Greenhouse misting systems and misting fans are powerful greenhouse cooling and humidification tools. They can play a big role in creating ideal growing conditions for greenhouse growing success.
We all know that climate and environment are the primary factors for growing success. Isn’t that why we build greenhouses in the first place? Under ideal conditions and the careful attention of the grower, flowers and plants can reach their full, glorious potential. But just how do we create those perfect conditions for a greenhouse?
Greenhouses are designed to store heat from the sun during the day, creating a warmer temperature in the greenhouse when it is cool outside. But this can often work a little too well. When warmer temperatures develop outside the greenhouse, it can become too hot for plants inside. The results can be disastrous if not kept in check. Ventilation, air circulation, and shading are the first level of defense against heat. But often these are not enough. For sufficient greenhouse cooling, more powerful tools can become necessary.
Then there is the humidity factor. Ideal humidity should be between 50% and 70% for ideal growing conditions. When heat goes up, humidity levels drop. The already stressed plants face double trouble, and it can be a deadly combination.
Here are some tools you can use to protect plants in the greenhouse, and take greenhouse growing to “the next level!”
Greenhouse Misting Systems
Greenhouse misting systems bring dramatic cooling effects using the power of “evaporative cooling.” The basic goal of greenhouse misting is to spray a micro-fine mist into the air. The mist is so fine, in fact, that the water droplets fully evaporate into the air. The chemical process of evaporation actually “uses” heat from the air, and makes the surrounding air a little cooler in the process. Spray hundreds of millions of these droplets into the greenhouse air, and you can see cooling of as much as 35 degrees in the space, almost instantly. Humidity levels go up in the process, so with greenhouse misting systems, the result is higher humidity, lower temperature, and happy, thriving plants!
Greenhouse Misting Fans
Misting Fans also use the power of evaporative cooling to do their magic. But they add the element of air circulation into the mix. Air circulation is important for avoiding those dreaded “hot spots” in the greenhouse. The more circulation, the more predictable growing conditions will be throughout the greenhouse. Fans are available up to 11,000 cfm (cubic feet per minute) in airflow, with misting nozzles on the face of the fan. So cooler air, higher humidity, and air circulation combine to improve 3 of the major factors in greenhouse growing. Oscillating misting fans stir the air even better if you can afford them.
Greenhouse Humidification Fans
Greenhouse humidification fans use centrifugal force to “whip” water through the face of a fan. These fans differ from the misting fans in that they provide less airflow. They are available at a much lower cost, though. They are also nice in that they are basically “self contained” units. You do need to attach a hose, but they can be hung and moved around as your needs change throughout the growing season. They are available in oscillating or non-oscillating versions, and in various sizes. For small to medium sized greenhouses, these are a good choice for those on a budget (And who isn’t, right?)
The bottom line is this, if you have struggled to “beat the heat” in your growing space, consider any of these greenhouse cooling tools. You’ll be amazed at the improvement in plant health, and have many more options in what you can grow as well.
Information provided by http://www.mistingpros.com – Your online outlet for quality misting systems and misting fans.
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