Greenhouse Watering Systems

Building and growing your own plants inside a greenhouse can be a supremely satisfying experience - bordering on a type of religious fervor - that a few of us have been fortunate enough to have had. There are some key elements to keep in mind if you desire a truly grand time in your garden including greenhouse watering systems.

One of the best times to develop a greenhouse watering system can be in the planning stages of building your greenhouse. Of course some of us already have a greenhouse - one that we love - so a different approach is required. Planning the type of system you require takes a little planning, but for the most part your guidelines are simply figuring out what your plants need and what you need in terms of efficiency.

Greenhouse watering systems come in many different forms, shapes & sizes. One of the first things to consider when designing greenhouse watering systems is the demand that you will need with regard to the type of garden you are watering. Also remember that some plants will require more water and some less. With some watering systems you will be able to automate the required watering that each plant will need, so one of the first things you need to do is calculate your need. This step is probably the most important when it comes to an automatic type irrigation system.

If you haven't already installed an automatic irrigation system for your greenhouse, I would highly recommend this if you have a pretty large and roomy greenhouse. For a smaller greenhouse, a manual system will work just fine. Greenhouse watering systems need to be designed for the plants, but also designed to make things easier for you. I love working with plants, but I don't like spending ALL of my time in the garden as I have other interests. Finding a design with a good balance between need and efficiency will serve you best.

An automatic system of some type is fantastic. Building an irrigation system that has a timer or controller of some type is great in terms of convenience, but this requires a much more diligent design approach. Often times hiring a professional that is familiar with building greenhouse watering systems is a good idea, but your budget may not allow for this or, like me, you want to do it yourself!

As previously mentioned, the design of an optimal greenhouse watering system requires a holistic approach. You will need to look at the type of soil inside your greenhouse, the amount of water your plants require, the drainage and ventilation, (to control moisture and humidity). Any system that is providing too much moisture, in partnership with the heat, can create an environment that is perfect for disease. This will require that you monitor your soil especially after you first install your system and adjust accordingly.

Once you have established your watering needs, then you can build your greenhouse watering system. I recommend using PVC for the main lines of greenhouse watering systems and using spray heads from your local hardware store.

When it comes to spray heads, there are a lot of options here as well. I like to use heads that lightly spray your plants and drip systems as well. If you have a multiple variety of fruits or vegetables, then you are going to want to separate the system utilizing solenoid valves like you would find on any type of sprinkler system landscape. Once installed, the low voltage lines can be a check box that program can be performed to obtain the desired results.

Not all greenhouse irrigation systems are the same. Setting the type of delivery is all done with the sprinkler heads. You can choose to program a normal type of head for your plants at intervals of shower. You can also head a sort of fog, or even a drip system. Ask your supplier of irrigationfor more alternatives.

When installing automatic greenhouse watering systems, I prefer to hang my piping from the ceiling. This allows me greater access to plants and keeps me from having to negotiate additional obstacles on the floor of the greenhouse.

While these greenhouse watering systems provide a more automated system many people find it more practical to water their plants by hand. If this is the case, I would still recommend bringing your supply into the greenhouse or just outside the greenhouse doors.

As you can see, there are a variety of techniques and styles of greenhouse watering systems that can please just about any gardener. Customizing the system you need will help you become a more efficient gardener. Sometimes using a combination of differing greenhouse watering systems can be an excellent and optimal choice. Whatever you decide, setting up the right system is just another way to make things affordable and convenient for you.