ll want to check out, because even if you don’t buy you can get some different prices to comparison shop with. In most locations, the Sunday edition of the newspaper is filled with ads for jewelry stores. It is always easier to buy something when it’s on sale, and the Sunday sales ads offer great bargains. The colorful displays will give the casual shopper a good idea of what’s being offered, also.

The Right Diamonds for You
Diamond lovers talk of clarity, carat, and cut, but in truth the best diamond to buy is the one that you absolutely love. If it sings to you, and you can afford it, then you should take the plunge. What’s the point of having something attractive if you don’t completely adore it? A quality diamond is the one that looks the best to you. After all, a beautiful diamond watch is an item that can be passed down through generations, and will always be treasured. The right diamond watch to pick is the one that you love, because either way you’re going to be stuck with it for a long while yet.

The setting, the stones, the watch itself all must combine in just the right way. When all these different pieces come together to form the perfect whole, you will know it right away. The watch that strikes you the most is the one you’ll want to buy. Worrying about the cut and shape of the stones, the perfection and size, is less important than the general appeal and effect of the whole piece.

If you’re buying diamonds for someone else, try to put yourself in their shoes. Think about their taste and style in other jewelry that they’re worn or purchased, and mimic this as much as possible. In any case, a diamond watch is a gift that anyone will cherish for a lifetime. A beautiful diamond watch will be cherished all the more, and buying someone a gift that they would have picked out for themselves, if they could have, is a gesture that will never be forgotten.

The Gift They’ll Always Remember
Large or small, diamonds are always fashionable. A diamond watch is a great gift to give to yourself or someone close to you, and it should last you a lifetime. After all, doesn’t everyone love diamonds? Some can afford to buy the very best, and that’s always to be encouraged. Others must live on a budget, but that doesn’t mean everyone doesn’t want to buy elegant things or give precious gifts. Doing a little shopping around will help you determine what kind of watch you can afford to purchase, and at least you’ll have done your homework before you venture inside your local jewelry store. Giving someone a beautiful piece that will last them a lifetime is a gesture that won’t soon be forgotten, and if you’re shopping for yourself then you’ll have something you can always cherish. The best purchase you can make is an educated one, so be sure to do plenty of shopping around before you commit. In any case, diamonds are going to be an expensive purchase, but they are considered to be something of an investment. You’ll want to spend your money wisely, and come away with something that best suits you.

The last Northern gold rush occurred in the late-19th century in the Yukon when tens of thousands of prospectors made their way to Dawson City to find their fortunes. Since then, miners and oil workers have continued to seek wealth in the North. In the past decade, history has repeated itself with the discovery of diamonds in Canada’s North.

Diamond exploration in Canada began in the 1960s, but major discoveries of diamond-bearing kimberlite ore did not occur until the 1990s. With the discovery of diamonds in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut in 1991, Canada has risen to become one of the top three diamond producers in the world in terms of value, behind Botswana and Russia. Currently, Canada produces 15% of the world’s diamonds. According to Statistics Canada, 13.8 million carats of diamonds worth approximately $2.8 billion have been mined in Canada between 1998 and 2002. To put it in perspective, each day Canada produces one 1.5 kilogram bag of diamonds worth $1.5 million. It is hoped that the diamond mines will provide income for decades to come.

In 1991, the first diamonds were found at Point Lake near Lac de Gras in the Northwest Territories, some 300 kilometers northeast of Yellowknife. Soon after the initial find, two diamond mines were opened in this region, the Ekati and Diavik mines. Diavik is approximately 100 kilometres southeast of Ekati. A third diamond mine, Jericho-3, began production in 2005, in Nunavut. A fourth diamond mine, Snap Lake-4 in the Northwest Territories, should begin production in 2007.

The Jericho-3 mine is located near the north end of Contwoyto Lake in West Kitikmeot, Nunavut Territory (NT). It is operated by the Tahera Diamond Corporation, which has been exploring for diamonds in Nunavut for the past seven years. Operations will commence with an open pit mine, and despite the harsh climate, it is planned to operate year-round. It is currently projected that the mine and processing plant will have an 8-year life and employ a total of approximately 125 to 175 employees and contractors.

The majority of shares in the Ekati mine (80%) are owned by the Australian mining conglomerate BHP Billton. The remaining 20% are owned by prospectors Charles Fipke and Stewart Blusson. The Ekati Diamond Mine is the only diamond mine owned by BHP Billiton and produces nearly four per cent of current world diamond production by weight and six per cent by value. The mine is expected to be viable for 20 years.

The Diavik mine, located about 300 km (180 miles) north of Yellowknife, is owned by Britain’s Rio Tinto PLC (60 per cent) and Toronto-based Aber Diamond Corp. (40 per cent). It employs 700 workers and produces 8,000,000 carats annually for total sales of $100,000,000 Cdn. The area was first surveyed in 1992, construction began in 2001, and diamond production started in 2003. It provides approximately 5% of world diamond production. The mine is also expected to remain in operation for 20 years.

The Snap Lake mine, owned by DeBeers and operated by DeBeers and AMEC consultants, is starting this year and is expected to remain in production for 20 more years. This mine is located under a lake and will be the first entirely underground diamond mine in Canada. DeBeers also owns the Victor mine, an open-pit diamond mine in a remote area in the James Bay Lowlands of Northern Ontario, approximately 90 km west of the coastal community of Attawapiskat.

Canada’s diamond industry has a world reputation for both quality and integrity. In recent years, there have been ethical problems with African diamonds, which can originate in unstable countries such as Sierra Leone and Angola where diamond sales fund terrorism, war and weapons sales. Canadian diamonds are traceable, as each one is etched on the girdle with a serial number as well as a microscopic Canadian logo such as a maple leaf or a polar bear as a trademark. The pictorial logos vary with the companies selling the diamonds.

Canadian diamonds, especially those from the Ekati mine, are high quality and extremely white. They’re also fashionable, which was demonstrated when the Canadian teen singer Avril Lavigne attended the 2003 MTV Awards in New York wearing Canadian diamonds worth $50,000.

The mines provide high-income jobs with an average salary of $63,000, many of them permanent, not just the temporary make-work projects for which the Aboriginal communities of the Canadian north are well known. Almost 40% of the jobs are done by aboriginals. For instance, one diamond-cutting operation in the Northwest Territories is majority-owned by the Yellowknife Dene First Nation.

Some of the more specialized jobs, such as diamond cutting, are done by professionals from Armenia, Israel, China and Vietnam who earn salaries of more than $100,000. Many of the diamonds are cut and polished in facilities in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal and Matane, Quebec. Between 1998 and 2001, employment in the diamond mining industry in the North increased from 90 to 700 workers, with estimates of more than 2,000 jobs currently. Another 2,000 jobs are created in support industries for the mines and their workers. Diamond mining produces more than just diamond sales. It also funds many other activities such as construction, road-building, Arctic and sub-Arctic surveying and engineering projects.

Diamond fever in Canada’s north shows no signs of abating, and an article in the Toronto Globe and Mail in February 2004 reported that prospecting companies have laid claim to more than 70 million acres in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. The newspaper said the most dramatic increase in diamond prospecting is in Nunavut, where the number of prospecting permits grew to 1,518 in 2004 from just 190 in 2003.

Starting on Dec. 1, 2003, companies were given one month to apply for prospecting permits, resulting in long, round-the-clock lines at offices in Yellowknife and Iqaluit. There is a charge of 10 cents an acre to register a claim, $1.50 to $2 an acre to stake a claim. With 70 million acres involved, the cost of these claims is expected to generate up to $140,000,000 in government revenue even before the mines open. Prospectors desperate to finish filing their claims have even been known to drop claim stakes from helicopters in poorly-accessible areas.

An economic boom is occurring in the north as tradesmen move into the area to fill jobs in the mines. This has raised the cost of living in the north, which was high to begin with due to the cost of transporting food and other necessities to isolated northern communities. In such places as Yellowknife, a basement apartment can rent for as high as $1,500 a month.

In 1998, Yellowknife Mayor Dave Lowell said that the diamond rush might have saved his town from economic decline. “Quite simply, it is our future,” Lowell said. “We’d be going into quite a recession if it wasn’t for the diamond mine.”

Tulips, windmills and wooden shoes might still be a draw to this Dutch region for some travelers; however, Holland is a far more versatile locale with an international and maritime history extending farther back than most of the rest of Europe, including the establishment of New Amsterdam as a major trading city, which became New York when the British took over. Holland, particularly Amsterdam, is also well known for its diamond manufacturing and polishing industry. If that tickles your fancy, make sure to visit the Amsterdam Diamond Center located in the center of the city.

Before you continue with this informative guide to Holland, make note that although the name “Holland” is used commonly in everyday language, the country is strictly called The Netherlands and internationally recognized as such.

Red Lights and Rembrandt
Besides being the capital city, Amsterdam has enough to offer to fill your entire vacation. The unavoidable multiculturalism has brought Amsterdam to the forefront of controversial equality and human rights issues. Muslims, Jews, Dutch and Surinamese all have a very active role in the life and politics of the city. The Anne Frank House is an extremely popular sight with a new exhibit at the end that discusses the modern day conflict between freedom of speech and respect for cultural and religious diversity. Amsterdam is also home to the Van Gogh Museum and the newly restored Rembrandt Museum.

The Dutch acquired an extensive collection of colonies during the 18th and 19th centuries, one of which was Suriname, located on the northern coast of South America. Suriname finally gained its independence in 1975 and through an education exchange program the Surinamese population remains predominant in Amsterdam. The cultural flair adds richness to the city in the form of contemporary music, art and exquisite cuisine. Make sure to dine in a Surinamese restaurant at least once!

Amsterdam is also notorious for its Red Light District and Coffee Shops. Stroll through the winding streets at night for an incredibly diverse experience and stop at one of the bustling pubs for delicious locally brewed beer. Also, many visitors enjoy seeing the city from the water. There are boat tours offered on an hourly schedule during the summer months that take you through the picturesque canals and past charming old façades.

Timeless and Traditional
Even though Amsterdam is a modern hub in the globalized world, there is still an incredible amount of tradition and history prevalent throughout The Netherlands. Visit the nearby town of Alkmaar in the summer to take part in the centuries-old cheese market and festival. Locals don traditional dress and haul giant rounds of cheese through the town square for weighing. After your fill of diary, wander through this seaside town’s canals and shops. Travel through central Holland to the medieval town of Utrecht, established around 47 AD. The 14th century wharves, cathedrals and Roman architecture are sure to transport any traveler to another place in time.

For international travelers, Holland exists in a class of its own. Whether you enjoy the bustling urban experience or the intimate countryside adventure, you will find what you are looking for in Holland.

Farming is not easy especially if the person is just new to the business. Since this individual is just new, it will be a great idea to do some research and read up to be ready to face what lies ahead.

The greatest threats most farmers encounter are the pests, the diseases that may affect the crops and the weather. Since people cannot control the weather, then that person must focus on the other two.

The best way to do this if the person doesn’t have the much money yet is to buy a second hand greenhouse. This structure regardless if it is new or old is still able to do the same function. That is to help the farmer grow crops in a controlled environment and make money in this business.

The first thing the farmer should do is measure the area. By knowing how big is needed, the person can then write it down for easier reference later on when searching for the right greenhouse.

Another thing to think about is the kind of greenhouse that is dependent on the type of weather in the farm. If the area always experiences strong winds, it will be advisable to get the kind made of metal. This will keep the greenhouse on the ground and will not blow over due to a storm.

Panels make up the other half of the greenhouse since it controls the amount of UV light that enter. It. This should also be strong enough to withstand bad weather if it also happens often.

The best kind to have around is the kind made of Plexiglas or plastic. This will save the farmer money in the future since glass often shatters and breaks after a storm.

Another thing that the farmer must anticipate aside from bad weather is the cold winters and the hot summers. The second hand greenhouse should have a heater. If there is none, then the person will just have to buy one.

This can be powered using electricity, gas or oil and the size of the machine will depend on the size of the greenhouse.

Since it could get very hot in the summer, it will be a good idea to have ventilation system installed. This will ensure that there is sufficient oxygen and carbon dioxide for the plants to grow.

The farmer should also attend conferences and conventions about farming to keep up to date on the latest trends. One technique that the farmer can use on the second hand greenhouse is hydroponics farming.

This is done by planting and growing crops using water instead of soil. Tests have shown that this is more effective than traditional farming done on the soil since the plants are able to absorb nutrients faster in the form of liquids.

The farmer will just have to buy certain systems that can mix the nutrients and the water together that will make it easier for the plants to absorb.

In the absence of the farmer who might be busy doing other activities, a timer can also be purchased which will release the liquids at the proper time.

Farming isn’t something that people can earn money from monthly. It takes time to plant the crops, let it grow, harvest it then sell it at the market. Buying a second hand greenhouse may speed up the process since it enables the farmer to grow it all year round.

By spending a little money since these greenhouses are a bit expensive and looking at the long term goal, that farmer will be able to compete with those who have been doing it for years.

A second hand greenhouse is only temporary until the farmer has enough money to invest in a new one. Until that time, the farmer should be patient and work hard because eventually, everything will fall into place.

The person can find these in the classified ads of the newspaper, browsing through the internet and talking to fellow farmers and suppliers. By going around these places first and doing a comparison, the person may just find the right kind that will do the job until a new one can be constructed.

Plant breeding and plant production is a very productive hobby and livelihood. It is good way to earn some living by producing high-valued crops. It is also a good way of contributing to the environment. The best way to sustain this endeavor is to get a solar greenhouse. Read on to learn the basics of the solar greenhouse.

What Is a Solar Greenhouse?

The very purpose of any greenhouse is to collect solar energy whenever the sun shining high. However, solar greenhouses serve a more specific purpose. It is able to do more than collect the solar energy. The solar greenhouse is able to store heat that can be used during nighttime, cloudy days or the cold season. It provides adequate heat that the plants will need for their growth even during the night time or the cold seasons.

The good thing about solar greenhouses is that there are choices to choose from and to suit the needs of the owner.

They can stand alone. This is very ideal for big production greenhouses. The freestanding ones are ideal for commercial production. These are used to produce ornamentals or vegetables. They have two primary designs, the shed type and the Quonset type.

The shed-type has a long axis running from the east to the west. It has a south-facing wall glazed to collect maximum amount of the energy from the sun. The north-facing wall on the other hand is very much insulated to avoid heat loss. These features are what contrast a solar greenhouse from the ordinary ones.

The Quonset type can sometimes look like an underground pit. This is a low-cost greenhouse. It has a Quonset-shaped frame and looks like a tunnel. It has a layer or two of plastic film. This can save as much as 40% of the heating fuel.

They can also be merely attached to the greenhouses, very ideal for backyard use. The attached solar greenhouses are structures that form some sort of a room protruding from a house. This is a good space for transplants or herbs.

Passive or Active

The solar greenhouse is classified into two. It can be the passive solar greenhouse or the active. These two makes use of different resources, but still serve a same purpose.

The Passive Solar Greenhouse

In some places, where colder seasons tend to endure longer, there may be a need to resort to passive solar greenhouse, using gas or electric heating system. This is the only way to protect the plants from getting too much cold.
This is very ideal for growers as it can still give way to so much productivity despite the conditions. The use of heating systems for greenhouses to be cost-effective is best utilized if there are high-value crops to be produced.

