Propagation/Greenhouse Management
Unit 1.3 | Part 1 – 127
Instructor’s Demonstration 1 Outline
Demonstration 1: Greenhouse Management
for the instructor
OVERVIEW
This demonstration provides
students with an understanding
of the working components of the
greenhouse facility and the tools
available to manage environmental
conditions that best meet the needs
of pre-emergent and seedling
crops in the facility. Students
should become familiar with the
fundamental skills and concepts to
create ideal growing conditions, such
as temperature and air circulation
management.
PREPARATION AND MATERIALS
- A working greenhouse structure where the essential
management tools and techniques can be discussed and
demonstrated - Thermometer and Appendix 12, Greenhouse Records
Sheet, to show current conditions and records of recent
temperature fluctuations - Thermometers positioned in different microclimatic zones
(if applicable) to show how differences can be used to meet
different plant needs under a single management regimen
PREPARATION TIME
1 hour
DEMONSTRATION TIME
1 hour
DEMONSTRATION OUTLINE
A. Managing Greenhouses
- Discuss and demonstrate orientation of greenhouse
(i.e., solar aspect) - Discuss and demonstrate methods for air circulation via
venting, fans, etc. - Discuss and demonstrate temperature management
a) Ideal temperature ranges (see Appendix 3)
b) How heat is retained
c) The use of thermal mass in heat retention
d) Techniques for evaporative cooling
e) The role of venting in maintaining ideal temperature,
humidity, and gas exchange
f) Active heating systems - Use of microclimates within greenhouse
- Discuss and demonstrate record keeping in the
greenhouse (see Appendix 12)
a) Date
b) Previous high/low
c) Current temperature
d) Weather description
e) Description of environmental conditions in
greenhouse
f) Management actions taken