Best Green Houses

A greenhouse is designed to incubate plants within its enclosure in order to protect them from

climatic extremities in terms of temperature, humidity and wind. Its functions on the basis of the

"greenhouse effect" whereby sunlight and infra red radiation from the sun enters the

greenhouse. Upon reflection, these rays are trapped inside greenhouse, thereby contributing to

a rise in temperature within it. It is worth observing the fact that in this simple setup, the source

of heat is primarily the sun. However, during time periods when sunlight is not available due to

cloudy skies, heaters may be employed to maintain optimum temperature. Alternately, during

hot spells, temperature may be brought down by means of mist sprayers or exhaust fans.

Since maintenance of suitable conditions within its extent is the primary function of a

greenhouse, certain gadgets are deemed essential for its proper exploitation. The use of these

gadgets is necessary to maintain the conditions within the greenhouse at the level necessary for

plant survival. These accessories include:

Thermometers

Temperature is the most critical parameter that must be regulated within a greenhouse to

ensure a healthy plantation. Very cold temperatures are likely to stunt the growth of plants and

in certain cases may lead to their destruction. Hot conditions, on the other hand, could "burn

out" the plants. By means of thermometers, the temperature inside a greenhouse can easily be

monitored and remedial measures can be planned whenever it goes critical.

Thermostats

Thermostats are automatic devices that are able to not only detect temperature changes, but

can also regulate it. These could be in the form of a simple automated window that opens to the

atmosphere in case temperature levels go extreme. Other more sophisticated thermostats can

also be installed to maintain temperature levels in a greenhouse.

Humidistat

Maintenance of humidity within a greenhouse is also important for the well being of plants. AS in

the case of a thermostat which regulates temperature, humidistats are devices that maintain

moisture levels to optimum inside a greenhouse. These devices are particularly useful during

hot conditions, when moisture contents available to plants are depleted by atmospheric heat

causing them to dehydrate and burn. Once plants get "burnt", they essentially lose chlorophyll -

the substance that gives them their green color. Chlorophyll is essential for the process of

photosynthesis by which plants manufacture nutrients.

Lighting systems

Plants manufacture their food using nutrients from the soil, moisture and sunlight. This process

is known as photosynthesis whereby energy from sunlight is

used to power the chemical reaction that produces carbohydrates in the presence of chlorophyll.

Carbohydrates are the basic units that make up our food.

During certain climatic spells when sunlight is not available for prolonged time periods, gadgets

known as grow lights can provide a useful alternative,

thereby preventing degeneration of crops.

Light meters

Like all other recourses, too much of light may be harmful for plant health. This recourse, like

temperature and water, must also be provided at optimum level. Light meters can assist in

detecting the amount of light plants are being exposed to inside the greenhouse. Subsequently,

light can be regulated by using simple light filters like frosted glass.

While planning to install the aforementioned accessories, one must be mindful of the local

conditions prevailing in the area where the greenhouse is situated. It is primarily these

conditions which dictate the type of accessory to be installed in the greenhouse.