The Active Solar Greenhouse

The active solar greenhouse makes use of supplemental energy. It transfers the solar heated air from the storage area to the other parts of the greenhouse.

Designing a Solar Greenhouse

Most would claim that managing and maintaining an ordinary greenhouse does not differ much with the solar greenhouse. However, there are a number of ways that they differ. These are significant distinctions.

Solar greenhouses, unlike the ordinary ones, have oriented glazing to get utmost solar heat, even during winter. Its materials are designed to minimize loss of heat. It uses heat storing materials. It also has insulation especially useful when there is no sunlight. The solar greenhouse also depends heavily on natural ventilation for cooling during summer.

Solar Heat Storage

This is one main feature in designing a solar greenhouse. To remain warm even during cool nights, there must be sufficient amount of solar heat stored. One common method used to store this energy is to put rocks or concrete directly receiving the sunlight to absorb the heat.

Cinder block walls at the north side of a greenhouse are also used as good heat storage. Dark-colored ceramic floorings can also be used to store the heat. Any wall or flooring not used for heat absorption is supposed to be colored light. This should be designed to reflect the heat and light and distribute it to the plants.

The management of a greenhouse can also determine the amount of heat stored. A greenhouse that is full of plants and structures can store heat easier compared to an empty one. Composts can also complement the heat storage goal as they help produce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Furthermore, the microorganisms in the compost also contribute to the increase in plant production.

Some would rely on any structure that would resemble a greenhouse to accommodate the plants. However, to be efficient and cost-effective, aim for the optimum setting in your solar greenhouse.

Building your own small greenhouse can be a very enjoyable and educational experience as well as economical especially when you are clever with tolls.

Select a well-drained and level lot or ground for your greenhouse. If you will be using it mainly during the summer for propagation of plants, then you can situate it in a partially shaded area to reduce heat buildup.

The “north side” of your yard, with a big deciduous tree is an ideal location. If there is no partly or moderately shaded area available, you can make use of a white plastic or shade cloth for cover so as to regulate the extent of sunlight that reaches your greenhouse interior.

If you will be using the greenhouse for beginning transplants or that you will be growing plants till they mature, your greenhouse should be put up in an area will it will have the highest sun exposure. Likewise, it must be situated where there is good air drainage; do not construct your greenhouse in low areas which are surrounded by buildings or woods. Consider also convenient water access and electricity.

No matter what kind and greenhouse dimensions you choose, take into consideration the time that you will have for managing the system.

Never be overly ambitious, as there are several new owners of a greenhouse that often realize they can not spend sufficient time as they had believed they would. However, it is not often true that a greenhouse requires continuous attention.

The greenhouse environment may be sustained with very minimal maintenance using automated controls that operates the ventilation, heating, humidity, artificial lighting and watering, should there be no one to look after it.
A hobbyist must take into consideration installing automatic control system and begin with plants that are easy to care.

There are many prefabricated greenhouses available in the market that you can purchase, or your greenhouse maybe built out of very simple frames, though make sure that only certified plumbers and electricians must install your automatic systems.

Kits are widely available in various prices, materials and styles, but if you are an eager “do-it-yourselfer”, your small greenhouse may be affordably constructed for a comparatively small amount of cash.
Lean-tos type of greenhouse can be built leaning against a garage or a house taking advantage of the existing wall, though one has to consider sitting space.

The major advantage when you choose to purchase a greenhouse kit, many details like how to deal with humidity, ventilation and leakage have been already dealt with and considered in the pattern. Someone who is constructing the greenhouse himself must consider all these so as to avoid problems that can result to untimely failure and plant loss.
Here are tips to help you build and design your own small greenhouse.

1. Begin with an average design using materials that are easily available. Know your preferences. Attractive greenhouses may be constructed using recycled materials such as remilled wood, repurposed doors and window sashes.

2. Adapt to your area’s climate so as to make particular solutions that depends on your climate and location.

3. Plan a design that can use standard material sizes, most of which are available in “multiples of 4”.

4. Take into account your habits in gardening when planning the design. Growing vegetables is very different from growing vegetables.

5. You can set up timers and thermostats to regulate the precise heat or light needed.

6. Design and make a “back up” arrangement just in case of power failure or harsh weather conditions.

7. When you will be using wood, you can build the greenhouse from cedar, redwood or cypress, although regular wood treated and painted will also do. Make sure that you use wood that is pressure treated for framing, as it is an effective and economical.

8. Usually a greenhouse uses “glass-paned”, but polycarbonate plastic, fiberglass, plastic film and acrylic can be also used. Each of these materials has its disadvantages and advantages, so you need to research well to decide on one that is best for you.

9. Although permanent foundations are recommended to support the structure, flooring is really not necessary. Flooring poured with gravel up to a few inches deep will permit ample drainage. A flat stone or concrete walkway between seating will provides steady footing.

10. You greenhouse design should have enough room for tall plants and plants should only use half up to “two-thirds” of your greenhouse area and the rest is reserved for benches and your work area.

Have fun!

Greenhouses are becoming more and more popular to those people with “green thumb.” Even home gardeners are considering having one for their garden for the benefits that it gives. Since full-sized, regular greenhouses can really be expensive and costly to maintain, it may be impractical for these small home gardeners to build one.

But do not fret! It is because there are new portable and mini greenhouses now available for one to purchase and conveniently place in their gardens. These portable greenhouses are ideal for those who want to start their growing season early in the spring and extend it during the fall. These are also best for overwintering crops and are inexpensive too.

Because these greenhouses are portable, they are light in weight and compact for easy setup, taking down and transporting. Most of these portable greenhouse kits can be set up in 30 minutes or even less. And because they are compact, they can easily be stored in any convenient place in the garage or closet when it is not yet time to use them.

What portable greenhouses do?
Portable greenhouses, just like the traditional ones, trap heat coming from the sun during the day through its covering and keep the heat radiated by the soil during the night to keep the surroundings warm enough for the plants. When a portable greenhouse is closed, it also traps in moisture which helps reduce the frequency of watering the plants inside.

A portable greenhouse is ideal for early planting of seeds, protecting the tender plants from the cold climate, starting perennial seeds in summer, fast rooting because of the need to transplant, and growing different kinds of plants that are not commonly grown in the area. This can also be used to overwinter plants especially when heated.

Portable greenhouses becoming popular
Gardeners are being continuously interested in these portable greenhouses and increase in sales of these products is evident. For one, these portables take no time to set up to get them going right away. Taking them down when it is not time to use them is also hassle-free. A greenhouse is not really needed to be up all year round especially for small-time plant growers. Thus, mini and portable greenhouses are ideal for their needs.

For first timers, portable greenhouse is also recommended since this will give them the feel of having a real greenhouse before they consider building a real, full-sized one. And these portables are also inexpensive and less costly to maintain. This allows for them to jump-start their gardening career without having to spend a lot of money to buy all those greenhouse supplies that are required for the big ones. Also, installation is significantly quicker and easier than permanent ones so no additional or advanced tools are required.

These portable greenhouses come in different shapes and sizes. It can be as little as a small tent that fits only 2 plant shelves. There are some that look like portable closets that are around 6 feet tall. And there are also bigger ones as tall as 7 to 8 feet and are designed like a dome. These big ones can fit up to 3 to 4 bigger shelves inside.

Gardening Tips
Weather can really be unpredictable. So when a sudden cold snap occurs, burlap sacks filled with leaves can be thrown over the sash on the frame or covering during the night to prevent too much cold to get inside. Bales of straw or hay may also be stacked against the frame.

For extreme summer sunlight protection, some sort of shading can be used to prevent plant damage. Examples of covering that can be used as a shade are knitted shade covers, old bamboo blinds, and lath.

Plants inside the greenhouse should also be watered as early in the day as possible. This is to allow for quick drying of the soil before it gets dark. Improperly managed drainage and keeping the soil wet can pose problems later on and may not be a good gardening experience for beginners.

Whether you are a novice or is already an experienced gardener, having a portable greenhouse may be beneficial to your gardening needs. Being able to transport your greenhouse in a convenient and more strategic location is always possible with this portable version. Maintaining and taking proper care for this portable greenhouse is also not as costly and demanding than the permanent, full-sized ones.

An Excellent Alternative for Gardening

The portable greenhouse is an excellent alternative for garden enthusiasts to indulge in their favorite activity given a small space and budget. A portable greenhouse is a huge space saver that can help jump-start spring planting that can be continued until the fall. Compared to traditional greenhouse structures, the portable greenhouse is easy on the pocket. Assembly can be done in under an hour plus no tools are required to put together a portable greenhouse. When finished, a portable greenhouse can easily be taken apart and stored in a closet, garage or basement.

Like most greenhouse kits, a portable greenhouse is designed to have screened doors and screened vent opening that allow for optimal air distribution within the structure. The vents can be opened in order to let outside air inside the structure in preparation for transplanting the plants within to an outdoor environment. When the vents are closed, the portable greenhouse become a water proof structure that helps encourage and sustain humidity levels at a high rate that is favorable to the growth of plants.

The construction of a portable greenhouse is virtually indestructible as most commercial products make use of UV resistant material that is treated to protect it against rips or tears. The openings are fastened together using either Velcro snaps or zipper enclosure. Portable greenhouses that incorporate a zipper design can be joined together using a unique interlocking zipper-system that can create an extended handy hothouse to accommodate more gardening.

The most common materials used for the walls of a portable greenhouse are polycarbonate or polyethylene plastic while the roof and framing would be made of aluminum. The prices of portable greenhouses start at $ 250 wherein a $ 400 structure would be about five by eight in dimension.

Extending the Planting Season with a Portable Greenhouse

Garden enthusiasts interested in extending and protecting the life of their plants during winter will surely enjoy the benefits of a portable greenhouse. Wintertime is the ideal season to bring out a portable greenhouse. Garden buffs can easily put up the portable greenhouse in just a matter of minutes to maintain the freshness and moistness of plants. It is a convenient and transferable structure that can be set up. The structure is light enough to be carried from one location to another by at least two people without damaging it.

A portable greenhouse can also be used during other seasons like summertime to help maintain a steady growing environment for plants. In the fall, a portable greenhouse can be used to intensify sunlight exposure since it is around this time of year when the days become shorter.

A Portable Greenhouse vs. A Permanent Greenhouse

More and more garden enthusiasts are using portable greenhouses to suit their gardening needs. Mainly because portable greenhouses are less expensive compared to permanent structures. At the same time, not everyone has a spacious backyard that can accommodate a full-scale greenhouse.

Although the term permanent may bring to mind a sturdier construction compared to a portable greenhouse, many of the portable greenhouse structures sold in the market today are made of heavy-duty materials that can hold out in any season, rain or shine. In addition, the available sizes for a portable greenhouse are as small as 6 feet by 10 feet and can extend to a considerable size of 50 feet by 100 feet.

Types of Portable Greenhouse

Portable greenhouses are available in various styles to accommodate the particular demands of every garden enthusiast. A lean-to style portable greenhouse can be attached to the shed or garage of any home, which at the same time can serve as an extension for the house like a sunroom.

Miniature portable greenhouses are also available for gardeners who have very minimal space to accommodate a standard sized structure. These miniature structures are generally collapsible and are ideal for small plants like perennials and shrubs. Another version of a miniature greenhouse measures approximately 3 feet and 5 inches by 1 foot and 11 inches. This box-size portable greenhouse is ideal for vegetables and young plants during the early spring.

The basic greenhouse structure is also available as a portable greenhouse. This type of structure is still quite popular among garden enthusiasts who even though have ample space to set up a permanent greenhouse prefer using a portable structure that can easily be disassembled to free up the space for other activities.

Soil is very essential for a plant’s life. Many people would wonder how a plant would grow without the use of soil. Because of the many advances and new technological discoveries, everything can be made in an instant such as food, beverages, and even plants. There are new methods in these modern days where they can grow the plants fast.

The use of the traditional method of agriculture, which consists of the slow process of cultivating, watering, sowing, and attending to the plant everyday, became less popular to those gardeners who have learned the methods of organic hydroponics. Organic hydroponics lessens a gardener’s effort of growing the plant in an instant.

A person can grow his plants fast and can create more production by applying the methods of organic hydroponics. Others have known this method to be interesting in the first place, because it does not require the use of soil to raise the plants. Some people also know this process as soil-less culture, water gardening, soil-less gardening, and chemi-culture. For many farmers and gardeners it is commonly known as hydroponics gardening. This methodical way of gardening shows a simultaneous way of cultivating the plants without any presence of soil.

The needed nutrients needed by the plants are directly supplied on their roots. The organic chemical fertilizers must be in dissolved so that they will be fed for the plants. The nutrients must be soluble enough so that the roots will surely zip the solution. This is an amazing process that no soil is needed to complement the liquid provided to the plants.

Many greenhouses are now used in applying organic hydroponic fertilizers to their plants. However, there are still many greenhouse owners who do not want to perform this method on their plants. They believe that it is ecologically harmful and bad for the environment, but this could not be true according to many experts who study the science of hydroponics. They insist that in this way they could attend to the much needed demand of food supply nowadays.

This could be true because organic hydroponics allows the plant to quickly grow healthier. A gardener should also be satisfied to the increase of his crop production than his usual harvested crop. Here are some benefits and advantages of using organic and hydroponics gardening.

1. A person may not worry if the water fed to the plants could be less or enough for the roots.

2. He may not worry on the fertilizer or chemical solution applied to the plants because the amount may not matter as long as the plants is able to sustain its fast growth and production.

3. Many organic hydroponics greenhouses are used for many researches and studies for plant and seed propagation using the science of hydroponics. They seem to be valuable for many scientists that experiments about technological advancements on how to improve more on plant organic fertilizers and chemical solutions.

4. The space needed for holding the plants is now more convenient because he may use lesser space to accommodate and attend to more plants than being more concerned in potting and sowing or cultivating any soil.

5. Hydroponics gardening helps a person conserve more time and effort. It relieves a person on laborious work in attending to the different needs of the soil such as keeping the soil wet, sowing, weeding the soil, and nurturing the soil.

6. Plants can grow together even if they are grown close to each other. Unlike in traditional agriculture, the plants need more space because the soil creates bigger roots for the plants. In hydroponics gardening the roots of the plants grow smaller in contrast to a larger plant or crop.

7. A farmer can practice multiple cropping for he can harvest and plant the crops at the same time. He may realize that he harvested more crops compared to his previous harvest where he had used the normal way of planting.

8. He may be able to grow larger and healthier plants because of the organic fertilizer supplied on the roots of the plants.

Nowadays, hydroponics gardening is widely accepted by many farmers and gardeners. The presence of many organic hydroponic greenhouses is a proof to its popularity and accessibility to the needs of plants and crops in this modern time to accommodate more plant and crop production.

A good greenhouse need not be always big and spacious. Although those requirements are ideal for big plant growers and commercial greenhouses, those who only have a small area for a greenhouse can also have their own by building a mini version of a greenhouse.

Gardeners who are much into planting and growing crops but have a limited garden space have an option to build a mini greenhouse. This mini greenhouse can actually be placed anywhere such as on balconies, patios, backyards, and decks as the typical size is just around 6 square feet. Though small, it also provides the same benefits that the regular greenhouses do.

