ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
P.O. Box 3657
Fayetteville, AR 72702

Western Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education
(SARE) Farm Internship Curriculum and Handbook

The printable PDF version of the entire document is available at:
http://attra.ncat.org/intern_handbook/pdf/greenhouse_basics.pdf
2 pages — 58K
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Greenhouse 101

Learning Objectives
The learner will...

Understand the purpose, types, and needs of various greenhouse systems.
Examine various pest and disease control issues related to greenhouse use.

Purpose

Propagation of plants to be transplanted
Raising crop from seed to harvest
Perennials

Types

Fully enclosed, automated air, heat, and water systems
Hoophouses
Cold frames

Needs

Heating/cooling – provides optimal temp range for germination and growth

Active vs. passive heat
Heating to aid germination
Temperature ranges – cool crops 50 – 70, hot crops 60 – 85
Shade cloth

Air circulation – strengthens plants, reduces chance for fungi and disease

Automated vents and fans
Opening doors or roll-up side

Light – in winter, supplemental light could be used to speed growth

Growing infrastructure

Beds – in ground or raised – mostly used for crops to be harvested in greenhouse or perennials
Flats and pots – used for crops to be transplanted

Water – ranges from hose to fully automated sprinkler/mister systems

Pests and Disease Control

Healthy plants are most resistant
Sanitary conditions – wash flats, pots, tools, do annual cleanout
Regular monitoring – remove diseased plants immediately
Mechanical – pick or spray off insects
Biological – use of predatory insects
Seed source – seeds can carry disease

Assessment/Review

Discuss various types of greenhouses.
What are the basic needs to be provided for in any greenhouse?

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