Ventilation of a greenhouse where cucumbers are grown is a critical element in their care, directly affecting the health and productivity of the plants.
Many gardeners face problems such as condensation, excess heat and the spread of diseases in greenhouses.
Anastasia Kovrizhnykh explains how to properly arrange greenhouse ventilation to provide ideal conditions for growing cucumbers.
The importance of ventilation
Ventilation of the greenhouse ensures circulation of fresh air, which is necessary to maintain an optimal microclimate.
Cucumbers are sensitive to excess moisture and high temperatures, which can lead to the development of fungal diseases and overheating of plants.
Regular ventilation helps control the level of humidity, temperature and carbon dioxide concentration in the greenhouse, creating favorable conditions for the growth of cucumbers.
Optimal temperature
To successfully grow cucumbers, it is important to maintain a certain temperature regime. During the day, the temperature in the greenhouse should not exceed 30 degrees Celsius, and at night it should not fall below 18 degrees.
Ventilation helps to avoid overheating on hot days and to keep warm on cool nights. Temperature regulation is especially important during the flowering and fruiting period, when cucumbers are most vulnerable.
Humidity control
High humidity in a greenhouse can cause condensation, which creates a favorable environment for the development of pathogenic microorganisms.
Cucumbers need moderate air humidity, approximately 60-70%. Ventilation helps reduce humidity levels, preventing the occurrence of fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and anthracnose.
Regularly opening the windows and doors of the greenhouse helps to evaporate excess moisture.
Carbon dioxide and photosynthesis
Cucumbers, like other plants, need carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. A lack of carbon dioxide can slow plant growth and reduce crop yields.
Ventilation provides an influx of fresh air rich in carbon dioxide, which promotes active photosynthesis and healthy development of cucumbers.
It is important to ensure that air is distributed evenly throughout the greenhouse so that all plants receive enough carbon dioxide.
Ventilation methods
There are several effective methods of ventilating a greenhouse that can be used depending on its design and climatic conditions.
One of the most common methods is opening windows and doors.
This allows you to create a natural draft, which quickly reduces the temperature and humidity. It is important to open the vents at different levels of the greenhouse to ensure uniform ventilation.
Automatic ventilation systems
For convenience and more precise control of the microclimate in the greenhouse, automatic ventilation systems can be installed.
These systems are equipped with temperature and humidity sensors that automatically open and close the vents depending on current conditions.
Automatic ventilation helps maintain a stable microclimate without constant intervention from the gardener, which is especially useful in large greenhouses.
Protection from drafts
Although ventilation is necessary, it is important to avoid strong drafts that can damage plants.
Cucumbers are sensitive to sudden temperature changes and cold air flow. To prevent drafts, it is recommended to open windows and doors gradually, regulating the intensity of ventilation.
During the cold season, you should use protective screens or close some of the vents to limit the flow of cold air.
Influence of time of day
The time of day plays an important role in organizing the ventilation of the greenhouse. Morning hours are the most favorable time for ventilation, as the sun's rays begin to warm the greenhouse, and fresh air helps to increase the temperature.
During the day, during hot hours, it is recommended to keep the windows open to prevent overheating. In the evening, after sunset, the windows should be closed to retain heat overnight and avoid sudden cooling.
Regular ventilation
Ventilation should be regular and systematic. Irregular opening of windows and doors can lead to accumulation of excess moisture and overheating, which negatively affects the condition of cucumbers.
The optimal ventilation mode is to open the vents daily in the morning and close them in the evening. On hot days, the greenhouse should be ventilated several times a day to maintain stable conditions.
Previously we talked about how to get rid of cruciferous flea beetles .
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh
