Advantages of Organic Hydroponic Greenhouses

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.

Building An Easy And Cost-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!

What are Greenhouse Accessories and How Do They Benefit the Plants?

Enhancing your greenhouse is not as simple as how you enhance your decorations or designs at home. In fact, it is entirely different thing compared to whatever enhancements that you do, whether at home, in your work station, in your backyard, etc.

Hence, when it comes to greenhouses, obtaining some accessories is not actually your ordinary way of creating a good impression that you can brag about with your friends. To obtain some greenhouse accessories is to actually buy things that will be of good use to your greenhouse.

But before we narrow down to the accessories that you need to purchase for your greenhouse, you should know first the meaning of greenhouse.

Basically, greenhouse is a structure where plants are nurtured and developed. While other s call it hot house or glasshouse, this is because a greenhouse, is in fact, made of glass. Sometimes there are greenhouses that are made of plastic.

The main reason why greenhouses are built with this kind of materials is to allow the heat coming from the sun to enter the house so as to warm up the plants, soil, and other items that are innate inside the structure. The heat that sets inside the greenhouse does not easily escape the place. It stays inside the structure, thus, warming the air inside.

Because taking care of plants in a greenhouse is just the same as nurturing them in a typical garden, there is not so much of a secret that needs to be divulged here. However, not all of the accessories that are being used in a typical backyard gardening are the same as that of the items used in greenhouses.

Hence, it is important for every person, who wishes to set up his or her own greenhouse, to know the different greenhouse accessories that must be purchased and utilized inside the hothouse.

Here is a list of the necessary greenhouse accessories:

1. Temperature gauges

Since the heat that seeps inside the greenhouse is not instantly dispersed or released because it continues to hold on to the walls or ceilings of the hothouse, it is important to keep track of the available temperature within the area.

With the temperature gauges, you can easily detect the available temperature inside the greenhouse. With this device set up inside the place, you can easily spot any drastic changes in the temperature inside.

Most of the temperature gauges have large dials, like that of a clock. In this way, you can easily see the available temperature reading.

2. Thermostats

For optimum temperature control within the greenhouse, it is important to use a thermostat in order to control the amount of temperature within the area.

Moreover, thermostats are specially designed to promote ventilation in the conservatory. In this way, the hotness or warmth within the area is managed.

3. Humidistat

Controlling temperature within the greenhouse is important, but where temperature matters, so does humidity. This is because when a certain place gets hot, the surrounding air gets humid or damp. Hence, it is also important to control the amount of moisture inside the hothouse.

This kind of device is made available for people who wish to control the hotness inside while keeping the moisture lock in such a way that it provides enough moisture for the plants. Too much heat can dry up the air. Hence, it is important to use this device to detect if there is some moisture that is still present in the air.

4. Lighting accessories

Most of the lighting system being used inside the conservatory is the “grow light.” This refers to the device that boosts the amount of light inside the hothouse, especially when the amount of light is inadequate. This is usually applicable and very useful during the winter season.

5. Light meters

Indeed, plants need light in order to grow and develop in a healthier way. However, it does not necessarily mean that too much light is still healthy for the plants.

Hence, it is important to keep track of the amount of light that is being fed to the plants. With light meters, you can control the amount of light that you think would best work for your plants.

These are just some of the many greenhouse accessories necessary in order to boost the healthy development of the plants. Just keep in mind to consider the condition of your greenhouse and the nature of the plants so as to determine the right accessories that would best work for you and your plants.

Big Business Using Commercial Greenhouses

Maintaining a farm is not easy given the large area to cover and the manpower needed to make it work. Through the years, scientists and other experts have made some progress such as the use of sewage, irradiation, pesticides and herbicides, to ensure that there is enough produce to cater to the market.

Even with the resources available, farmers still have to deal with weeds, diseases and the weather that could endanger the crops during harvest season. Though this has brought some relief, this is not enough since these have proven to be detrimental to public health which has prompted the farming industry to go back to the basics.

This means growing things the natural way. Aside from tilling the land using organic methods, there is another way that could still improve crop production and that is the use of commercial greenhouses.

Commercial greenhouses are enclosed buildings that are usually made up of metal, wood and glass. These structures are designed so that the farer can grow vegetables, flowers and fruits in a controlled environment. The sizes of these vary and some can be custom made according to the specifications of the farmer.

Farmers can still use soil to grow the plants inside these structures or use other methods that have also proven to work. A very good example is hydroponics farming. This technique doesn’t require the use of soil but rather water to make the plant grow.

Tests have shown that this technique helps crop production significantly as the plants are able to absorb the nutrients faster from water than soil. In one experiment, tomatoes grown using the soil were only able to produce 4 tons while it was able to produce 40 tons using water.

There are many ways that hydroponics can be done. This depends on the type of plants that the producer wants to grow inside the commercial greenhouse.

Most commercial greenhouses are free standing version models. Before erecting the structures in the farmland, it is best to check how many can fit in the desired location and if there is adequate sunlight and wind to help the plants grow.

