A Beginner’s Guide to Greenhouse Fogging

Creating an ideal growing climate in your greenhouse involves finding the perfect balance of temperature and humidity. One of the best methods growers use is a fogging system to regulate humidity and create an ideal setting for plants to grow. Fogging is essentially a visible cloud of water droplets suspended in the air, both cooling and moisturizing the grow environment.

Why is fogging important?

As humans, we strive in an environment we feel comfortable in and, when uncomfortable, we tend to struggle. The same goes for plants. It is crucial to create an environment that is ideal for whatever plant you’re trying to grow. When the humidity levels are low, photosynthesis (the process used by plants to harness energy from sunlight into chemical energy) is slowed or even stopped altogether. Stressful environments are preventable by creating a setting where plants can exchange moisture, oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Plants flourish with the right level of humidity due to their pores being entirely open, leading them to breathe deeply with no threat of excessive water loss.

Fogging systems have been proven to be beneficial to baby plants, micro plants and vegetative plants as they prefer exposure to humidity.

How can a high-pressure fogging system help you?

Fogging systems are an immediate fix and will affect the humidity levels straight away. It immediately releases microscopic droplets that are small enough to stay suspended in the air while heat from the air is being evaporated and extracted, thus cooling the air. This technique can reduce the greenhouse temperature by an estimated 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit) while raising the humidity. The system helps create healthy plants while reducing the risk of fungus, wilting and insects.

Will the high-pressure fogging systems fit your greenhouse?

Most fogging systems are designed to fit most greenhouse structures. Fog nozzles are spaced evenly above plants throughout the greenhouse. The fog then assists the greenhouse by exchanging the outside air that has entered through the side-wall ventilators.

How can you take full advantage of your high-pressure fogging system?

The high-pressure fogging system can be paired with two separate tools so that you can create the ideal environment. The options are to use a misting system or energy curtains.

Misting systems will help you increase and control the humidity, so your plants will receive the moisture it needs. The system has proved to produce favorable and consistent conditions throughout the year. You can prevent disasters such as overheating the greenhouse; however, an issue you may have is large droplets falling and damaging your crops. Fluctuating humidity and temperature levels can result in damaged plants. When the relative humidity levels drop below 30% plants can stop growing.

The design of the misting system includes nozzles that are attached to the ceiling or structure of the greenhouse with a tube which is pressurized to release a subtle spray over your crop. The system minimizes plant stress and increases germination and growth rates.

Another option you can check out is energy curtains; this will help you trap the humidity.

What is the downside of using a fogging system?

Sometimes the nozzles that spray the plants can get clogged with particulate and chemical matter. Particles of clay and sand can also clog the fog nozzles.

What are the benefits of the fogging system?

A fogging system can help:

• reduce your energy consumption
• provide a cost-effective solution
• maintain an environment suitable for your crops
• prevent a slow growth rate caused by unfavorable climate conditions
• reduce water consumption and produce an excellent crop quality

Remember, not all plants need to be fogged.  It all depends on the crop and your environment.

Ready to see which fogging solutions are right for you? Contact Bluelab today.