The Importance of Air Circulation in Your Greenhouse

While fresh air is essential to the plants in your greenhouse, it is equally important that you keep the air moving as well. The cost is minimal while the benefits are substantial. First, circulating air keeps temperatures uniform throughout the greenhouse. Temperatures can vary 15-20 degrees from floor to ceiling without a circulator. Keeping the air moving breaks down this “stratified” air, saving on heating and keeping your plants comfortable.

Air circulation also reduces humidity on leaf surfaces, reducing humidity-related diseases such as Botrytis blight, leaf spot and powdery mildew. A third benefit is an increased level of carbon dioxide. Air moving across the leaves facilitates diffusion of carbon dioxide into plants and increases the rate of photosynthesis.

Choose a circulator based on the square footage of your greenhouse. You need 3 to 3.5 CFM per square foot of greenhouse.