If you’re like me, you sometimes wish that your backyard was just a little bit bigger but the constraints of the space mean that growing any sort of plant is difficult.
So I began digging around online and asking friends who have greenhouses how they made their spaces so successful.
Most people recommended buying a kit and following instructions, but when I read about the process involved in building one myself, it seemed daunting:
A greenhouse needs a frame, which means cutting and shaping wood to fit together in certain ways; then there’s wiring for electricity and plumbing for water systems (and if you want HVAC system); then there’s framing the walls with plastic sheeting that can be removed easily; finally comes insulation oh my goodness!
How will I ever find time to learn all this stuff?
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Constructing a greenhouse without oxygen is not feasible as plants require oxygen for respiration. |
| Building a greenhouse with proper ventilation and air circulation is crucial for plant health. |
| Understanding the importance of oxygen in a greenhouse helps create an optimal environment for plant growth. |
| Other aspects of greenhouse construction, such as materials, heating, and waterproofing, are still relevant even when oxygen is not a concern. |
| Managing a greenhouse involves considerations such as temperature control, pest management, and proper plant care. |
Use Glass
Glass is the obvious choice for replacing plastic. Glass is better at insulating, it’s easier to clean, and you don’t have to worry about it being toxic or flammable if a fire breaks out. It also costs more than plastic.
The other option is metal but that could be dangerous too! The metal might corrode and create toxic gases in your greenhouse; if there’s fire outside, it can spread inside your greenhouse; and metal isn’t as good at stopping air from flowing in from places like doorways or windows (where there are gaps).
Looking to construct a greenhouse without oxygen? Our guide on building a greenhouse out of wood and plastic provides step-by-step instructions and tips to help you create an oxygen-free greenhouse using sustainable materials.
Use Plastic
Plastic is a great way to make your greenhouse without oxygen. This is because plastic is totally without air, and it’s easy to get.
You can use plastic sheeting, like the kind used in greenhouses or on homes that are being built; you can use plastic bags (like grocery bags); you can use plastic bottles (like water bottles); or you can even use sheets of plastic if you want something a little more heavy duty than just bags and bottles.
Whatever kind of plastic you choose, it’ll go far toward making your greenhouse into an enclosed space with no oxygen inside—and no need for fans!
ventilate The Greenhouse
Ventilating the greenhouse is an important part of growing your plants. If you don’t have enough ventilation, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re using fans or air pumps, or both.
The idea is that as hot air rises from the floor of the greenhouse, cooler air will move in from above and mix with it, creating relatively even temperatures all around.
If you don’t have enough ventilation, this process can easily get stuck in one place because the upper levels won’t be able to exchange heat with lower levels quickly enough this can lead to overheating especially at night when temperatures drop outside but stay high inside due to sunlight heating up walls and glass panes during daytime hours.
Waterproofing is essential for maintaining the integrity of your greenhouse. Learn how to effectively protect your structure with our easy-to-follow guide on how to waterproof a greenhouse, ensuring a safe and efficient environment for your plants.
Keep the door closed
You want to make sure that your greenhouse door is airtight, so that there can be no oxygen exchange.
This is especially important if you are using a propane burner, since these burners produce carbon monoxide which would quickly kill anything that got in the way of it.
To keep the door shut, use a door with a tight seal and latches that can be locked from the outside.
If you don’t have an automatic lock on your greenhouse door, then place something heavy and immovable against it so that no one can open it without manually lifting whatever object is blocking its path.
Use Carbon Filters
Carbon filters are a useful tool for removing odors, pesticides and other chemicals from air in greenhouses. They also remove carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen cyanide.
However, it’s important to note that carbon filters do not remove oxygen from the air in your greenhouse.
| Brand Name | Filter Type | Filter Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| PureAir | Activated | Small | $10 |
| CleanZone | Carbon | Medium | $15 |
| FreshBreath | Charcoal | Large | $20 |
| CleanFresh | Activated | Extra Large | $25 |
Bamboo Greenhouse
Bamboo is a renewable resource, which makes it an attractive choice for greenhouses. It’s strong and durable, and it performs well as a greenhouse material because of its insulation properties.
For example, bamboo has six times the insulating value of polyethylene film—so you can use less energy to heat or cool your greenhouse.
Also, bamboo is easy to work with; it’s light enough that you can easily transport it from one location to another.
And since bamboo grows quickly (upwards of two feet per day) and regenerates itself by producing new shoots from old stalks (like a plant), there are no worries about cutting down trees or removing any other natural resources from their habitat in order to harvest them for your greenhouse project!
Constructing a greenhouse using cattle panels? Discover innovative methods to heat your structure and maintain optimal conditions with our expert tips in heating a cattle panel greenhouse, ensuring the ideal environment for your plants to thrive.
Use Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful sanitizing agent that can be used to disinfect your greenhouse. After spraying the peroxide solution on all surfaces, let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing with water.
