A greenhouse is a fantastic tool for extending your growing season—but when summer hits, it can quickly turn into an oven if not properly managed. Too much heat can stress your plants, reduce yields, and even lead to plant loss. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to keep your greenhouse cool and your plants thriving all summer long.
1. Shade Cloth is Your Best Friend
Installing shade cloth is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce heat in your greenhouse. At Grower’s Solution, we recommend attaching the cloth directly to your greenhouse’s wire lock channel using wiggle wire—no need to cut the cloth, as we offer custom sizes with pre-installed grommets. Shade cloth comes in various percentages, with 30–50% shade ideal for most vegetables, and higher percentages better for delicate plants.
2. Ventilation is Key
Airflow is critical. Make sure your greenhouse has proper intake and exhaust options. This can include:
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Roof vents
Creating cross-ventilation allows hot air to escape and cool air to enter. Automated vent openers or solar-powered fans can make this even more efficient.
3. Install an Evaporative Cooling System
If you're in a hot, dry climate, an evaporative cooler (like a swamp cooler or wet wall) can dramatically lower temperatures. These systems pull air through wet pads, which cools the air as it enters your greenhouse.
4. Use Misting Systems
Misting systems or foggers help cool the greenhouse by increasing humidity and lowering the air temperature. Be cautious not to overdo it, as high humidity can invite disease.
5. Mulch and Ground Cover
Using reflective or light-colored ground cover helps reduce the amount of heat absorbed into the soil. Mulch around your plants will also help keep root temperatures down and retain moisture.
6. Water Wisely
Water early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid rapid evaporation and help keep plant roots cool. Drip irrigation is a great option for conserving water and maintaining consistent moisture.
Final Tip: Monitor your greenhouse temperature regularly with a thermometer or remote sensor. Staying ahead of heat spikes lets you take action before your plants suffer.
With a little preparation and the right supplies from Growers Solution, you can beat the heat and keep your greenhouse productive all season long.