Mini greenhouses are also ideal for those are just beginners in the greenhouse technology. Before venturing into building a big one, it is best to learn how greenhouse works and know the different things needed to have an ideal growing condition for the plants. And this learning process for beginners can be done by starting with mini greenhouses.

A mini greenhouse can be used to start plant growth before the cold season in a particular area. Once the weather gets better and warmer, these healthy plants and crops planted inside the greenhouse can now be transplanted outside into the garden. This will allow for early harvesting of crops. A huge selection of seeds can also be planted in the greenhouse which makes planting a lot more fun for hobbyists and gardeners.

There are a good variety of herbs and lettuce that can be grown healthily and successfully in mini-greenhouses even for the whole year. Other delectable vegetables such as Swiss chard, spinach, and kale can also be planted and grown inside the mini-greenhouse. These would make for a great bowl of salad with freshly-picked greens even during the cold season. That would be wonderful for you and your guests.

Mini greenhouses are also useful with tender perennial plants. The greenhouse can protect them from ice, snow and frost during the winter season. They can be placed in plant containers and stay healthy inside the mini structure until spring begins. Once the weather becomes friendly enough, these plants can then be again transplanted into the garden outside for a much healthier environment.

The decorative plants commonly found inside the house can be given a healthy change by placing them inside the mini greenhouse and placing them outside during the summer months. This mini structure can offer tropical plants a humid climate. Miniature greenhouses, just like the regular ones, maximize the amount of sunlight and make the most out of the heat absorbed. It also provides the needed protection of plants from rain, wind, destructive insects and other pests in the garden such as rabbits.

Since mini gardens or greenhouses can be as light as possible because of their small structure, they may be easily blown by wind or knocked over by pets and kids. Thus, it is recommended that these small gardens be placed or mounted in to a wall or garage than be a free standing structure. It is best to place them in a location where there is enough sunlight but be safe from other outside factors as well. There are also do-it-yourself greenhouse kits available in the market that include complete instructions and step-by-step guide for a beginner to build a mini greenhouse in not time. These kits can also be inexpensive and can commonly accommodate up to three shelves.

So should one really choose to have a full-sized greenhouse or just go with a miniature one? Even if a big space is available for a full-sized greenhouse, having a small one may be more practical. If the main purpose of having a greenhouse is to grow only a few plants, germinate seeds, or provide protection during the colder season, having a mini greenhouse is just fine. Also, the cost to maintain small greenhouses are significantly lower than the full-sized ones because of the several factors that need to be maintained.

Thus, it is recommended that gardeners have a greenhouse, even a mini one. This structure can prove to be a good investment and yield better results than just doing the traditional gardening. And if one really finds happiness in caring for plants and harvesting a few crops, greenhouse-gardening can definitely offer lifetime enjoyment.

Greenhouses nowadays seem to vary in their styles and sizes. He may find large and small greenhouses in environmentally oriented communities. A person can also spend more money to improve his greenhouse.

Most of the time greenhouses come in rectangular forms, rounded and most are attached to the house. The size of the greenhouse does not matter as long it is comfortably built with the allotted space for its place.

A greenhouse can be freestanding or attached to the house. Many also call those greenhouses attached to the house as lean-to greenhouses. These types of greenhouses are very popular to many gardeners who patronize greenhouse gardening. A gardener may build a lean-to greenhouse or a freestanding greenhouse in his own backyard. However, they are different in the aspect of their structure.

A freestanding greenhouse is an independent structure built away from his house. The need to have a main source of heating systems and watering systems are very essential in this type of greenhouse. It may also require its own electricity to power the lights and automated systems on the greenhouse.

Freestanding greenhouses may require a person to spend more money considering the many expenses and high cost materials to build a freestanding greenhouse. On the other hand, a lean-to greenhouse is literally defined to be a greenhouse attached directly to a person’s house. It has the advantages of saving more space to a person’s lot and all greenhouse systems are directly supplied on his house.

He may get instant water, and heating from the lights supplied directly by the electricity of his house. It has also its advantage to preserve the landscape of the property because the allotted space should only require a small portion of the landscape.

Finding a site for a freestanding greenhouse requires many considerations. The site should be constructed with proper shelter and covering. He may also add shadings for hotter climates.

A shade is needed simply because there could be periods where there are warmer months and overheating can be encountered in the greenhouse. The risks of having over exposed plants will be disastrous to a freestanding greenhouse that has no proper sheltering and roofing. It is a wonder why most greenhouses used and constructed are popular for having such disadvantages.

The advantages of constructing lean-to greenhouses, which are commonly seen as attached to a house or a building gives the person the advantage of having enough time to attend to his plants anytime he wants to. The support of the lean-to greenhouse depends on the structure where it is attached. In many cases, they are connected to the walls structure.

He must remember that he must not alter or destroy the style of his house. He may match the style and design of his home to his lean-to greenhouse. He may construct it in his preferred size. The important thing is that the greenhouse should have easy access to the supplies and materials the plants need in order to grow and be maintained.

The most recommended size for lean-to greenhouses structure is an 8 x 12 foot measurement. The roofing should not be higher and wider to the house roofing. He may place a weather resistant wooden covering so that the wall attached to the house will cover the attachment and connection to the greenhouse.

He may also place a ledger wooden board using long screws and he must check if the connection is waterproof. To ensure that no water will flow on the wall connection, he may use flashing glues. It is important to place the lean-to greenhouse on the south wall of the house to ensure more exposure to sunlight. He may choose the option of having the wall vertically proportional or slightly inclined depending on how much sunlight he wants for his plants.

Every greenhouse should be used to its full potential and capability to grow and maintain the plants. He should consider all the factors that can affect the result of his greenhouse gardening. It may not matter on the type of greenhouse he wants to construct, the important thing is that he should always keep in mind his pleasure and fulfillment to grow the plants and maintain the structures and supplies on his greenhouse.

Conventional farming makes people plant crops over a field of land, give it water to help it grow then harvest it when the time comes. This was practiced for many years until the demand for food increased which made scientists rely on other techniques to increase production.

Such practices made the use of pesticides and herbicides, fertilizers, contaminated sewage sludge and irradiation. Since these methods are harmful to the health, people have gone back to organic farming that does not use any of these methods.

Technology has found another way to increase crop production without jeopardizing the health of people and the environment. This can be done by hydroponics farming.

Plants need water to survive but this is only one ingredient. The other and most important are the nutrients. Scientists have discovered that it is only when this is diffused into the water system that the roots of the crops consume it making it grow.

By doing this in a controlled environment such as a greenhouse, the nutrients can already be mixed into the water system allowing the crops produce more yields which is what hydroponics gardening is all about.

To prove how effective it is, scientists made a comparative study on the growth of tomatoes. One batch used soil and was able to produce ten tons. The other batch used hydroponics and was able to produce 60 tons. This shows that this method can produce 6 times more than traditional farming.

Almost any type of plant that is grown using this manner will product high yields. Though some crops will be able to produce more than others, the length of time to harvest it is still faster than the old method which gives a faster turn around for farmers.

The farmer does not have to check and pull out weeds, till the land or look for diseases that normally happen during soil cultivation since there are none. Some people might think that this will consume a lot of water but it doesn’t since it is reused which also consumers less than traditional farming.

The problem with a controlled environment is that the plants may not be able to get the proper sunlight and carbon dioxide that to help it grow. This problem can be addressed by installing lights and infusing artificial CO2 into the air.

There are other ways to cultivate crops while inside a green house. One method is called deep water culture. The roots of the plants are raised in the air and a pump releases air out to make it grow. This is ideal for grapes and other crops that grow in this manner.

Another method very similar to deep water culture is aeroponics. The plants are also raised in the air and nutrients here are mixed in the form fog or mist which also reaches the crops so it could grow.

In flood and drain, a tray is used to hold the nutrients. The roots of the plants are held by foam chips or clay pebbles then at certain times of the day, this is flooded so that the plants are able to receive the proper requirements for it to grow. Afterwards, this drains itself out.

Plants can also be grown using films. This technique is called nutrient film technique where light proof plastic is used. This flow along the passage way giving the crops the essentials it needs to grow.

There are many techniques to employ hydroponics in the farm or in the household. The person just has to check what is needed and to think about what plants to grow.

One of the nicest things about hydroponics gardening is that it does not take a lot of space. This allows the person to set up a greenhouse in the backyard. The only things needed are water in containers, tubes to reuse the water consumed by the plants, strong lamps to be used as artificial light and some organic nutrients that are available at the gardening store.

Hydroponics has been around for almost 30 years. By getting some information and the proper materials, the person can soon plant vegetables and fruits instead of buying it at the local grocery or supermarket.

Hydroponic greenhouses provide an inorganic method of raising plants. Most plants that are hydroponically raised must be treated with proper care in controlled conditions. The use of gravel is common on this kind of greenhouses where the gravel supports the roots of the plants because no soil is used in raising the plants. It also balances the assorted nutrients that feed the plants in the form of liquid.

Those large commercially oriented greenhouse have automated ways to refine and propagate seeds. All the things needed to grow the seeds are all set with automated care and maintenance. There are sensitive sensors on the gravel that automatically turns on the pumps that contains water or other chemical solutions that are applied on the seeds.

Using hydroponic greenhouses gives a gardener the advantage of increasing the crop amount yielded in a single harvest. In normal agriculture, he may only produce the regular crop harvest. He may double or triple the crop production by applying the methods in hydroponic gardening. It should create big success in his greenhouse by using chemical fertilizers rather than the usual potting soil or organic fertilizers.

Steve Fox of New Mexico proposes that greenhouse gardeners should increase the production of yielded crop by extensively practicing the use of inorganic chemical fertilizers. He may also avoid poisoning the soil from organic chemical fertilizers that kills the living microorganisms that are essential in the natural growth of the plants. He says that these chemicals should be used only on controlled conditions by special hydroponic greenhouses where the destruction of the gravel beds will be avoided which are important in the for the root support of the hydroponically raised plants.

A person may wonder how the food he eats comes from hydroponic greenhouses knowing that this method used chemical inorganic fertilizer. This could bother a person’s mindset on the food that he eats. Many nutritionists have proven that these vegetables or fruits that came from hydroponic greenhouses are safe and nutritious because plants only absorb the fertilizer in an organic state.

Daniel Arnon, a physiologist professor from the University of California have stated that the plant nutrients acquired from organic composts are applied to plants when they are converted into inorganic state because of the role of the microorganisms to fertilize the soil. Many food scientists have studied and proved that all fertilizer elements should be converted first into soluble form before the roots of the plant use it.

The widely used chemical fertilizers have oriented many greenhouses to feed the crops and not the soil. This may result to the death of the soil because of the break down of the organic composition. When it comes to fertilizing the soil, it is important to remember the proper organic steps to feed the soil so that it will produce sufficient inorganic fertilizer needed to produce more nutrients in it. This points out that organic gardening may not necessarily produce the needed nutrients, where in organic fertilizer must be formed first to supply the nutrients in the organic form.

When a person applies raw chemical fertilizers on the soil, he may affect the soil condition. Microorganisms that may have been living in the soil would surely die because of these artificial fertilizers. The soil can no longer grow any plants unless the continuous use of chemical fertilizers is applied.

Hydroponic gardening may not need the services of the soil. The plants are fed through exact nutrient dosages to increase their production and for faster growth. Business minded persons are interested on this kind of method. On the other hand, the world today cannot anymore accommodate the growing demand for food because of the unstoppable growth of the world’s population that is why chemicals are now widely used on many crops to satisfy with the increasing demand for food supply.

Many experts realize that the use of chemical solutions in crops is bad for the environment. Most of these chemical solutions are made from petroleum products that should give a person the conclusion that these products are pollutants. However, the present times dictate the need to accept this reality because of the need to supply the farmers with the needed chemical solutions to produce and harvest more crops to sustain the production of food.

effective Greenhouse On Your Back Yard

Thorough planning and preparation is essential before starting your greenhouse project. Putting up a greenhouse need not be time-consuming or expensive. Your greenhouse design will very much depend on your home’s home architecture, space and plants that you want to grow, cost and available location. Make sure that your greenhouse should provide the environment suitable for your chosen type of plants.

Location

Your greenhouse must be built in a site where it will get the full and concentrated sunlight.

Your best option is the “southeast side” of your house or shade of trees. All day sunlight is best, though also consider the morning sunlight coming from the east side because this is adequate for most plants, as it permits the course food production to start early so then progress is maximized.

The location on the east captures most of the November up to February sunshine.

Deciduous trees like oak and maple can shade the greenhouse effectively from the strong late afternoon sun during the summer but they must not shade or cover your greenhouse during the morning. These trees likewise permit maximum sun exposure during the winter due to the shedding of their foliage during fall.

Your greenhouse must not be located beside trees having leaves all year as it will block the winter sun. You must maximize greenhouse exposure to winter sun especially if your greenhouse will be used year-round.

Another necessity for the location of your greenhouse is good drainage. When needed, construct your greenhouse higher than the ground so as irrigation and rainwater will easily drain away.

Light that is required by certain types of plants that you will grow, water, electricity, heat and protection from strong wind are other factors that should also be considered.

Also, you need to set up a workplace and an area for storage of your supplies in your greenhouse.

Here is a simple and easy to construct greenhouse:

Materials:

5 pieces of 20 foot each “of 5/8 inch” rebar, cut into 1/3’s – 6 foot in length.

7 pieces of 20 foot schedule” 40 PVC” drilled with a hole size 3/16 to ¼ inch “dead center” at 10 feet.

84 feet that is “cut into 4 foot lengths” of “½ schedule 40 PVC”

80 pieces size 2X4 wood (treated).

4 pieces fence posts, 8 foot in length (treated).

Size “40X24 fee” UV “polyethylene”, stabilized

60 pieces 2 ½ inches fence staples

1. Begin by extending a thin rope or string where the “two long sides” of your greenhouse should be. Then pound the 6 foot rebar in, each with a distance of 4 feet away from each other, in a “straight line” and allowing 48 inches to protrude from the soil or ground.

2. Nail the 2X6 runner on to the “rebar stakes”. This will provide you with something so as to nail on the polyethylene later. You may use a “60 2 ½ inch fence staples”.

3. Slide in the PVC pieces (20 inch) over the “rebar stakes”, making certain that no sharp points are exposed, such as rebar, wire ends, rough pipes, etc.

4. Put the PVC pieces (20 foot) on the “rebar stakes”. You need to have somebody do “one side” as you also do the “other side” carefully and slightly at each time. Make sure that you drilled holes “parallel to the ground”.

5. Slide the wire all through the PVC holes and through the 8 PVC (4foot) pieces “along the roof”.

6. So as the “ribs” will not shift horizontally, you need to wire together the 4 foot PVC pipe lengths with either baling or copper wire. Make certain that the wire is wrapped so that the PVC pipe is forced inward.

7. Construct now the “two end walls” and the doors. Use vertical posts (4X4) 10 foot length and buried 3 or 4 feet for the doorway frame. Make certain that the end walls are not floppy and must stay vertically so that the PVC will not separate. Your door must be very tight so that the wind will not be able to inflate the greenhouse.