This will kill off any dangerous germs that may be present in your greenhouse and leave it sanitized and free of harmful pathogens.
You’ll want to repeat this process as needed when you notice mold or bacteria growing on walls or other surfaces
Remove The Strong Fumes
The key to keeping your greenhouse clear of smelly fumes is to either remove them from the area or ventilate them out.
The easiest way to do this is by using a fan or other type of ventilation system.
This can be as simple as opening doors and windows in order to keep air circulating through the greenhouse, or it can be more complicated with an automatic system that pushes air in and out at regular intervals.
If you prefer not to use any sort of ventilation system, there are other options available for removing strong chemicals and fragrances from your greenhouse: carbon filters (which are often used for removing odors from refrigerators) work well on these kinds of smells too!
It’s important not only that you choose a product that has been tested for use in greenhouses but also one specifically designed with removing chemical smells in mind.
| Cleaning Product | Brand | Fume Level |
|---|---|---|
| OdorGone | FreshScents | Low |
| PureAir | CleanZone | Moderate |
| UltraClear | FreshBreath | High |
| ScentAway | CleanFresh | Low |
Add Fan To The Set Up
Once you’ve completed your greenhouse, it’s time to add a fan. The fan will improve the air circulation, which will help in removing the excess heat and moisture.
This is important because plants need to be kept at a specific temperature and humidity level if they’re going to grow properly.
If either of these factors are off balance, your plants won’t thrive they’ll either die or grow weakly.
Managing a backyard greenhouse requires careful planning and attention to detail. Explore our comprehensive guide on backyard greenhouse management to learn about best practices, pest control, ventilation, and more to create a successful and productive greenhouse.
Dehumidifer In The Greenhouse
You can use a dehumidifier to help control the temperature, humidity and even the air quality in your greenhouse.
The dehumidifier will remove moisture from the air, which is beneficial to your plants because they need to have a dry environment (no more than 50% relative humidity) to thrive.
It will also help keep mold at bay and increase plant health by bringing down temperatures that are too high or too low for them to survive in comfortably.
This makes it easier for you as well because you won’t have to worry about having an incubator handy!
| Brand Name | Model | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| EcoDry | EC-300 | 30 pints | $150 |
| GreenAir | GA-400 | 40 pints | $180 |
| DryZone | DZ-500 | 50 pints | $200 |
| EverFresh | EF-600 | 60 pints | $250 |
Replace Lights Frequently
This is a big one, so pay attention. You might think that the only thing you need to do to make your greenhouse work for you is to replace the lights with LED ones, but this isn’t true at all.
While it is true that LED lights are more efficient than fluorescent or incandescent ones, they still produce heat like every other kind of light bulb out there and can therefore contribute to your greenhouse’s oxygen-deprivation problem!
So what’s the solution? Get rid of all your existing bulbs and replace them with CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps), which are more efficient than incandescents but don’t give off as much heat as LEDs do when they’re turned on.
In addition, get some fluorescents and put those in too they’ll help keep everything cool inside your structure so that no further damage occurs due to excess warmth levels outside it!
Keeping your greenhouse warm is crucial for the health and growth of your plants. Our easy-to-follow tips in keeping your greenhouse warm will help you maintain optimal temperatures, ensuring your plants thrive in a comfortable environment.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that you can make a greenhouse without oxygen. The key is to use the right materials, like glass or plastic, and follow these tips: keep it ventilated, keep the door closed, use carbon filters and more.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on related topics:
Dissolved Oxygen in Greenhouse: Learn more about the importance of dissolved oxygen levels in greenhouse environments and its impact on plant growth and productivity.
Greenhouse Effect: Discover how the greenhouse effect works and its role in shaping Earth’s climate system, explained in an engaging manner for young learners.
Can Plants Live Without Oxygen?: Explore the fascinating world of plant respiration and understand the significance of oxygen for plant survival.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the topic:
What is the purpose of a greenhouse?
A greenhouse is a structure designed to create a controlled environment for plant cultivation, providing optimal conditions such as temperature, humidity, and light to promote plant growth.
Can a greenhouse be built without oxygen?
Greenhouses require oxygen for the respiratory processes of plants. Therefore, it is not feasible to construct a functional greenhouse without oxygen.
How does the greenhouse effect impact climate change?
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that helps regulate Earth’s temperature. However, human activities have intensified this effect by increasing greenhouse gas concentrations, leading to global warming and climate change.
How do plants obtain oxygen in a greenhouse?
Plants primarily obtain oxygen through their roots via the process of respiration. Oxygen is dissolved in the water present in the soil and taken up by the roots.
What happens if plants are deprived of oxygen?
Depriving plants of oxygen can lead to root suffocation and hinder their ability to carry out essential metabolic processes, ultimately resulting in stunted growth and even plant death.
I am Hellen James, a professional handywoman with expertise in improving home and garden spaces by using pergolas, gazebos, and tents.
