Should I Leave My Greenhouse Door Open? (Solved)

Perhaps one of the biggest challenges that most people who own greenhouses face is ventilation. It’s probably the most important factor in greenhouses, as most enthusiasts agree. 

Ventilation allows you to control the temperature levels in your greenhouse.

The elements of a greenhouse that aid in ventilation are the vents, the windows, as well as the door. 

Here’s Why You Should Leave Your Greenhouse Door Open:

Greenhouses are prone to getting very hot. Extremely high temperatures can damage plants. That’s why you should leave your door open when it’s sunny or during summer. In addition to your greenhouse’s vents, opening the door will provide enough ventilation so that the temperatures don’t shoot up.

When Should You Open the Greenhouse Doors?

It’s essential to maintain constant temperatures in your greenhouse if you want your plants to flourish.

It is recommended that the ideal temperature in greenhouses be about 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Greenhouses usually harness energy from the sun to heat the interior air. Just like a car, the interior of your greenhouse can quickly go up to about 100 degrees Fahrenheit on a warm and sunny day.

The common bane among most greenhouse owners is sweltering temperatures that negatively impact plants’ growth and development. High temperatures can stress or even kill your plants. 

In most cases, it leads to plants being attacked by mold and viruses. That’s why the most important thing is to learn how to keep the internal temperatures steady. You can achieve this through ventilation.

You should open your greenhouse doors on sunny days. In most parts of the world, this is usually in the summer when temperatures tend to build up dramatically. 

This is because greenhouses are designed to trap heat. During the summer when it’s too hot, the greenhouse will trap excess heat, and therefore the temperatures inside will soar.

Whenever your greenhouse temperature becomes too much for whatever you are growing inside, you need to open the door. This will improve ventilation and bring down the internal temperature.

Do Greenhouses Need To Be Airtight?

Greenhouses need to be airtight.

They need to be airtight because, during colder months, this will keep heat in so that the greenhouse temperatures don’t get too cold for your plants.

However, it is advisable to have vents in your greenhouse. These will allow fresh air into the greenhouse when the temperatures get high, especially in summer.

In some areas, winters are usually too cold for plants. In addition to this, even during a hot summer, cold days are also common. 

So if you want your plants to have consistent growth even during cold weather, having an airtight greenhouse is your best bet. If it is airtight, your greenhouse will maintain warmth more efficiently.

For it to be airtight, you will have to seal your greenhouse.

Should I Open the Greenhouse Doors at Night?

If you live in an area with a cold climate, then insulating your greenhouse is of extreme importance.

Your greenhouse may be exposed to the sun during the day, but the temperatures can drop dramatically at night.

It is advisable to leave the doors open during the day on sunny days, especially during the summer. In case the temperatures remain high, then it is advisable to leave the door open even during the night. This will ensure that temperatures do not build up to toxic levels.

In cold weather or during the winter, it is wise to keep the door to your greenhouse closed at night. This is because the cold air may creep in and cause stunted growth to your plants.

In extreme cases, your plants might even become frosted.

Do Greenhouses Get Too Hot in the Summer?

Greenhouses do get extremely hot during summer.

The height of summer can be a hot affair if you own a greenhouse. 

The temperature inside a greenhouse can be 8 to 10 degrees higher than outside. These conditions are, however, not so welcome during the summer when temperatures shoot up dramatically.

So, as the heat builds during the summer, it’s important to keep your greenhouse from becoming too hot, which may cause your plants to wilt.

Ventilating your Greenhouse

The roof vents, side vents, the door, and windows of your greenhouse can promote airflow to cool down the conditions during summer.

Shading

This can help prevent your greenhouse from overheating during the summer. 

You can use shade paints, blinds, or mesh/shade netting to keep the conditions cool in your greenhouse.

Damping

You can damp hard surfaces in your greenhouses, such as paths and staging. 

As the water evaporates, this will raise the humidity, enabling the plants to cope with the heat.

Should I Ventilate My Greenhouse?

Without proper ventilation, the plants in your greenhouse will be prone to numerous complications.

Here are the reasons why you should ventilate your greenhouse:

Ventilation Regulates Temperature 

Without proper ventilation, heat is likely to build up in your greenhouse, causing the temperatures to soar.

This can negatively affect the plants, causing them to wilt and die. 

That’s why most greenhouses have vents placed throughout them to allow the built-up heat to escape.

Ventilation Also Allows in the Fresh Air

Plants require carbon dioxide so that they can photosynthesize.

Ventilation is essential because it provides good airflow in the greenhouse. 

This means that carbon dioxide will be in plentiful supply, thus allowing your plants to photosynthesize.

Ventilation Also Keeps Pests Out

Inadequate ventilation allows pests to build up in your greenhouse since air isn’t properly circulating. 

Ventilation allows proper airflow, which can go a long way in helping you get rid of pests in your greenhouse.

The most crucial role played by ventilation in a greenhouse is temperature regulation. If you’d like your plants to thrive, then ventilation is a must in your greenhouse.

How Do You Prevent Mold in Greenhouses?

Mold usually thrives in warm and moist conditions.

However, it is possible to control and prevent the spread of mold in your greenhouse. Here are a few tips to help you with this.

Maintain the Optimum Temperature

Mold grows well in warm conditions.

It would be best to control your greenhouse’s internal temperatures to ensure a cool atmosphere where mold cannot develop. 

Ventilation can help with this.

Allow Sufficient Airflow

Poor airflow in your greenhouse can raise the humidity levels, stimulating the spread of mold spores.

Air circulation in your greenhouse is therefore important to prevent mold. 

You can use a fan to improve airflow in your greenhouse.

Avoid Overcrowding Plants in your Greenhouse

Overcrowding encourages the growth and spread of mold. 

So there should be enough space between your plants to prevent this.

Control the Humidity in your Greenhouse

Mold thrives in high humidity – over 85%. Humidity levels of between 30-50% are advisable. 

You can reduce the humidity in your greenhouse by improving ventilation.

Avoid Excess Water

Excess moisture promotes mold growth. So to avoid this, don’t overwater your plants. 

Always ensure that there isn’t any excess water in your greenhouse, be it on plant foliage, trays, the floor, greenhouse frames, and any other surfaces.

Clean your Greenhouse Regularly

Cleaning your greenhouse will ensure mold spores don’t contaminate your plants. 

Be sure to clean the surfaces of your greenhouse, tools, as well as containers.

As you can see from this article, ventilation is essential in your greenhouse.

Ensure that your greenhouse is well ventilated at the right times, and all will be well with your plants.

Sources:

How to Get Rid of Mold in a Greenhouse

Do Greenhouses Need to be Airtight?

Getting the Best from Your Greenhouse

Greenhouse Ventilation |Greenhouse Catalog