Having a garden greenhouse is a real asset for growing your own vegetables and plants all year round. However, it is crucial to master ventilation and aeration to ensure optimal growing conditions. In this article, discover the keys to successful ventilation and aeration of your garden greenhouse.
Importance of Ventilation and Aeration
Ventilation and aeration play an essential role in the health of greenhouse plants. Indeed, they allow:
Temperature regulation: Good air circulation prevents excess heat in summer and maintains a stable temperature in winter.
Moisture Control: Removing excess moisture limits the risk of fungal or bacterial diseases developing.
CO2 Renewal: Plants need carbon dioxide (CO2) to carry out photosynthesis. A regular supply of fresh air ensures optimal CO2 levels.
Ventilation Methods
There are two main methods for ensuring ventilation in a garden greenhouse : natural ventilation and forced ventilation.
Natural ventilation
Natural ventilation is based on the principle of air currents created by temperature and/or pressure differences between the inside and outside of the greenhouse. It is a simple and economical system that requires little maintenance. Here are some elements to consider to optimize natural ventilation:
Orientation of the greenhouse: Place your greenhouse perpendicular to the prevailing wind to encourage the entry of fresh air and the evacuation of hot air.
Openings: The openings (doors, windows, skylights) must be sufficiently numerous and well distributed in the greenhouse to ensure efficient air circulation. Discover our adaptable greenhouse doors
Shading: In hot weather, use shade cloths to limit excessive solar gain and avoid overheating.
Forced Ventilation
Forced ventilation involves using mechanical equipment such as air extractors or fans to ensure air renewal. This system is generally more expensive and energy intensive than natural ventilation, but it may be necessary in certain cases (large greenhouses, sensitive crops, etc.). Here are some tips for choosing a suitable forced ventilation system:
Airflow: Choose an airflow adapted to the size of your greenhouse and the specific needs of your plants.
Automatic control: Choose systems with an automatic controller that adjusts the air flow based on ambient conditions (temperature, humidity).
Filtration: Make sure your ventilation system is equipped with adequate filters to prevent the spread of diseases or parasites.
Practical Tips for Ventilation
Ventilation should be adapted to the seasons and weather conditions. Here are some guidelines to guide you:
Spring: Ventilate regularly during the day, especially when temperatures are mild and there is little wind.
Summer: Open the windows early in the morning and close them at the end of the day to keep the night cool.
Autumn: Ventilate moderately to avoid too great temperature differences between day and night.
Winter: Limit ventilation to a few minutes per day in order to preserve accumulated heat.
Importance of Air Quality
Air quality is essential to prevent the spread of diseases and pests in your greenhouse. Be sure to:
Regularly clean surfaces (floors, walls) and disinfect gardening tools.
Install insect nets over openings to prevent pests from entering.
Moisture Management
An optimal humidity level promotes plant development and limits the risk of disease. Here are some tips for managing humidity in your greenhouse:
Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels.
Maintain a humidity level between 50% and 70% depending on the specific needs of your crops.
If excess humidity occurs, increase ventilation and/or install a dehumidifier.
Examples of Ventilation Systems
Here are some examples of ventilation systems available on the market to optimize the ventilation of your greenhouse:
Tunnel greenhouse with side openings: This type of greenhouse is equipped with tarpaulins that can be lifted on the sides, allowing for rapid and efficient ventilation.
Automatic ventilation system: This is a device that automatically adjusts the opening of windows depending on ambient conditions (temperature, humidity).
Air extractors: These devices allow stale and humid air to be evacuated while bringing in fresh, dry air.
What you need to know about ventilating a garden greenhouse
Mastering the ventilation and aeration of your garden greenhouse is essential to ensure optimal conditions for your crops. Don't hesitate to put these tips into practice and learn about the different ventilation systems available to find the one that best suits your needs. Happy gardening!
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