8. Drive some nails into the post’s base horizontally of the posts and submerge them to the ground.

9. With somebody’s help, and each person on each side holding the plastic, slide it over the rib cage and then attach the ends by wrapping the plastic’s end around lath pieces then “nail the lath” to the “end walls” and also along the foundation.

10. Be creative and add a few of your personal touches.

All done! Have fun in your greenhouse!

The Benefits that Can Be Derived From Its Operations

For people who are fond of plants, flowers, vegetations, and other ornamental plants, having their own greenhouse may be a dream come true.

A greenhouse or conservatory is a type of structure where plants are developed and grown. Usually, greenhouses are made of plastic or glass. This is to allow the natural light coming from the outside environment to permeate inside.

Because of its special condition, many people are wondering why do plants have to be cultivated inside this super special structure, wherein fact, it can be grown outside with the natural forces readily made available anytime, anywhere.

The answer to this particular issue is based on how the greenhouse really works. It is only through the understanding of its full operation that people will appreciate the advantages and environmental use of greenhouses.

Heat It Up

Putting up and maintaining a greenhouse can be a daunting task. However, the benefits that it brings not only to the environment but also to the owner of the hothouse cannot be underestimated. For one thing, greenhouses are perfect cultivating area for people who wish to grow their own vegetable farm or ornamental plants. This means that they have an all-year round supply of these items.

However, some people cannot just identify the real purpose of greenhouses because they believe that there is not so much difference between the outside environment with that of the interior condition in the greenhouse.

They say that light, water, and air are, in fact, readily made available in the natural environment. Inside the greenhouse, lights, water, and air are artificially supplied. They further contend that once the person who is in=-charge of the process has failed to do his job, chances are, the plants will die.

Hence, they insist that it would be better to cultivate the plants on its natural environment rather than locking them up in a glass-made ‘prison.”

The problem with these people is that they do not understand the main operation of the greenhouse that is why they cannot appreciate the goodness of greenhouses. They are not pleased about the benefits that greenhouses may bring.

Therefore, in order to gain the right appreciation of the purpose of greenhouses, here is a list of detailed facts about the real operation of greenhouses:

1. It uses solar energy

Like the natural environment, greenhouses make use of the solar energy as well. That is why greenhouses are made of glass or plastic to allow the natural light to pass through.

2. It converts the solar energy to heat

This is where the greenhouse benefits start. Basically, when the solar energy enters the greenhouse, the heat that goes along with the light are trapped inside the area. Once inside, the heat is distributed throughout the place. This is similar to the condition of a car that is parked in area with direct sunlight.

Have you ever observed that after you have parked your car in an open area with direct sunlight you can still felt he heat being trapped inside your car? Sam thing goes with the light and heat inside the greenhouse.

Generally, when the “electromagnetic radiation” of the sun enters the greenhouse, the things inside the structure like the soil, plants, and other notable material inside the place are being heat up.

Consequently, the materials that make up the greenhouse, like the glass or the plastic trap the hot air or the heat inside the room. Thus, it heats up both the air and the plants inside. Likewise, it also heats up the air close to the ground.

The main purpose of this particular structure of a greenhouse is to prevent “convection.” This is because through convection, heat is eliminated through the presence of fluids.

The main focus of the issue here is that this particular amount of heat should not escape the hothouse in order to proper growth to the plants.

It is for this reason that many people deem it more to cultivate their plants inside a greenhouse because with proper cultivation process as well as the regulated amount of light and heat present in the area, optimum plant growth and development is highly expected.

Indeed, just by looking at it, many people will still question the efficiency of greenhouses. But as soon as they understand the real concept behind eh operations within the area, they will soon realize that greenhouses are absolutely added features for the environment.

Having a greenhouse will give many benefits to a gardener, whether he is a mere hobbyist or an expert plant cultivator. However, there are many things to consider in having a greenhouse, not to mention the expenses that come with building greenhouses.

A good alternative is to own a hoop house type of greenhouse. These are very simple greenhouses which can be assembled very easily. There are many advantages in having a hoop house greenhouse, here are some of them:

-Availability of more growing time
A hoop house greenhouse provides a gardener more time to cultivate his favorite plants. An extra 3 to 4 months can be extracted for planting more crops in the greenhouse.

-Inexpensive way to cultivate
Hoop house greenhouses provide an inexpensive way to help greenhouse enthusiasts to get started into cultivating crops.

-Crop protection from predators and extreme weather conditions
Hoop house greenhouses are built to protect plants from different adverse conditions which can be brought about by weather conditions and different crop predators. They provide sturdy and efficient covering for the plants against these factors.

-More varieties of plants can be grown
Because hoop houses will allow longer growing seasons, more varieties of plants can be grown in the hoop houses.

-Increased income and savings
One can cultivate different crops which can be equated into additional income or savings. One can actually sell fruits and vegetables which are grown in the hoop houses or can plant crops which can be consumed by the family, therefore avoiding the need to purchase these from the supermarket.

There are many reasons why gardeners have availed hoop houses for their gardens. Here are some more pertinent facts about hoop houses that should be known by other enthusiasts:

-Most growers recover the cost of building their hoop houses in a single season of planting.

-There are no permits required in building hoop houses since they are not considered as permanent structures.

-The growing seasons can be extended by using hoop houses and several other equipments. Hoop houses usually extend growing seasons by as much as 4 months, but by adding layers of insulating film and an inflation blower, one can extend the growing season more than four months.

-Hoop houses are usually made from galvanized steel. The galvanized hoops serve as the framework for the greenhouse. The material is low maintenance, very sturdy and very economical.

-Hoop houses are characterized by natural regulation of its temperature. There is no need for extra equipments which can be sources of additional costs. The hoop houses are warmed by the natural sun and are cooled by the wind. One can roll the sides up and open the hoop house doors to be able to provide ventilation to the plants inside. This is a very cost effective way of cultivating plants in a greenhouse.

-Hoop houses can be built in places where the winds are prevalent and where snow can be a problem. Hoop houses are built from sturdy frames which are designed to handle heavy winds and can withstand the harsh effects of snowing. One can position the hoop house perpendicular to the winds to maximize the ventilation for the plants. One should also remember to do some maintaining when the snow comes. Occasional brushing of the snow will be very beneficial for the hoop house.

-Hoop houses are quite tall and gardeners can use the vertical space to be able to plant more crops. Adding purlins will allow one to hang baskets, tie up tomatoes and other plants. The baskets can then be used to plant ornamental crops or other types of plants.
-One can customize his hoop house in terms of the creation of doors or windows. The traditional hoop houses have a built-in door and a couple of windows for ventilation.

-There are other functions that hoop houses can do when the planting season is over. They can serve as a chicken coop if one installs poultry netting. They can also be used to grow orchids or other ornamental plants.

-Hoop houses can be relocated easily. Relocating hoop houses can be done without disassembling the structure.

There are many reasons why people turn to hoop houses when they want to have a greenhouse. Aside from the multiple benefits that plants can get from being sheltered by hoop houses, these greenhouses are very economical and won’t dig deep into the gardeners’ pockets.

Instead of looking out through your glass panes and watching your not so long ago attractive flower beds that are now frozen in the winter, you can easily transform your windowpane into a little greenhouse where houseplants, herbs, seedlings and flowers will thrive.

A window greenhouse is also a great project for the plant lovers with much limited space. Also referred to as a garden window, even with its very small structure, this little garden can supply you with enough space so that you can enjoy year-round blossoms.

Cost, materials and your window greenhouse size are factors to be considered when deciding the style that best suits you. Just do keep in mind that the style should math the design of your home.

There are complete kits bay window style units that are energy saving and installs easily. They certainly will open up any room and likewise increase the functionality of a living space. Window greenhouse seat board may be utilized as a pretty breakfast nook or give a place for indoor plants that takes up a lot of floor space.

The bow greenhouse window can also be a great option that comprises of more than four glass segments to imitate a rounded look. Bay greenhouse windows generally come in three segments with sides that are angled at either thirty or forty-five degrees.

Your most cost-effective and simple to build option will be a complete greenhouse bow window kit as compared to building a new window greenhouse yourself. With the kit, all you have to do is remove your existing window then enlarge the opening of the wall in accordance to the required size stipulated in the kit and just screw and nail your greenhouse window in place.

However, you should first select a size or measurement that suits your interest as well as the plants that you will be housing. More plants will mean more time is required from you in order to attend to them. Starting with a smaller greenhouse window unit can be a good idea, as you can just install another one. However when your goal is to have more open space then start bigger.

Bow greenhouse windows that come in vinyl maintenance-free material or aluminum coated wood are very appealing. The interior is natural wood which can be stained or painted. With the imitation wood graining, often the stained or painted vinyl looks very real as well as maintenance-free.

Your choices when it comes to window greenhouse features are endless. For energy saving, select a bow greenhouse window structure with bendable foam insulation that is constructed into the seat board or headboard. Some really efficient kinds have foam-stuffed cavities and frames.

The glass paneling is considered to be the core of any greenhouse window for glare control, comfort, efficiency and resistance to fading. For most temperatures and weather, low-emissive or “low-e” type of glass having argon gas between gaps is not a good choice. Select a glass having insulating spacer.

Examine you home and search for that area having those “ready-made” qualities to put up your window greenhouse. You need warmth, good light supply and easy water access. Maintaining and growing plants indoors requires that you provide humidity, sunlight and constant temperature.

Keep in mind that you will be working with the plants such as transplanting them when needed, watering, fertilizing and checking for disease, so you need an area of the house that is easily accessible to you, that will not clash with other activities in the home.

When you want and enjoy the sight of colorful flowers from where you always stay for instance, in the kitchen, it does not have to follow that you should have your window greenhouse in the kitchen, even if there is limited space; you can just rotate flowering plants to many parts of the house, and just return them regularly to the window greenhouse for some rest and sunshine.

Once you have decided where to put your window greenhouse, decide weather you will be building it yourself or you will purchase a kit.

Just remember that foliars are just the beginning. You can always purchase potted flowering plants in bloom and arrange them in your window greenhouse. During fall, you can already plant summer flowers in pots that you can enjoy when summer comes. Also, herbs are attractive, useful and fragrant addition to your window greenhouse. You can now garden all year long and enjoy it no matter what the weather brings.

With so many harmful elements that tend to destroy the environment these days, having your plants nurtured and developed within a remarkable structure. Known as the greenhouse, you can expect an all year-round supply of lush vegetations and flowering plants without worrying about the adverse effects of the pollution in the environment.

Indeed, cultivating plants in a greenhouse is one of the most remarkable structures and concept man has ever created. However, putting up and setting up a greenhouse is not an easy thing precisely because it entails a lot of factors that needs to be considered in order to provide the plants a healthier place to live.

With the “closed environment” of the greenhouse, it is a must for every gardener to provide the appropriate equipments that will answer to the different needs of the plants.

These equipments are classified into three systems, each having its own unique capability of nurturing the plants. These systems provide the benefits similar to what the outside environment can do.

Here are the three greenhouse systems:

1. Greenhouse lighting system

Light is an essential factor in plant propagation and development. Since we started to learn how plants make their own food back in grade school, it is worth noting that light will always be a part of a plant’s survival.

Given that premise, it is substantial to note that a good lighting system is important in a particular greenhouse environment. Greenhouse lighting systems provide undoubted assistance to the development of the plants especially during the winter season.

The idea of the greenhouse lighting system is to remake summer’s warmness, heat, and light through artificial methods and devices. In this way, the plants will be lured to continue on its production stage even if they should already be on their inactive phase.

Hence, it is interesting to note that with this innovative greenhouse lighting system, gardeners can actually look forward to a yearlong production in spite of the winter season.

2. Greenhouse watering system

Among the important factors that initiate plants production and growth, water comes close next to light. Without water, plants will die; there is no doubt about it. But where water seems inadequate to provide since the plants are confined in a close environment, the greenhouse water systems will do the job.

Greenhouse water systems do not necessarily pertains to the watering activity within the greenhouse environment. One of the main purposes of the greenhouse water system is to lessen the temperature inside to as much as 25° Fahrenheit.

This particular greenhouse system is, likewise, built to provide adequate water as well as fertilizer feed as possible. It specially designed to provide mechanical “trickle type” of irrigation and fertilizer feeding. It has a modifiable control system that will provide changeable flow of fertilizer and water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

3. Greenhouse Electrical System

This is the most important aspect of the greenhouse systems. Electricity is the utmost element that is needed to fuel all of those feasible devices such as temperature and humidity gauge, lighting fixtures, and other important devices that feeds on electricity.

This particular greenhouse system has an adjustable on and off button that regulates the flow of electricity within the area. It also has its won timer switch that automatically shuts off when no device is expected to use it.

One of the best things about the greenhouse electrical system is that it has “low-voltage timers” and power line of electricity. In fact, the maximum amount of voltage for most electrical systems is 150 watts. This goes to show that the amount of energy that is being consumed is just enough to power all the devices needed inside the greenhouse but not too much that it will burn your expenses right at your fingertips.

Moreover, this greenhouse system is so easy to install. In fact, for small greenhouses, there are electrical systems that can be mounted even without the expert help of an electrician.

Indeed, these three greenhouse systems work together in order to answer the needs of the plants as far as their development is concerned. With all these greenhouse systems, putting up and maintaining a greenhouse is never hard enough to start with.

Given all that, coming up with your own greenhouse is as easy as 1-2-3 as long as you have these three reliable greenhouse systems at hand.

A greenhouse may help a person to shorten the growing period of the plants. This allows a person to harvest the crop earlier than the usual period he would normally expect. Greenhouse planting requires proper planning to absolutely have an increase of crop production. He may be kept busy throughout the year attending to his greenhouse because of the continuous cultivation and gardening activities.

The germination status of each plant could turn out for the better because the seeds may produce different kinds of plants. A greenhouse has the capacity to control the amount of sunlight needed by the plants. It can also control the temperature and the humidity inside that will ensure the person to have healthier and an increased production.

He may start on propagating the seeds to ensure an organic growth with his plants. It is also advisable not to apple fungicide on his seeds because it might destroy its nutrient absorption on the soil’s organic fertilizer. A greenhouse allows plants to grow faster and bigger that their usual sizes unlike when plants are raised in the traditional way of agriculture where the climate affects the growth of any plant.

Greenhouses may come on small and large designs. It may depend on the space area allotted for its foundation. The shapes are commonly rectangular but there are new styles that are applied on new greenhouses such as those conservatory styled greenhouses, which are attached to the house. A person may not judge the style of the greenhouse but for its approach to its plants. In order to have a more conventional greenhouse a person may consider different supplies and accessories to maintain and upgrade its full potential.

1. The best advisable covering a greenhouse should have is a fiberglass covering. The maintenance is very easy and it does not deteriorate fast. It has the ability to control the needed sunlight compared to plastic and wooden shades. The ventilation is readily prepared on the roofing to control the temperature and humidity inside the greenhouse.

2. The potting benches are the most common helpful supplies he may need in the greenhouse. Most potting benches come with one or two shelves that store potting supplies such as dirt, manure, fertilizer and the pots. He may not need extra effort in cleaning it after its use because of the tray supporting the holders and the flat top. He may place the potting supplies near his potting area so that it would be more convenient for him not to waste any movements while gardening.

