Greenhouse - Reducing Heating Costs III

This is a continuation of the series on reducing greenhouse heating costs. The following tips are on how you can manage houses and alter growing practices to reduce heading costs.

Space Utilization

• Increase space utilization to 80% - 90% with peninsular or movable benches.
• Install multi-level racks for crops that don't require high light levels.
• Grow a crop of hanging baskets on overhead rails or truss-mounted conveyor system.
• A roll-out bench system can double growing space. Plants are moved outside during the day.
• Use plastic sheet or foam insulation partitions to reduce the heated area of houses in the winter if not using the whole house. Heat only the portion of the house that you are using.
• Have smaller houses for overwintering, propagation, or early plant starting that require less heat.

Management

• Lower night temperature - Fuel consumption is reduced 3% for each 1ºF night temperature is lowered.
• Delay starting the greenhouse by a week or more. Build a germination/growth chamber to start seedlings.
• Keep growing areas full at all times.

Information in part from "Greenhouse Energy Conservation Checklist" by John W. Bartok, Jr., Agricultural Engineer, Natural Resources Mgt. & Engr. Dept., University of Connecticut , Storrs CT