Most greenhouse growers, that are interested in expanding into light deprivation, already have at least one existing structure to convert. Conversions and retrofit projects are generally much easier than trying to build new greenhouses from scratch just for light deprivation. If the greenhouse is already designed to take advantage of the light with high transmission glazing, it’s as simple as adding a layer of light control material and a system for retracting it. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions about converting standard greenhouses for light deprivation treatment.
Structural Support
All metal framed greenhouses, and most wood designs, should easily handle the weight of an extra layer of a plastic film without any modifications or reinforcements. If the greenhouse is already close to its weight limit with the current glazing, extra internal posts and supports can easily bolster the structure to bear the weight of medium to light covers and tarps. The heaviest black out tarps may need modifications of the majority of greenhouse structures. If you’re unsure if your current greenhouse will need more support or not, talk to an engineer for some quick calculations.
Ease of Addition
It’s surprisingly easy to add light deprivation equipment to an existing structure, so it’s not necessary to design the greenhouse from scratch just to accommodate it. The majority of both manual and automated control systems for deprivation tarps are designed to fit over existing greenhouse structures with few to no modifications. The tarps also slip easily over any size and shape of structure with a little custom fabrication from BTL Liners. Waiting to expand into light deprivation can help a new greenhouse operation get established before they take on a lot of debt. Don’t be afraid to put off light dep systems for a few years since they’re a relatively easy addition.
Increasing Ventilation
With an extra layer of material tucked around the exterior of the greenhouse, it’s no wonder the structure is likely to heat up even further in the summer sun. The dark interior traps heat even more efficiently than the clear glazing on the average greenhouse. When retrofitting an existing greenhouse structure for light deprivation use, you’ll definitely need to increase the ventilation. Frame in extra air movers to handle both the excess heat and increased humidity as leaf transpiration increases in the dark.
Setting Up Automation
If you’re going through the effort to add light deprivation to an existing greenhouse, consider using some of the construction savings on automated equipment. Automated control systems for these tarps and covers are worth the extra cost because they help achieve exact photoperiods. It’s all too easy for manual retraction processes to vary by half an hour to over an hour from day to day. This interferes with the desired effects of the light dep, wasting the investment and the labor put into the process. Make the most of the cover with timers that automatically switch between retraction and covering so that growth continues exactly as desired.
Don’t give up on that old greenhouse frame or the unproductive design just because it’s not currently in use. With some basic modifications, it’s likely a great choice for conversion into a light deprivation greenhouse instead. While you’ll have to do a little engineering and modification to add the light dep cover to the structure, it’s well worth the cost for most growers interested in this technique. Find the tarp and cover materials you need here at BTL Liners to get started on your retrofitting project today.