3. Rainwater systems are also available for ecology oriented and conscious gardeners. He may collect the needed water from the downspouts and gutters of the greenhouse water system. The irrigation and watering of the plants can be environment friendly compared to those automated water systems.

4. The lighting supplies are very essential in the greenhouse. He may avail of grow lights that increase the spectrum growth of the plants. It also provides the needed warmth and artificial sunlight in cases of climate changes. They may be very effective during the winter season where most plants grow short because they are not exposed to the needed sunlight.

5. A greenhouse should have shelving supplies. There are growing shelves supplies that stabilize the greenhouse condition. They come with aluminum frames where he can place the seeds on its trays. They also feature an ultra violet plastic stabilizer covering to create the needed greenhouse conditions.

6. He may need to supply the greenhouse with a misting propagation system. This will ensure the plants of a healthier growth because of the sustained moisture in the air. To have a balanced and controlled humidity, he may avail of the automated misters. They come with timers to mist the place and moisture sensors for the moisture density. The misting propagation system is very essential to those greenhouses that grow tropical plants.

Other optional supplies and accessories he may add to his greenhouse are the automatic plant misting system, soil sterilization supplies, thermometers, special shelving systems, shelters and shades with roof ventilation, plant lighting tools, and humidity gauges. All these supplies may have their own use in a greenhouse. He may consider his budget before availing any of these optional supplies.

Ever wondered how higher altitude places can grow crops in their location? Plants need enough heat and sun’s energy to grow. However, for places that are located in the northern portion of the globe, this requirement may be difficult to attain because of the nature of their weather. Thus, farmers in these places use the greenhouse method to be able to still successfully to grow good quality crops.

A greenhouse is an enclosed structure where plants are being cultivated. This building is usually made of glass or plastic to trap the sun’s electromagnetic radiation to warm the plants and soil inside. Having a greenhouse needs proper maintenance for a more productive crop growing. Different supplies are needed by greenhouse farmers to make this happen.

Greenhouse Supplies
There are different materials and equipments needed for a greenhouse planting to be effective. Here are some examples of the supplies you will need in case you are planning to build a greenhouse:

1. Heating and cooling thermostats. Since temperature is crucial to the efficiency of greenhouse structures, a thermostat is needed to be placed inside the building. The best location to mount it is near the middle of the greenhouse and at plant height. Also, it would be best if both the cooling and heating thermostats are protected from direct contact with water and sunlight.

2. Vents. Greenhouse temperature and humidity should be controlled to attain perfect growing conditions. Thus, vents are needed to be able to get in more air for proper ventilation during warm seasons, or seal out air in colder times of the year.

3. Exhaust fans. For plants to grow healthier in your greenhouse, circulation fans are needed. These fans even out the distribution of fresh air and heat inside the greenhouse.

4. Plant watering systems. Of course, aside from heat and fresh air, plants also need water to grow. You can always do the watering on your own by having water hoses long enough to reach all parts of the greenhouse. Moreover, it would be best if you just have an automatic watering system so you don’t have to worry not having to water your plants when you are out. This watering system should be placed on a shelf above the plants then connect the drippers to the circulation tubing.

5. Benches and shelving. These pieces of garden furniture are needed to be able to place more plants in lesser space. They are ideal for greenhouse owners doing gardening as a hobby. Also, a good-sized working bench is needed for potting and repotting of plants.

6. Lighting system. Having a good lighting system helps increase the speed of growth of plants as it provides plenty of light for longer periods of time.

7. Thermometers. To properly maintain the ideal conditions inside the greenhouse, you will need to monitor the different factors affecting your plants’ growth. Different thermometers are needed for you to be able to track changes occurring inside the structure. Examples of these thermometers are the regular thermometer, humidity gauge, soil thermometer and the light intensity meter.

8. Ground cover. Since weeds are known to grow anywhere, it is best to protect your soil from these weeds that carry pests and diseases to plants. To do this, you can have a ground cover as a floor to your greenhouse or cover it with soil, sand, brick and gravel.

9. Cycle timers. To be able to automate the equipments you use in your greenhouse, you can also put a cycle timer which can accurately cycle the equipments on and off time. This is ideal for ventilation controls, irrigation, and misting. With this timer, you do not have to worry going in and out of your greenhouse to turn the machines on and off.

10. Greenhouse books and reading materials. Continuous learning is essential for anything we do. Same goes with maintaining greenhouses. You need to be well equipped with all the necessary requirements of having more productive plant cultivation in your greenhouse. These books and magazines will also keep you updated of the latest news and recent technology releases about greenhouses.

These are just some of the main supplies you need to have a well-maintained greenhouse. There are several items available online or at your favorite garden supplies shop. Take a look at them and determine which ones will be useful to your greenhouse.

More and more people are maintaining a greenhouse in their own yards. Most have found it a fulfilling endeavor, not just to grow plants, but to grow plants well. Thus if this interests you, then it is best to learn the basics of a greenhouse.

What Is a Greenhouse?

The greenhouse serves as the home for young and tender plants, especially those grown out of their normal season. This is mainly designed to create a proper environment for the plant and for cultivation of the same.

It is usually made with plastic or glass-paned sloping roof and walls. This way, the temperature, light and even moisture can be easily controlled to give a balanced condition encouraging to the plants.

The greenhouse is best suited to grow plants of all kinds. The usual varieties are cacti, orchids and citrus trees. This is also a very ideal venue to implement plant research.

Ideally, the natural sunlight is sufficient to supply the requirements of plants, especially in temperate regions. However, when winter comes it is necessary to supply the plants with heat and light to encourage growth. The heat usually comes from steam or hot-air circulating system.

During the summer, the panes would be covered to reduce the light intensity. The structure of the greenhouse will allow heat to be easily reduced. This is done by opening the ventilators or whitewashing the panes.

Humidity is maintained by the water supplied in the soils. When the greenhouse needs greater humidity, the floors are usually sprayed with water. For pot-grown plants, like the orchids, they are set on racks with moistened residues.

There are many aspects that make a productive greenhouse. These generally depend on the supplies installed in the greenhouse. To know what these supplies are, just read on.

What Are the Important Greenhouse Supplies?

To have a really successful greenhouse, it is important to have the proper supplies and accessories to put in it. Listed below are several important greenhouse supplies.

1. Ventilation

This is the most important supply you can not miss out on your greenhouse. It serves to purposes, to provide carbon dioxide to plants and to cool the greenhouse. Without this, the greenhouse might just be simply your furnace.

The greenhouse is really storing the heat coming from the sun during the day, creating a warmer environment inside the greenhouse compared to the outside. Thus the ventilation fan system will be helpful in bringing in fresh and cooler air inside.

2. Heating System

The heating source is important too, especially during the nighttime and for the cold seasons to come. Generally, the heat supplied by the sun is stored by the greenhouse. At night, the heating systems will serve as the heat source.

This can be fueled by wood, gas, oil or even electricity. The choice simply depends on whatever type of fuel can be available in the locality as well the costs.

Some make use of electric heaters for smaller greenhouses. This should be treated with extra caution. It is not supposed to be exposed or be in contact to water to avoid any electric shock.

3. Greenhouse Thermometers

It is not sufficient that you provide temperature in the greenhouse. You have to be able to control and maintain the proper temperature. The only way you can do this is to get the min/max thermometer. This records the high and low temperature of the greenhouse.

What is at stake is the valuable data that can help you determine if the heating or cooling equipment is working correctly.

4. Fog System and Watering System

Mist and fog systems are useful in any serious greenhouse. It helps in maintaining the humidity level. A good amount of humidity can also help reduce the need for water supply.

When it comes to watering the plants, it will have to depend on the type of the plant. The regular wand can be used on the average grown plants. The drip system is best for watering larger plants. This is also a good way to save on water.

For seedlings, it is ideal to use a watering system with small sprinklers, or even misting systems. Using the regular hose or wand will simply disturb the soil.

5. Lighting

Lighting is also very important for growing plants. This will serve as the artificial sun, especially when the season does not give much heat, light and sun.

6. Shading

Shades come in handy during the hot summer. They block a certain part of the rays of the sun from entering the greenhouse. This is to avoid too much heat and sunlight on a dry season. The shade is also very helpful to some plants that grow best when screened from the direct sun.

7. Flooring and Benches

The flooring details will be for the benefit of the greenhouse owner. It can be aesthetic as it polishes the image and ambience of the greenhouse. It can also be functional. It is best to use non-skid surface so there will be not much worry during watering time. It should be easy to clean and must be able to endure the moisture in the environment.

Benches can also provide comfort. When attending to the plants, it would not hurt to do it while sitting. It is also a good place to observe and enjoy the fruits of your labor. This can also serve shading purposes to plants located beneath or just behind it.

With these important details at hand, you can easily come up with a master plan to get that perfect greenhouse for your plants.

Having a farm is not just about planting crops and harvesting it. There is a lot of work to be done to protect it from disease, pests and the weather. Since these areas are usually big and require a lot of manpower, scientists have come up with a better idea.

This plan is to grow crops in a controlled environment which makes it easy to grow crops all throughout the year. This structure which can be big or small depending on the open space in the farm is known as the greenhouse.

A greenhouse is an enclosed building that is usually made up of metal, wood and glass. These structures are designed so that the farmer can grow vegetables, flowers and fruits. The person can buy one and have it assembled in the farm or have it custom made according to certain specifications.

This new method has better results than doing farming the non-organic way such as the use of sewage, irradiation, pesticides and herbicides. This is only after tests have shown that this is a health risk that does more harm than good.

A very good example which has shown that this approach is effective is the use of hydroponics farming. This technique doesn’t require the use of soil but rather water to make the plant grow. In one experiment, scientists were able to produce more tomatoes using water than it was using soil.

Since then, other ways of doing hydroponics have been done and this has helped the productivity of the farmers.

More farmers rely on free standing greenhouses. Before these can be set up in the farmland, a good location must be determined that should provide adequate sunlight and wind to help the plants grow.

The most important thing that keeps the greenhouse standing is the frame. Developers have made versions using wood, metal, aluminum and plastic. The farmer can use any of these or have one that is a combination of any of these materials. This will depend on the budget of the farmer and the type of weather conditions there is in the area.

Plants grow because of two things. The first is the nutrients that are given to it. The second is sunlight. This makes it important for the farmer to choose the right panels.

Traditional greenhouses use glass but there are many problems when these are used as panels. Since it doesn’t protect the crops from the sun and merely lets it in, too much heat can kill the plants.

When there is a hurricane or a hailstorm, rocks and other things in most cases break the glass. This will cost a lot of money on the part of farmer to replace.

In order for the farmer to make money in selling crops than paying for repairs, designers have made panels using other things such as plastic, film and Plexiglas. This is a remarkable improvement since these are shatterproof and are able to stand severe weather conditions.

These also allow only 75% of ultraviolet light to enter the greenhouse which is the sufficient amount needed to help the plants grow.

The climate is changing and that is something that people cannot change. The effects of El Niño and La Niña have made the weather worse than the year before and this is a challenge that farmers must face.

Another thing that makes up the greenhouse is the equipment needed to keep it running. Farming in a cold climate can be difficult and since plants need warmth, a heater should also be installed.

Heaters come in big and small sizes. This can be powered by electricity, using propane gas, oil and other non-renewable resources. This device gives farmers the means to meet the demands of the people especially during the winter.

Farms have also changed thanks to technology. People don’t have to till the land anymore using rakes. Greenhouses can have timers which release water mixed with nutrients at certain times of the day helping the plants grow.

Though it is quite expensive to build a greenhouse, by selecting the proper structure, the farmer can be sure that come harvest time, there will be enough crops to sell to the market and money can be made.

Farmers face many challenges when working on the land. This isn’t just tilling the soil or giving it water and nutrients until harvest season. It is also about being prepared to fight off pests and diseases that will ensure the person there is sufficient stock to sell in the market.

In order for the farmer to do that, the supplier must do the job of selling a greenhouse to ensure there are enough crops for everyone in the community.

This can be done by explaining what a greenhouse is. Since these are there to help the farmer grow crops in a controlled environment, pest and diseases will become a problem in the past.

Since this comes in various sizes, the designer can bring a brochure to show what is available. If the space cannot accommodate the existing models, that person can also offer the farmer to make a customized version according to the layout of the land.

This will involve measuring the area where it will be and the type of weather that is prevalent in the area.

There are two things that make up a greenhouse. The first is the structure. Should the proposed area have strong winds, then the supplier should recommend the kind made of metal. This will keep the greenhouse on the ground and will not blow over due to a storm.

The second thing is the panels. Both panels and frames are made up of different materials which are a change from how these were made years ago. Should the farm be in a place that has frequent hail or snow storms, the supplier can recommend panels made of Plexiglas or plastic.

Using this type of material will save the farmer money since these will not break unlike glass or shatter unlike glass. By explaining the benefits of using the right materials, money gained from selling crops can make further improvements in the farm.

Another concern that farmers face is the weather during the winter season. Some farmers are not able to plant anything since these will just freeze.

The supplier can also introduce in the package heaters which can be used to let farmers grow crops in a cold climate. These devices are used to keep the crops warm. This can be powered by electricity, gas or oil that can be installed in side the greenhouse.

The summer months may also bring in too much heat inside the greenhouse. The supplier can handle this by also having a ventilation system installed as part of the package to be offered to the farmer. This will ensure that there is sufficient oxygen and carbon dioxide for the plants to grow.

The farmer even with the manpower and the resources available may sometimes have difficulty managing the place. The supplier can also provide a solution for this by offering a timer to be installed in the greenhouse.

This is set at a certain time in the day that will release water mixed with nutrients at certain times of the day to help the plants grow.

Since suppliers also attend conferences and conventions about farming more often that those who work the land, the supplier can give certain recommendations that can help improve crop production.

A good suggestion is offering a very good technique when it comes to working with greenhouses. This is called hydroponics farming in which plants are grown using water instead of soil.

The supplier can cite cases where this technique has proven to produce more crops than the traditional method of using the soil.

The supplier may have the difficult task of discussing how much it will cost to set up a greenhouse. This is because the price for a large farm is more than $4000 a piece. But by showing all the benefits and features of the greenhouse and understanding the needs of the farmer, the supplier can close a deal which is good for both parties.

Making a sale with the farmer is just one step in making the business grow. It is up to the person who is in the farm now to use all the equipment in the greenhouse to make the crops grow, harvest it then sell it.

Where the Grass is Green All Year-Round

Gardening enthusiasts in the more interesting temperate climates and any place where there are four seasons are faced with great benefits as well as challenges. Because of the four seasons, gardeners are blessed with huge plant varieties conducive for planting on one or two of the seasons. In the period of a year, they are given an opportunity to plant varieties that must grow in cooler climates, and take advantage of the sunny summer to plant those that would require more exposure to the sun.

However, the seasonality of plant varieties may pose challenges to those who would rather grow plants continuously, regardless of season. This is especially true for flower and fruit varieties that require continuous sunlight for an entire year, for example, or fruit and vegetable perennials that do not bear fruit and instead shrivel up in the winter.

The response to these challenges is the creation of greenhouses or greenhouse facilities. A greenhouse is a structure made of glass or plastic that stores up the sun’s rays in order to simulate the temperatures in the spring all year long inside. By storing up heat inside a greenhouse, it allows individuals to grow plants continuously even while winter rages hard outside it. Greenhouses also go by the name glasshouses or hothouses.