The climate changes all year round and farmers must be prepared to handle any situation. Strong lamps can be used to act as artificial sunlight to keep the plants warm especially at night. The installation of a ventilation system should give the crops oxygen and carbon dioxide. The structure can also have a timer system programmed to release water and nutrients at different times of the day.

The panels used for commercial greenhouses are vital to plant growth. This should give the crops the much needed sunlight to help it grow. Aside from glass, plastics can also be used since these appear to be stronger during winds and hailstorms.

The frames of commercial greenhouses can be made of wood, metal, aluminum and plastic. The farmer has to choose the strongest to withstand different weather conditions.

Greenhouses are not only used in the United States but in Europe as well. On the other side of the Atlantic, these structures are called glass houses. Most of these are used to plant flowers and are attached to most homes.

Commercial greenhouses are expensive. The price range is from $4,000 close to $50,000. The owner of the farm and the supplier should make the proper measurements and estimates together before the installation can begin.

There are many companies that do this so it will not be hard to find. Those living in farmlands should know a lot of suppliers. Should these be a bit expensive, the person can check online to do a comparative before making the decision who to order from.

The use of commercial greenhouses allows the farmer to grow just about anything inside these structures. Since not all fruits and vegetables may produce the same quantity during harvest season, the farmer can choose what types of plants to focus on which will be good for the business.

A lot of things should be taken into consideration before getting a commercial greenhouse. By having a budget in mind and choosing one that can work well against pests, diseases and the weather, the farmer can be sure of a good harvest when the season comes.

Selling Greenhouses to Farmers

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.

Greenhouse Designs: Tips on choosing the Best Design for Your Garden

For people who love to see the flowers bloom, the seeds that grow, and the leaves that flap its wings as they dance along with the music of the wind, then, having a greenhouse might be the next best thing that they could ever see.

A greenhouse is something worth a gardener’s money. It is a precious jewel for someone who is in love with nature. To have a greenhouse would mean to have something that will keep the plants growing all year-round. It is also one way to earn something out of the hobby that they have chosen to love.

So many nice things can be said abut greenhouses and yet, such a few people do not realize the importance of greenhouses in the environment. They do not know that as much as it can give profit to a budding gardener, it can also bring about benefits to the environment in keeping the ecosystem alive and balanced.

Overall, greenhouses bring so much joy, gratification, and benefits that sometimes, businesspeople price their creations a little more over the edge. Some businesses say it is because the materials used in making greenhouses are not that cheap, while others say it is because of the process of manufacturing the product itself that made it plush.

Whatever the reasons are, buying a greenhouse can be very costly that is why it is important to know the right way to buy the best greenhouse structure.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a greenhouse, but the most important of all is the design. This is because the type of design that a gardener will choose to have is based on his preference regarding the kind of cultivation he wants to achieve.

Moreover, choosing a specific design of a greenhouse should also be patterned according to the size of the backyard or the personal fondness of the gardener. Hence, it would be better to know the different types of the greenhouse designs before deciding on a particular structure.

The type of greenhouse designs are further classified into two: attached and the freestanding.

Freestanding Structures

When a greenhouse is said to be freestanding, this means that it can stand alone. This goes to show that this type of greenhouse design can be situated in place apart from the house. This particular type of greenhouse design can be placed in an area where it can get the most amount of direct sunlight.

Since it is separated, it is important to take note of the lighting, electrical, water supply to be installed within the greenhouse.

Here are some of the available greenhouse designs for the freestanding classification:

1. Juliana greenhouse

This particular greenhouse design is one good example of what freestanding hothouses are. This design is perfect for the newbies. It also works best for those who have inadequate or restricted space.

One of the best things about this design is that it does not have any silicone or clips. Hence, it creates an impression of a fresh design appearance.

2. Hideaway design

From its name, this design has a vast space that it seems that it can be a nice hideout if you wanted to be alone and get away from the stress of every day living.

With its roomy area, this particular greenhouse design is usually made of an 8mm see-through polycarbonate, which has an ultra-violet coating “co-extruded” into the pane. This kind of material tends to give off almost 82% “soft dispersed light,” which can trigger a greener structure of the plants.

Attached Greenhouses

As the name implies, attached greenhouses are miniature greenhouses that are fastened to any part of the house. This means that it has its support coming from that portion of the house where it is attached.

For a much better understanding, here is a list of some of the examples of these greenhouses:

1. Even-span

Unlike the common attached greenhouses, this particular design can be considered a “full-sized” edifice of its own. However, it still has its “one gable end” fastened at a house or a building. This is usually done for better stability.

Since it has only one gable end that is attached to a structure, it provides more space for the plants, thereby, generating more circulation within the area. Because of its space, it can even provide accommodation for two to three benches.

2. Window-mounted

This particular greenhouse design is fastened in a window, usually either on the east or the south side of the house. This design is specially made for people who wish to grow a garden of their own but cannot afford to buy a huge greenhouse or do not have the space suited for a big gardening venue.

Given all that, you have so many choices for your hobby. It is important to note that in choosing a particular design for your greenhouse, keep in mind that each design has its cost. So better opt for something that can give you a good run for your money.

Paneling Up the Greenhouse

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.