Knowledgebase
Welcome to the BTL Knowledgebase. Ever since we started lining ponds, creating covers, and helping people with their projects, we've gotten asked a lot of questions. Many of these questions are repeatedly asked, so we put together the BTL knowledgebase to help answer any questions you had about a particular subject. We are adding new questions every month, so continue to check back often!
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What is Modified Environmental Agriculture (MEA)
Modified Environmental Agriculture is the term applied to greenhouse growing that reduces the impact of weather conditions on plant growth but offers minimum control of the actual growing environment.
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What materials can be used to construct a greenhouse frame?
The most commonly-used frames for the various styles of greenhouses are steel, aluminum and wood, although some other options are available at varying price points.
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Is there a difference between a greenhouse and a hothouse?
Strictly speaking, a greenhouse is heated only by the sun, while a hothouse has an artificial, or supplementary, source of heat.
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What is an Urban Greenhouse?
An urban greenhouse can be as simple as a small tent-like enclosure of translucent plastic with simple shelving to hold pots of flowers and kitchen herbs, located on your apartment building balcony in the midst of a bustling city.
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Were greenhouses once known by other names?
Victorian conservatories, solariums and arboretums were, essentially, the forerunners of modern greenhouses.
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Do greenhouses have a purpose other than for growing plants?
Some environmentalists and scientists think that simple greenhouses may evolve at some point into controlled eco-systems that will be developed for purposes other than simply growing flowers, fruits and vegetables.
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What are the common types of Greenhouses?
Modern greenhouses are classified as Lean-to, Detached, or Ridge and Furrow, sometimes known as Gutter-connected structures.
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What is a Greenhouse?
The most basic definition is “an enclosed structure used to facilitate the cultivation of plants that require regulated climatic conditions."
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Are there educational specialties in greenhouse design and construction, controlled environment agriculture, modified environment agricultural and alternative growing methods?
Yes, the fields of urban and alternative agriculture and applied technology are becoming mainstream.
How do you winterize a farm pond?
You may not need to do anything—but if you raise fish or if the pond has a lot of aquatic vegetation, steps may be required ahead of winter.
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What thickness should a farm pond liner be?
Flexible liners are available between 20 mils (and lower), up to 60 mils and beyond—but the 35 to 40 mil range is ideal for most farm ponds.
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How much water will a farm pond lose daily to evaporation?
In periods where water levels are low or a lack of rain isn’t keeping your farm pond full, it is normal to see the water level dip—but too much could signal a leak.
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How to prevent tree roots growing through a farm pond liner?
Tree roots can damage pond liners—but there are things you can do to prevent this from happening.
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Do I need underlayment for my farm pond?
If you choose the right liner, underlayment shouldn’t be necessary.
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How many fish can you stock in a farm pond?
The answer depends on the type of fish you choose and the size of your pond.
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What can I do with old farm pond liner?
If you’re installing a new liner in your farm pond, you may be wondering what to do with the old one.
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How long should a farm pond liner last?
The elements can take their toll on farm pond liners—but durable liners will go the distance.
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How do I prepare an excavated farm pond site for liner installation?
Proper preparation is key—there are several steps you’ll need to take to make sure it is done right.
What is the best time of year to build a farm pond?
Regardless of the season, choose a time of year that is known to be dry and mild in your region.
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What steps should you take once you’ve ordered your farm pond liner?
Farm pond liners can be quite large, which means you’ll need to make some special preparations to be ready when the liner arrives.
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What steps should you take prior to installing a farm pond liner?
Doing some of the work in advance will ensure that everything is ready to go once the pond liner arrives.
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How do you join two pieces of farm pond liner?
Larger ponds will have seams in the liner—and you’ll need to learn how to join them properly to prevent leaks.
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How do you calculate farm pond liner sizes?
Farm pond liner calculations can be confusing, but here is a simplified way to do it.
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