The glass or plastic used in the construction of greenhouses are specially designed to have transmission qualities that will allow for the sun’s ultraviolet rays to be stored inside the greenhouse facility, providing a warm atmosphere inside, and in effect, warming the plants and the soil. A greenhouse leaves little or no openings through which the air heated by the stored sunlight can escape; leaving a small window or hatch open in a greenhouse will lead to a drastic drop in temperatures.

The general idea of a greenhouse is to protect temperature and climate sensitive plants from extreme shifts in temperature—either too hot or too cold. Maintaining a greenhouse has its own share of toil. Unlike the normal outdoor environment, which may be left to its own devices to some extent as nature creates some degree of balance, a greenhouse must be placed under strict regulation. Inside the greenhouse is a controlled environment that must simulate the outdoors without overdoing it.

For a start, it must regulate heat and humidity inside the facility. Other factors to be considered are irrigation of the plants (and sufficiency of the water available to them), light exposure, and the presence of pests and diseases must be put into great consideration. Moreover, due to the fact that the spring outdoors is sealed into a single facility, natural activities like pollination must be simulated by the introduction of species that will help make this possible. Bumblebees are the most popular option for pollinators in greenhouses.

It is recommended that greenhouses be built in the southeast portion of the property. It is in this way that the minimal sunlight available during the winter will be maximized by the greenhouse. Moreover, the house can serve to protect the greenhouse from strong winter blizzards coming in from the north.
Greenhouses may be built attached to a house, or as stand-alone structures. The latter option provides more growing room for the greenhouse facility.

While it may seem that there is too much to do in order to simply start a greenhouse, gardening enthusiasts will be more than willing to vouch for greenhouses, especially if gardening is a hobby. Gardening affords even the busiest of folks to tend to their plants when they are available. With a greenhouse, the constraints of day and night, and even the seasons, are put in the backseat. Greenhouses provide the option of tending to gardens even at night because lighting and heat is consistently present inside the structure.

Moreover, it gives gardeners the ability to plant exotic flowers and fruits that are usually grown in warmer tropical areas as they are able to control light exposure and heat inside the greenhouse.

Greenhouses may even provide profit-making possibilities for gardeners. With potted plants for indoor growing and flowers growing in demand, greenhouse owners are given opportunities to sell what they grow inside their greenhouses to buffer whatever maintenance costs they incur along the way.

In the higher-latitude territories, greenhouses carry the important task of growing fresh produce in areas where the climates are harsh and cruel on plants. This is one of the biggest reasons for huge greenhouse facilities that house vegetables and fruits more than flowers and exotic foliage.

At the end of the day, greenhouses allow for the creation of a miniaturized and highly controlled natural environment to suit gardening needs. Its growing potential to provide for fresh produce in territories even with the instability of global climate proves to be a benefit that may be explored in the future.

Greenhouse plastic is mainly responsible for maintaining a hothouse effect within a greenhouse. Greenhouse plastic creates a warm and suitable growing environment that allows various types of plants to cultivate beautifully. It creates an enclosure that protects plants from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun while taking advantage of its natural warmth and light. The filtered environment produced by greenhouse plastic makes it possible for garden enthusiasts to grow luscious plants like vegetables and flowers in the cold dead of winter.

Greenhouse plastic is explicitly designed to resist wear and tear unlike conventional construction plastic that cannot filter ultraviolet rays from the sun. Greenhouse plastic is durable due to its knitted design that allows it to be cut and sized to meet the required length for a structure without fraying, ripping or tearing. The material can easily be framed around any greenhouse opening like a vent, door or windows.

Greenhouse plastic is the preferred covering of most garden enthusiasts compared to other types of greenhouse covering. At the same time costs are greatly reduced when greenhouse plastic is used since it lightweight and does not require heavy-duty structural framing. The diffusion of light into a structure constructed of greenhouse plastic is as good as that of a glass greenhouse.

Types of Greenhouse Plastic

Greenhouse plastic films are generally made of three types of plastics namely, PVC or polyvinyl chloride, PE or polyethylene and copolymers. Although, there are other types of plastic used these three are most widely used among all.

Polyethylene greenhouse plastic is available in two types, the utility grade and the commercial grade greenhouse plastic. Utility grade polyethylene greenhouse plastic is sold at local hardware stores and generally stays in good condition for practically a year. Commercial grade polyethylene greenhouse plastic last longer that utility grade PE up to eighteen months and is treated with ultraviolet inhibitors that filter out ultraviolet rays.

Copolymers are more durable and last up to three years. Innovative additives introduced into greenhouse plastic enable it to mimic the same effects of a glass greenhouse at considerably reduced costs. Polyvinyl chloride is more expensive compared to polyethylene however this type of greenhouse plastic can last up to five years. However PVC greenhouse plastic requires regular washing to prevent dust buildup from the air. It is also sold in smaller sheets of four feet by six feet wide.

How to Attach Greenhouse Plastic to Frame

Once the frame has been built it is time to put on the greenhouse plastic film to enclose the entire structure. The plastic film can either be made of polyethylene, copolymers or polyvinyl chloride depending the preference of the owner. But as much as possible choose a greenhouse plastic that is resistant to ultraviolet rays in order to make the most of the structure. Before laying the greenhouse plastic covering on the frame it is important to mask the joints of the frames with several rounds of tape or a rubber material to prevent it from puncturing the covering.

The greenhouse plastic film can be secured in place using a staple gun. A more rigid construction using 1” by 2” wood strips and wood screws can also be used to secure the greenhouse plastic film in place. The wood strips are attached to the frame so that the greenhouse plastic film does not come in direct contact with the frame.

A popular technique used by nurseries is a double-walled construction for better insulation within the structure that adds up to considerable energy savings. Two sheets of plastic are layered and framed leaving a small amount of space in between about five to eight inches wide. Air is introduced into the framed plastics that produce a dead air zone, which can efficiently insulate the entire greenhouse. Various tapes like poly patching tape and batten tape can be used to secure greenhouse plastic into place.

Poly patching tape is constructed from UV protected acrylic along with the adhesive to protect the greenhouse plastic from weakening on contact with it. This type of tape can be used to patch holes and rips that may happen to the plastic film. Its excellent holding strength and wide tape make an ideal for securing the plastic film to the frame of the greenhouse. On the other hand batten tape can be fastened the plastic film using staples or tacks to the greenhouse structure. It is also made of heavy gauge vinyl that is also UV protected.

Many people are growing more and more enthusiastic about getting themselves a greenhouse. Greenhouses are very practical to have nowadays especially when the prices of crops in the market are becoming more and more expensive.

In building greenhouses, one has several options to choose from. One can actually hire a professional greenhouse expert to guide him throughout the whole process of building his greenhouse. From the creation of plans to the actual creation of the greenhouse, one can use the services of a professional. However, this approach will entail a lot of costs. The professional fees will definitely take its toll in the pockets of the greenhouse enthusiast. Another way to do it is to buy resources about building greenhouses. There are many resources out there that contain greenhouse plans and other tips which can be used in building a greenhouse. However, there are sources which give free plans and tips which can be very useful, especially for greenhouse enthusiasts who are just beginning.

There are several parts of a greenhouse which need careful consideration and planning. These are:

1) Base
The base is made from sawn timber. This kind of timber can easily be availed from local timber merchants. This timber is more commonly found in fences. The base for our plan is measured at 2400 mm by 3000 mm.

2) Side walls
The side walls should be built from 75 by 50 tanalised sawn timber. They usually come in 4800 mm.

When the base is established on a flat ground, the two side walls should be built. The two side walls should be put upright and temporarily in place on top of the base. They are to be attached to the base using galvanized nails.

3) Roof frame

The roof frame should also be built using the 75 by 50 tanalised sawn timber. The roof frames should be placed above the side walls. A roof frame should be placed at each end of the side walls. They are also to be attached using galvanized nails.

4) Windows

The windows should be made of 50 by 50 sawn tanalised timber. Some people would want a couple of windows for their greenhouses. The windows should be hinged so as to allow regulation of temperature.

5) Covering

The greenhouse covering should be made up of polythene which is resistant to ultra-violet rays. The covering is to be placed using thin battens which will hold the polythene to the greenhouse. The battens are to be nailed to the greenhouse studs and roof rafters.
One must be cautious about the kind of polythene which he will avail from the hardware store since most of the suppliers only have polythene which is not ultra-violet-resistant.

There are other things to consider when building greenhouses. Here are some of them:

– One should check the local building regulations before engaging into greenhouse construction. If in any case that there are restrictions regarding deeds, one should look at the requirements regarding set backs and regulations about easement. Hoop houses are greenhouses which are made from frames which can be easily disassembled. These kinds of greenhouses are not considered as permanent structures and therefore exempt from the regulations concerning such structures.

-One should make a layout of the whole yard and the house before he constructs a greenhouse. A greenhouse would often times become the centerpiece of a garden or a yard and it is much recommended that people plan before putting a single nail into it.

-Time management and budgeting are two important things to constantly consider in building a greenhouse. One should allot around eight to twenty thousand US dollars if he is serious about constructing a quality greenhouse. However, there are greenhouse kits that are available out there that are not as expensive. One should know what to spend and how to spend it. The time table in constructing a greenhouse should be set according to the plans of the owner. Greenhouses can be built in a couple of days to a couple of years. It all depends on the owner.

One may find many free greenhouse construction plans in the Internet. All one needs to know is the know-how’s of search engines. These free plans come with good tips and wonderful illustrations to guide one in constructing a greenhouse for his plants.

Building a greenhouse is like building a house. You should have a well-designed plan and several things need to be taken into consideration. There are different types of home greenhouses but your choice should depend on the growing area, architecture, location and costs. Most importantly, the greenhouse that you will be building should, of course, serve its purpose of maintaining a proper environment for plants to grow.

As mentioned, there are several things that need to be considered when putting up a greenhouse. To give you some tips, here are the things to be included in the planning stage:

– Location. First thing to note in building a greenhouse is its location. The best location for a greenhouse is a place where it will get maximum sunlight. Morning sunlight is best for plants because it makes them start processing early which will result to maximized growth.

Thus, the best location is on the east side where it gets maximum morning sunlight especially from November to February. North of buildings or any major structure is the last location to be considered as it only provides little light. Also, it is best to make sure that the trees nearby the chosen location will still allow enough sunlight to reach the greenhouse.

Other things to be considered when choosing location are good drainage, location of sources of water, electricity and heat. The location should also be convenient for the owner or the caretaker as well as to the utilities.

– Greenhouse type. In general, a home greenhouse can be any of these two types – a free-standing structure or one that is attached to your house or garage. Attached greenhouses also have different kinds. One example of an attached greenhouse is the lean-to. This is a half greenhouse attached directly to one side of a house or building with doorway, if possible. This type is close to sources of heat, water and electricity and is the least expensive. However, this kind of structure also has some limitations on space, ventilation, and sunlight.

Another attached greenhouse variation is the even-span. This kind of structure has one gable end connected to a building. It provides more usable space and allows for better air flow to maintain temperature. It is also the most costly, though, among the attached ones.

The third type of an attached greenhouse is the window-mounted. This type can be attached on the east or south side of the house or building. This is a glass enclosure that extends a foot or so, which gives enough space for growing a few plants at low cost.

Freestanding greenhouses are separate structures that are not limited to a small space. Since it is set apart from an existing structure or building, it should have its own water and electricity sources as well as heating system.

When choosing the preferred structure, make sure that enough space for benches, storage, as well as future expansion is considered. The University of Maryland Cooperative Extension Service suggests a minimum area of 6 feet by 12 feet for a free-standing or even-span greenhouse.

– Structural Materials. Your greenhouse should also have a good structural foundation to withstand extreme weather conditions. There are several options for a frame and framing materials to choose from. Do-it-yourself greenhouse plans commonly use wood or metal pipes as their structural material. There are different kinds of frames available which range from simple to complex designs. Some examples of frames are Quonset, gothic, rigid-frame, post and rafter, and A-frame.

Another material to be considered is the covering for your greenhouse. Your choice of frame and covering should correctly match. Some factors to be considered to choose a good covering is its ability to trap the most amount of heat inside, as well as its life span. The different choices for greenhouse covering include regular glass, fiberglass, double-wall plastic, and film plastic.

– Foundations and flooring. Glass frames and the double-wall plastic need a permanent foundation and the plan should be provided by the manufacturers of the frame. It is also recommended for the greenhouse to be elevated a little to have enough space for water to flow. Thus, permanent flooring is not advisable as the soil may stay wet and make the floor slippery. A walkway made of gravel, concrete or stone is advised for easy access to the all the plants.

– Environmental systems. Once you now have a good plan for the structure of your home greenhouse, the next thing to consider is its proper maintenance. Aside from sunlight and heat, different elements are important to maintain the ideal growing condition for plants. These environmental systems that should be included in greenhouse planning are heating, air circulation, ventilation, cooling, controllers and automation, water and lighting systems.

Building a greenhouse can prove to be demanding and challenging. Complete knowledge about greenhouse is needed for you to be able to build a productive structure. A considerable amount of time is needed to make a good plan which should cover all aspects. It pays to learn and scout for different options before making your final decision.

The material of your greenhouse is a very significant factor in terms of heat transfer and the heat it can retain, durability, and the cost in keeping maintaining a warm greenhouse temperature all throughout the winter months.

There are many paneling materials available in the market that you can choose from, such as glass, polythene plastic, fiberglass, and polycarbonate are a few of the common and most popular materials today.

Each material type works well as each also has its individual strong and weak points. Certainly, some panels suit better the budget of the hobbyist’s.

When deciding on a panel for your hobby greenhouse you have to consider the following:

• The amount of light that can be transmitted.

• The toughness of climate in your area (some can be very windy).

• Easy installation.

• Easy to maintain.

• Decrease light transfer as the panel ages.

• How much heat it can hold.

• Durability and estimated life of the panel until the need of replacement.

• Price.

• Endurance to heavy rain and strong wind; tearing or breakage.

• Weight.

• Flammability.

Fiberglass, glass and polycarbonates, are excellent choices for one who is into a greenhouse hobby. Plastic panels are commonly used in commercial large greenhouses although they are not very durable and entail frequent replacing.

Glass, the traditional greenhouse paneling has a very pleasing appearance, can be easily and reasonably maintained and has high level of permanency. When one is really concerned about the look of the greenhouse, then glass can be a good choice for paneling.

Glass permits large amounts of light to pass through, in fact amongst all paneling, it is glass that can transmit light effectively, and however, it can break easily.

If you choose to use glass, just make certain that your greenhouse framing and foundation should really be strong, as glass can be heavy. An aluminum framing is best when using glass, although it can be expensive to keep the greenhouse warm as aluminum absorbs the cold during winter.

The drawback of using glass for paneling is that glass is a breakable material, initially very expensive to construct, needs a very strong framing and foundation to support its rigidity and heaviness.

Polycarbonate, although not as attractive as glass, yet it is much more durable. It likewise can not let in as compared to glass; however sunlight that passes through this material is less slightly concentrated so that plants will not catch the intense sunlight and heat that a glass greenhouses permits. To reduce the cost of heating, double or even triple polycarbonate paneling sheets can work excellently for retaining in the heat.

