Introduction

Greener Greenhouses is the result of years of research and experience by the author in the field of greenhouse construction, design and technology. Presenting practical advice to help growers identify and attain optimum growing conditions in the greenhouse, this authoritative text is an essential handbook for greenhouse growers located in warm climates.

Contents

	Greenhouse Origins
	Why have a greenhouse?
	How a greenhouse works
	Plants and their environment
	Temperature
	Humidity
	Solar radiation
	Carbon dioxide
	Air movement

Chapter 2: Comparison Of Various Designs

	Gable roof glasshouses
	Curved roof greenhouses
	Sawtooth and skillion
	Gothic arch

Chapter 3: Greenhouse Covering Materials

	The sun, solar radiation and its effects
	Greenhouse covering materials & how they react to radiation
	Glass and the ‘greenhouse effect’
	Plastic covering materials

Chapter 4: Greenhouse Ventilation & Cooling

	Greenhouse overheating and ventilation
	The ventilation rate
	Buoyancy
	Types of ventilator
	Screened ventilators
	Shading
	Thermal/shade screens
	Evaporative cooling
	The psychrometric chart
	Evaporative cooling systems
	Packaged evaporative coolers
	Fan and pad systems
	Poly duct systems
	Evaporative cooler control
	Evaporative pads, performance and system maintenance

Chapter 5: Greenhouse Heating

	Ventilation and air leakage
	Heat loss through the covering material
	Convection from the inside air to the cover
	Condensation
	Thermal Radiation
	Heat loss from the cover to the outside
	Convective heat loss to the outside
	Thermal radiation heat loss to the outside
	Heat loss to the floor
	Overall heat loss
	Greenhouse heating fuels
	Piped hot water or steam
	Greenhouse space heating