Good Morning, Monday Readers! I enjoyed a lovely weekend here on the high desert plains of Northwestern Nevada. The weather here has been perfect. Cool enough in the morning to be crisp and then hot enough in the afternoon to remind us all summer isn’t done with us just yet.
The project for the weekend revolved around air movement in the greenhouse. I purchased some very cute solar fans before the foundation was even poured. Cute little dollhouse fans measuring 6″ square, two run by a 20W solar panel. It seemed the perfect fit, until MM installed them under the hot desert sun.
Back to the drawing board.
Ventilation is critical in any green house. They reduce the air temperature inside and move fresh air into the greenhouse. They also help regulate the relative humidity inside the greenhouse. Humidity above 80% invites fungal growths. And no one needs to battle fungus.
I’ve now learned that a greenhouse like mine (10’x14’x6′) needs a fan that puts our 3600 cubic feet per minute in the summer. The air needs to change 1 time per minute according to a greenhouse guru online. That’s quite a bit of movement for a small space.
The idea of solar power is a magical thought. Heck, the energy of the sun helps plants to grow, right? So why can’t we run everything efficiently with solar? Sadly, technology doesn’t match our lofty ideas. I’d need a huge solar panel to run the fan I need to cool the greenhouse. It seems that I’ll be using a very long extension cord and a nice big industrial fan we used on the ranch. I’m too excited about this greenhouse to give up the summer months.
The next projects will include building pretty benches on which to set beautiful pots. Pea gravel needs to be hauled in for the flooring. I’m going to have a lovely potting bench, a stainless sink with running water, and motion lighting, just in case I feel like gardening in the evening. By the time MM and I get this thing finished, there won’t be a more lovely greenhouse in the land. It’ll just take a minute to get everything going in the right direction.
As I create a little oasis here in the desert, my thoughts remain with the people of Maui. Keep them in your prayers. If you happen to have an extra prayer, send it to them. Their nightmare won’t be over in our lifetimes. Something special is gone forever. It only took 30 minutes to destroy their way of life.
Whatever you do today, think about growing something. Anything. Plants clean our air and help the planet, so get busy. There are still plenty of growing days until winter!
More tomorrow.