Fiberglass is a strong, lightweight and essentially hail-proof paneling material. However, you should use good quality fiberglass since poor grades can discolor as well reduce penetration of light overtime. Likewise, you need to use clear and transparent types only. Tedlar-coated quality fiberglass can lasts up to 20 years.

The resin coating that the glass fibers have eventually will wear off, permitting dirt to be deposited in the fibers. Therefore, after about 15 years, there is a need to put on a new resin coating. The penetration of light can be initially compared to glass, although as it ages, it will considerably drop off especially when you use poor quality fiberglass.
Double-layered rigid plastic paneling sheets of polycarbonate or acrylic are available for heat-saving and long-life, covers.

These types of paneling have two coatings of rigid or bendable plastic whish are divided by webs. This double-layer type of material maintains more heat, therefore on can save energy of up to 30 percent.

The acrylic paneling is a long lasting, does not discolor; the polycarbonate generally turns yellow faster, yet typically is shielded by a “UV-inhibitor” covering on the surface that is exposed to sun and rain. Both paneling do carry warranties on light transmission characteristics for up to10 years. And both are ideal for curved surfaces, but polycarbonate paneling is the most bendable paneling material.

Just keep in mind that the best panel material for your greenhouse is the one that suits your needs and style and of course, your budget. Just purchase the best one you can afford.

Farming is normally done in an open area. Since the weather is something that man cannot control, harvests are some times lost due to floods and other calamities which will take another year recover.

To sustain the growth of the farmer, some have decided to use greenhouses which prove to be better than growing it out in the field.

Greenhouses enable the farmer to grow just about anything inside a controlled environment. Since this varies on the species of the plant, the farmer has to choose what to concentrate on to yield more money from the harvest.

The greenhouse is made up of two important things. The first is the frame which is the foundation of the structure. The other is the panels which are designed to keep the plants warm and essential for maximum growth.

Greenhouses in the past were made of glass. Since these shatter when hit by a hailstorm or break due to a lot of snow, other people have decided to shift to acrylic or plastic which are better resistant to these types of weather conditions.

Panels serve both as the roof and the walls of greenhouse. If there are plants inside that do not need that much sunlight, various covers can be used to block off some of the sunlight that enter the structure.

According to experts, the amount of ultraviolet rays coming from the sun that most plants need is about 70-75%. Anything more than that is too much and could kill those that are planted inside the greenhouse.

There are three kinds of panels that are available in the market.

The most common is glass. This does not provide the plants adequate protection from the sun’s rays which is why people want to try others things to be used as panels for the greenhouse. People have also used tempered glass which has proven to be stronger than the regular version.

People who use glass should hire a contractor to do the job since these are heavy and will require more than 3 people to do the job. This will save time and money should it break without the help of professionals.

The next is plastic. Manufacturers have been able to produce panels made using fiberglass, polyester or acrylic and polycarbonate. These have proven to withstand hail storms, heavy snow, balls and rocks that may fall upon the greenhouse. These are also very light and only allow the right amount of light for the plants.

The third is the use of film that is placed on top of the panel. There are to kinds normally used namely Polyethylene and polyester which also provide adequate protection from the sun. These are relatively cheap and are bought in rolls. Once the panels have been set up, the person can just cut it to the size of the panel and put in on.

Each of these types of panels has its own pros and cons. Choosing the right one will depend on how often the greenhouse will be used and the types of crops to be planted.

Farm maintenance is not easy and will require the proper tools to make it work. As the climate changes during the year, having the right panels will ensure that plants are able to grow under any conditions.

Panels can be purchased right from the store or made to custom fit the specifications of the greenhouse. Both the farmer and the contractor must measure the site first to make sure the right panels are made.

If these are too expensive for the farmer, there are some sites on the internet that may provide the services at a cheaper price. All the person has to do is canvass around first before making the decision of the type of panel ideal for the greenhouse.

Plants need both water and sunlight to survive. The process known as photosynthesis is essential for plant growth. The person has to do some research on the types of plants to be grown and the amount of sunlight needed to ensure a good harvest.

To be sure that the plants are getting just enough in a controlled environment such as a greenhouse, the right panels should be used to make it work.

Greenhouses have become important tools in plant cultivation. They provide much needed growing rooms for places which are not very conducive for the development of certain plants. They allow the cultivation of plants in places which could grow these plants normally.

There are many factors which can affect the development of plants inside a greenhouse. The proper balance of air circulation, ventilation, humidity, shading and heating will provide the plants with an optimum environment.

Misting

Other factors will such as ventilation and shading, are important for prevention of overheating in the greenhouse. However, proper misting or the control of humidity is the main factor which maintains a comfortable environment for the cultivation of plants. Evaporation uses up heat when it turns water from liquid into a gas. When the venting process is done, much needed moisture is lost from the greenhouse because it escapes into the air. Misting is one of the ways to replace the lost moisture inside the greenhouse.

The amount of moisture which is needed to be maintained by the greenhouse is dependent on several factors such as the amount of shading and ventilation that is provided, the status of the local climate and the fluctuations in the daily weather. The rule of thumb is that for each 10 square-ft of area, there must be 1-2 gallons/hour of moisture. A misting system will effectively distribute moisture evenly to all the parts of the greenhouse. A good misting system can disperse water in a fine mist, this will prevent the plants from being soaked.

Misting systems reduce temperatures by as much as twenty-five degrees F which is about 14 degrees Celsius.

Here are some facts about misting systems

-Misting systems can be used to disperse water in an ultra fine mist or a very coarse spray. The size of the droplets can depend on the nozzle type, the spacing of the nozzle and the operating pressure.

-Misting systems are used for many different kinds of applications aside from its normal greenhouse chores. They can be used from dust suppression, controlling static electricity control and concrete curing.

-Misting systems utilize pumps which are designed for intermittent or continuous duty. Intermittent pumps are designed to sprinkle water for five minutes and rest for a minute in between misting.

-Misting systems now come with electronic timers which can be programmed to mist 1-14 times a day with each misting ranging from 1 minute to 24 minutes. Other systems can be programmed to mist in shorter durations but more often.

-Nozzles are made from brass or plastic materials. The brass nozzles can be easily affected by minerals that abound in the water supply. The plastic nozzles can tolerate these minerals and can actually repel lime and other deposits.

-The amount of water which is needed to maximize the efficiency of the misting system can be calculated by multiplying the rate of the nozzle flow per minute by the number of nozzles in the system and the result will then be multiplied again by the minutes that the misting system will be in operation each day. This result will be a good estimate of how much water is needed by the system.

-Most misting systems today offer pumps which are almost noise-free. They will not affect the plants and especially the people near the greenhouse.

-Misting systems can be supplemented by an evaporative cooler. They work very well in dry climates (where humidity is below 50%). The air is cooled by around 10-20 degrees by the water which is evaporated because they are drawn through the cooler and then into the greenhouse. Too much humidity can be a problem and this is why people should water the plant only when they need it.

-The use of tools which can measure humidity can also be very helpful for greenhouse enthusiasts.

There are other factors that need to be considered in greenhouse plant cultivation. Misting is just one of them. Misting provides the plants with much needed cooling for the plants.
There are many tools out there that are available for greenhouse plant cultivations which can immensely increase the quality of their greenhouses especially in terms of misting. A cultivator just needs to find out what kind of misting system should be employed for his plants.

Finding the Best among the Greens

When buying a particular product, people are always concerned with the name of the manufacturer. This is because most people tend to think that the quality of the product depends on the kind of manufacturer. In fact, in a certain survey, 6 out of 10 consumers say that they would rather buy a product whose manufacturer is already recognized.

For this reason, experts contend that it would be better to consider the manufacturers first before buying a product.

This is also applicable when buying greenhouses. In today’s modern world, most greenhouses are readily made available in the market. In fact, most of the greenhouses can be purchased in kits, while others still opt for the manually constructed designs.

Greenhouses are the innovative forms of gardening today. Confined in “enclosed structural designs” that are usually made from glass or plastics, greenhouses are believed to offer more than what the outside environment can give to the plants. In this kind of arrangement, light and heat are regulated, thus, providing the right amount in conformity to the particular needs of every plant classification.

Greenhouses can be acquired in assembled form, as “do-it-yourself kits,” or in specially made models. Most of these types of greenhouses differ upon the kinds of “structural beams” and the kind of windowpanes that go with it.

For this reason, it is highly significant for consumers or would-be greenhouse grower to consider the greenhouse manufacturer to ensure the quality of the materials that are used to construct the “hothouse.”

Here is a list of some tips that you must know when contemplating on a greenhouse manufacturer:

1. Do your homework

Nothing comes close in getting a good buy than knowing the kind of situation that you are in. This means that it is important for a consumer to have a handful of knowledge about the product that he is about to buy. This will enable him to confidently identify the things that need to be evaluated first.

Take into considerations the greenhouse manufacturers. It would be better for every consumer to learn about the different greenhouse manufactures in their area. Ask some people, especially those who are already engage into greenhouse businesses, on the ideal greenhouse manufacturer that can provide the best products.

2. Know the manufacturer

If you happen to see a good-enough kind of greenhouse, it would be better to check on its manufacturer. Keep in mind that buying a remarkable product does not always guarantee its excellence. Sometimes people just have to check on its manufacturer to certify its quality.

3. Certifications

When choosing a greenhouse manufacturer, it would be better to check if it is affiliated to a well-known association.

Today, most of the highly acclaimed greenhouse manufacturers are members of The National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association or the NGMA. This is a certified “trade organization” built specially for the greenhouse manufacturers as well as the trader or contractors of greenhouses and its parts.

If you will buy your greenhouse from a greenhouse manufacturer that is affiliated with the NGMA, you can be sure that you will be dealing with an expert. This is because NGMA only recognize those greenhouse manufacturers that are highly knowledgeable and qualified greenhouse manufacturers in the business.

So if you are still looking for a good greenhouse manufacturer, try to contact the NGMA for further information. They have a long list of qualified manufacturers that could provide you with the best greenhouses.

4. Shop around

Grabbing the first greenhouse manufacturer that comes your way is a big no-no, even if its manufacturer is highly recognized in the business. It is still better to shop around for more. In this way, you get to compare prices of the greenhouse or its parts among the qualified greenhouse manufactures that you were able to find.

Keep in mind that getting the best buy is not always dependent on the expertise of the manufacturer. The gratification is always double when the product is bought at a good price.

5. Go online

If there are good enough greenhouse manufacturers in the industry, there are also good enough manufacturers online. The best thing about choosing greenhouse manufacturers online is that you get to evaluate the business without difficulty. Best of all, choosing greenhouse manufacturers online is easier because of the reviews provided by the consumers themselves.

Indeed, choosing the perfect greenhouse manufacturer that will work best for you can be very tedious, but keep in mind that its results offers great advantages like no other.

The ancient people of Egypt did farming using a good irrigation system and proper sunlight to make the crops grow. This practice still continues today which has served as the backbone of the agricultural industry.

Since the weather, insects and diseases threaten the crops throughout the year; this has prompted scientists and farmers to use of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides to sustain crop production.

Recent studies have shown that this does more harm than good since the ingredients for these products are hazardous to health. This has changed again the approach used by farmers and scientist who want to go back to organic farming.

To control crop production against the weather, greenhouses have been erected. This provides a controlled environment to grow the plants all throughout the year.

Greenhouses are usually built using wood and metal while the panels are made of glass. Since this isn’t sturdy enough to withstand the weather, termites and rust, manufacturers have come up with many models using different materials.

The frames of the greenhouses can now be made of aluminum and plastic which is rust and termite resistant. Frames on the other hand can be made of plastic or film which has been proven to be stronger than glass during heavy snow and hail storms.

It is also scratch proof and will not break even if a rock is thrown at it. This has also proven to allow only 70% to 75% of ultraviolet rays from entering the greenhouse which is the right amount of sunlight needed for plants to grow.

Each of these depends on the specifications of the farmer and how big the area is. There are freestanding versions and there are those that can be custom made. The person has to assess the area before making the decision of what kind of greenhouse is ideal.

Greenhouse manufacturers do not only make the shelter for the plants. It also provides instruments and machines to ensure plant growth. This will all depend on how often it is used, the types of plants and the weather where it will be put up.

Farmers who live in cold climates need heaters to keep the plants warm during the autumn and winter months. This can be bought in different sizes that cater to the needs of the individual.

Manufacturers can also provide timers that can release water at different times of the day to give plants the proper nutrients for growth.

There are many ways to do farming and manufacturers who have been in the business for years can give good advice. A very popular technique used in the United States and in Europe is called Hydroponics.

This uses water instead of soil for plant growth. Manufacturers of these greenhouses can provide the necessary tools and machines that will make this process work. There are many ways that this can be done and those who are new to this technique can learn from these professionals.

A good thing about this technique is that farmers are able to product 4 to 6 times more than the traditional method. It also helps these people avoid the usual problems with soil such as weeds, diseases and pests.

Greenhouses do not have to be expensive. The farmer just has to check what is needed then work with the manufacturer within a certain budget. Some manufacturers can even offer better prices when these are ordered online with free delivery.

There are organizations that farmers and hobbyists can reach to get the right greenhouse. Some of these people also join agricultural conventions and other events to promote the use of greenhouses.

Manufacturers not only make or deliver the parts to assemble the greenhouse. These professionals are also there to assemble it since these are heavy and sometimes delicate which is costly for the farmer to replace.

Farming has not changed that much through the years. The basic things needed for plant growth are still water, nutrients and the right environment. The greenhouse allows the farmer to grow crops not only once a year but all throughout even during the hottest and coldest climates.

By working with the manufacturers of these structures, farmers will also be able to produce more yields which are good for business and the public will always have fruits, vegetables and flowers.

If you are one of those few people who are in love with nature, then, having a greenhouse garden at your background is an incredible idea. In fact, according to some statistical reports, 80% of the 100 people that owned greenhouses in the United States were nature lovers, while the remaining 20% said it was purely for commercial gains.

Built specially for plant cultivation, greenhouses or hothouses are specially designed to suit the needs of every plant lover. It is a sanctuary where people and plants can bond together and enjoy each other as they fill the world with lush flora and abundant greens.

In as much as greenhouses are designed to provide the perfect environment for any kind of plant, there are some cases wherein the viability of the equipment is still dependent on the owner of the greenhouse or to those who manage the area.

In this sense, it is important for every greenhouse owner to see to it that the needs of the conservatory are being met.

The Greenhouse Setting

Technically, the main concept of a greenhouse is that the plants are placed in a space confined in a specially designed structure. Since the plants were not cultivated in an open area, it is extremely important for the owner to provide the necessary requirements that the plants have.

One should keep in mind that the plants are placed in a secured place; hence, it is the responsibility of the greenhouse owner or the one who manages the place to provide the needs similar to that of the ones being enjoyed by the plants in the exterior environment.

The Lighting

One of the most important necessities of every plant in order to manufacture its own food is the light. You have probably learned from your grade school science teacher that plants need light in order to produce its own food, along with the other factors such as water and air.

With respect to the conditions inside the greenhouse, it is important for the plants to receive adequate amount of light in order to develop and grow on its maximum state. This is especially useful during winter, where no amount of natural light can be produced.

Hence, it is extremely significant to provide some artificial lights in order to supply the lighting needs of every plant inside the hothouse.

Today, there are various kinds of lighting features that are built to suit the individual needs of the plants being cultivated in greenhouses. Choosing a specific greenhouse light can be very tricky, especially if you are not yet familiar with it.

Hence, it is so important to consider some factors when buying a greenhouse light. Here is the list that you can use when buying the items:

1. Type of greenhouse

Before buying a greenhouse light, try to consider first the kind of greenhouse that you have. Is it a commercial greenhouse or a personal one?

Knowing what type of greenhouse that you have could easily teach you what kind of light to choose. For instance, if you have a commercial greenhouse, it is best that you buy a light that is created to endure humid, adverse conditions that are commonly found in commercial conservatories.

2. Length of use

It does not necessarily mean that when you buy lighting fixtures you will absolutely use them 24 hours a day. The duration of light use in greenhouses are based on “photoperiods.” This means that the period, in which, the light will be used may vary. For example, one may use lighting for a “12-hour photoperiod.” This means that within 24 hours cycle, lighting will be used for 12 hours and 12 hours with no light at all.

Hence, it is important to buy a light that will provide the necessary benefits even if it will take longer hours of use.

3. Purpose

Buy a light that will focus more on your desired results. For instance, if you want to motivate the growth of your flowering plants like the orchids, it is best to buy a light that will put more weight on the “spectrum colors” like the red, blue and the “far-red wavelengths.”

Besides, the colors of the light have notable effects on the plant growth. This means that not all light can actually produce the desired results.

4. Electrical efficiency

Even if lighting can provide most of what your greenhouse needs, it is also important to take note of the efficiency of the product. This means that you should better opt for those lighting products that provide optimum effect without having to compromise the amount of energy that they consume.

It would be better to buy lights that are efficient but can still conserve as little energy as possible.

5. Heat

Do remember that lighting should only be used where it is needed. This goes to show that any light that emits more than what it is needed for is actually worthless. Simply put, a light that emits more heat as it releases light is of no use. Too much heat on plants will trigger its death. For example, it is not a good idea to buy an incandescent bulb because it gives out too much heat.

Indeed, lighting is such an important factor in a plant’s development. Hence, it is very important to consider the kinds of light to be used in your greenhouse in order to ensure the quality of plant growth that you want to achieve.

Greenhouses are used for cultivating different kinds of plants. From fruits, vegetables, flowers and other ornamental plants, these are now grown in greenhouses. A greenhouse uses the concept utilized by Earth to maintain heat inside. It is a structure which uses electromagnetic radiation to be able to capture heat and keep it inside to make the environment more conducive for plant cultivation.

Greenhouses are usually made up of plastic or glass materials. It heats up the plants by acting like a blanket for them. The warmed air is retained by the walls and the roof of the green house.

The plastic or glass used in greenhouse construction is specifically made to trap the energy into the greenhouse. The greenhouse prevents convection and thus prevents the heated air from escaping outside.

There are several requirements in effective plant cultivation in greenhouses as compared to plant cultivation outdoors. Special care is needed to be able to prevent pests and diseases from infesting the plants. The greenhouse’s temperature should also be monitored so as to give the plants the optimum conducive environment for their growth.

In this light, the right greenhouse supplies should be availed by interested cultivators. There are a lot of greenhouse kits available out there for people who would want to put up their own greenhouses for commercial plant cultivation or as a plain hobby.

Here are some of the available greenhouse kits that are out in the market:

Sunshine

These are greenhouse kits which are framed by fantastic redwood. They have polycarbonate insulations for covering the plants. Another good thing about the sunshine greenhouse kits is that they provide a lot of space because they have very tall frames (usually 10 feet tall). They are also very easy to install because the insulated polycarbonate insulations are already built into the frame. Their prices rage from a thousand dollars to around four thousand.

Cross Country

These are high quality greenhouses which have several modified options which are available. They are framed with aluminum which provides sturdy support for the greenhouse. They also come with doors with screened windows and an automatic ventilation system. They are priced from $2,500 to $30,000 dollars. They can be quite expensive but the price speaks of their quality.

Little Greenhouse

These are greenhouses which provide economy for people who would want to engage in plant cultivation. These kits come with structures which are protected from ultra-violet rays. They also include bench setup and an exhaust fan. They come with a PCV frame, a four millimeter polyethylene covering made up of plastic. They provide optimum environments for plant cultivation. These are recommended for beginners.

Juliana

Juliana greenhouse kits are very popular for their rust-free frames which are made from aluminum and a poly-carbonate, twin-wall covering which provides cultivators with a long time of enjoyment at a very affordable price. There are many models under this kind of greenhouse kit. They come in very affordable prices- as low as 65 dollars.

Portable

These are very inexpensive greenhouse kits which are very easy to assemble and disassemble. They are recommended for seasonal gardening because one can easily put them up and store them away when they are no longer needed. They come with one of the most durable coverings which are made with plastic film. Their structures are made of steel. They also come in with a build-in door and a screened ventilation windows. They also have storage bags. They are available for the price of 300 dollars.

Hobby Gardener

These greenhouse kits are covered by original “snapglas” panels. These are panels which have the clarity that is offered by glass and the sturdiness and durability possessed by polycarbonate. They are also equipped with barn-like roof which provides more room for plants. They also include hinged-doors, hinged-roof and ventilated walls. They are priced at around a thousand to two thousand dollars.

There are many kinds of greenhouses for different kinds of enthusiasts out there. One must be keen in choosing the kit that suits his needs and preferences. Moreover, he must be able to know which greenhouse will provide the optimum environment for the growth of the plants which he will be cultivating.

A greenhouse kit is a great way for both amateur and professional gardeners to enjoy year round gardening. Greenhouses are garden structures designed to cultivate plants by harnessing the heat generated by the electromagnetic radiation coming from the sun. The heat is retained within the structure’s walls and roof to heat the plants and the soil within it.

Greenhouses can be used to effectively farm various plants such as flowers, fruits and even vegetables within its controlled environment wherein humidity, condensation and light are the key factors that contribute to its effectiveness. These structures are generally freestanding however other designs may also be joined to the house or built in a lean-to manner.

The size of greenhouses also varies depending on the purpose of the structure. Miniature greenhouses may simply be a window extension that can be used for growing herbs while massive greenhouses can be as wide as block and usually for business purposes.

In previous years, greenhouses were generally custom-built with a huge price tag attached to them. But today greenhouse kits have become readily available and affordable for the enjoyment of every amateur or professional gardener.

Things to Consider When Before Buying a Greenhouse Kit

Ready-to-build greenhouse kits have become quite popular as they offer an extensive selection of sizes and styles. These kits give a gardener the opportunity to adapt the structure to the design of their garden in order to fit and match. Before choosing and buying a greenhouse kit, it is important to consider a number of factors in order to be able to select the ideal kit.

It is important to take into account the type of plants to be grown within the structure as well as the type of gardening to be done along with the climate of the region where the greenhouse structure would be assembled.

For instance, a gardener interested in planting within a wintry climate should consider a greenhouse kit that has a double-walled area that is securely sealed. On the other hand, a gardener that wants to start seed planting should think about getting a greenhouse kit constructed with plastic frames and sidings.

Greenhouse Kit Details

Greenhouse kits come in various sizes ranging from 6 feet by 8 feet to 16 feet by 24 feet. The styles of greenhouse kits are also varied to represent classic conservatory designs that are marked by the typical gable roof with straight eaves. Victorian style greenhouse kits are also available. This style features either a rustic look with wooden frames or a gothic vaulted roof with curved eaves.

In most cases, the frame of greenhouse kits are usually made either of plastic, aluminum, galvanized steel, cedar or redwood. However, many favor plastic greenhouse kits as they are more affordable and provide the smallest amount of heat loss compared to other kits.

In traditional custom-made greenhouses the siding is built with either a double or triple wall of glass in order to keep the heat trapped within. Greenhouse kits use mainly plastics that provide excellent insulation and at the same time unbreakable. Commonly plastics used are polyethylene, polycarbonate and fiberglass.

Greenhouse kits are generally easy to put together as the parts are already pre-drilled and pre-cut. There are even greenhouse kits available that use a snap-together frame for easier assembly. A reasonably priced greenhouse kit may possibly include aluminum or galvanized steel frames, a see-through plastic cover with a door incorporated into it.

The door may either be a zippered side-flap or a roll-up depending on the design of the greenhouse kit. The typical ceiling height of a greenhouse kit is about 8 feet to allow for headroom of the gardener. There are times however when a greenhouse kit may not include certain items such as shelving, flooring or anchor system.

Although some greenhouse kits provide the owner with information on how to lay down a foundation for the hothouse using any of these weather resistant materials like wood, poured concrete or even concrete patio stones. The purpose of a level-flooring surface is to provide good drainage as well as hinder wind damage for the structure. Reasonably priced floor-framing kits are readily available at gardening stores that also sell greenhouse kits.

Each plant may grow with the changing condition of greenhouse humidity and temperatures because of the different factors composed by a greenhouse environment. Temperatures are partially light in quantity. It can vary in the density and humidity of the air, which transforms to moist. The warmth and the changing climate condition that may occur to the greenhouse could be great factors in a plant’s growth.

Heat my transfer to the plants’ leaves and stems. This happens only when the greenhouse adapts to certain humidity parameters that are responsible in the phototropical and photosynthetic plant activities. The heat transfer that is responsible for maintaining energy balance in the greenhouse is very essential to the plants’ canopy.

The growth of various plants such as vegetables, exotic fruits, flowering plants, orchids, and other green plants in the greenhouse need their own warming and cooling depending on certain climate changes. A climate change influences the humidity and temperature in a greenhouse. Other gardeners that may not be knowledgeable in the parameters of air temperature and humidity may encounter short and unhealthy plants.

If a greenhouse has an unbalanced state of humidity, it could be very hard to produce the right amount of humidity needed by the plants. Plants have their own way of adjusting to the quantity of light intensity and other aspects that involve greenhouse climates. The optimal level in the greenhouse is also created by the photosyntetical occurrence in plants where the sunlight plays a very big role in the greenhouse humidity.

Sunlight or the solar radiation with energy parameters that influences a plant’s growth is one factor that may affect the greenhouse humidity. The intensity of the solar radiation spectrum can directly and indirectly affect the energy balance that is essential to a plant’s life process. The energy needed may depend on the solar radiation intensity that enters the greenhouse. A life process could show active or inactive characteristic levels of adjustments that may increase or decrease their development and growth.

The soil or plant base temperature may also influence the humidity in the greenhouse. Heat transfer on the ground soil is needed by the plants to acquire the needed temperature in the greenhouse. Many experiments prove that the optimal soil temperature affects the life process of plants especially of those naturally grown by organic fertilizers. The light intensity and humidity factors can also influence soil temperature because of the absorbed heat and warmth on the leaves and stems.

Lighting, humidification, and cooling systems are important aspects that may create different effects on a greenhouse. Evaporative coolers play big roles in sustaining the humidity and temperature. There are units that offer warmers and humidifiers from cool air to a maximum torrent of humidity, which is operated by a three-speed fan motor.

When it is fully used in its maximum potential to a large greenhouse, it can totally control the air moisture in a constant time interval. Other units that are essential in the humidity of the greenhouse are the directional airflow louvers, which maintain the flow of the air to create a humidifying, ventilation, and cooling.

Coolers that are available in the market are designed to have better significance in a greenhouse. There are some that are modeled with heavy-gauge, zinc-coated metallic louvers and cabinets that feature a zinc-chromate. This is also furnished on baked-on enamels. They also have non-vibrating frame supports, durable fan-swings, and three-speed motors. These evaporating elements are built with three unattached pads.

Lighting and humidifiers are needed by most plants to live. The sunlight and humidity that is received by the leaves and stem cells create a balance distribution of Carbon Dioxide from the greenhouse humidity. This developmental cycle from the plants and to the elements of the life process is called photosynthesis. Sunlight and proper temperature is needed in order to supply photosynthesis in the plants.

The needed sunlight depends on the season of the year. Too much exposure to sunlight can be experienced during summer seasons. It is better to have cooler systems and humidifying systems to maintain a balanced temperature inside the greenhouse. This process also goes well during winter seasons where sunlight could be scarce. The need to have heating systems and proper ventilation should also be considered to have a balanced life process in the greenhouse.

Planting is some places can only be done in during a certain season. Some species can’t survive the cold or hot climate which prompts farmers to rotate this during certain times of year. It is also the reason why some goods such as fruits and vegetables that are ripe during the autumn months can hardly be seen during the summer.

Given that there is a demand for a certain product throughout the year, scientists and farmers have come up with another way to make these grow. These people have decided to grow the crops in greenhouses with the use of a heater to keep it warm.

These machines do not take up the much electricity which only consumes 1.8 to 4.8 watts. It might take more than 2 heaters to do the job in each structure which really depends on the size of the greenhouse.

Since certain plants grow well at certain temperatures, the farmer should make sure that it is set at all times to maintain the growth of the crops. Since the machines are expensive, the person has to choose the ideal heater that is within the budget that can perform the required task.

Some other things to consider are the types of plants to be grown in the greenhouse, the existing weather conditions and the how often will planting be done.

There are many kinds of heater in the market.

The first is the electric heater. This is good for hobbyists because of the small area that is used to grow plants. This small machine does not discharge anything into the air making it safe to use.

These machines are not big and can be placed inside the enclosed structure. Some models are stationary while there are other models that can be suspended on the ceiling.

Another is the gas heater. These machines can be powered using propane and natural gas. This requires the person to have ventilation inside the greenhouse to let the air go out of the structure. This type of machine is costly since the gas consumed has to be refilled from time to time.

The paraffin heater is another type that is used for the greenhouse. Just like the gas heater, it emits smoke into the air which requires the person to have ventilation preferably in the form of a smoke stack on top.

There are other ways to fuel heaters such as using coal and gas. Though these are non-renewable resources, these are the best so far until better ways of generating heat are invented.

The use of heaters in greenhouses allows the farmer to plant almost anything even during the coldest times of year. This gives the people an ample of supply of goods that can be purchased anytime and provides good business to farmers.

Given that farming is not an easy task; the person has to find the right kind of heater to do the job. To ensure that the plants are at the right temperature, a thermometer must also be installed inside the greenhouse.

The use of heaters can only go so far. For this reason, the farmer has to choose the right type of panels to ensure that the heat does not leave the greenhouse. This can be done by using proper insulation that is essential to plant growth.

Seasons change four times of the year and it is for this reason that farmers must be prepared to handle any situation. The use of heaters and a proper ventilation system should be more than enough to give the crops the proper heating and oxygen it needs to grow.

The right heater that is ideal for the plants should be something that a person who does this as a hobby or commercially must have. This will ensure that flowers, fruits or vegetables may produce the same quantity at any time of the year.

There are many suppliers that can provide the right heater to the individual. Those who live in farms shouldn’t have any problems. For individuals who need this at home, the best place to go to will be the gardening shop that carry a wide range of supplies and accessories to choose from.

However, if these are still expensive, then perhaps checking online can give the person better value for money.