Using Greenhouses in Tropical Versus Temperate Growing Conditions

The question has been asked whether or not theFor longer growing seasons such as in Central
height of greenhouses should be greater in warm& much of South America, Africa, the Pacific
climates - to allow for better/more air circulation.Islands, and the Caribbean, let the plant turn over
The short answer is no.and come back down, rather than cutting it off.
To get free plans for building several excellentThis will require pruning leaves off the lower
styles of greenhouses visit and join the FREE ,branches when fruit has been picked.
and go to the Photos and Files sections.The in-the-garden greenhouse would be built the
The height of the structure does not reduce airsame in hot humid climates as in temperate
circulation. The continuous ventilator along thezones, the way it shows in the YahooGroups
entire roofline of the permanent seedlingpictures, except that you don't keep the plastic all
greenhouse lets hot air escape quickly. Also, inthe way down except during a bad storm.
warm climates the plastic on both sides isRather than protecting plants from cold weather
designed to roll up , to give excellent sideand frost, in warm climates the in-the-garden
ventilation.structure is mostly used to keep heavy pounding
The height of the structure was chosen torains and hot direct sunshine from hurting tender
accommodate standard lumber lengths plus theplants.
reach of most gardeners. Seven feet is about asIn warm climates - and during mid-summer in
high as most of us can reach comfortably.temperate zones - roll the plastic up to the top
It's also about the same height that tomato plantsand tie it in place.
will grow before the tops should be cut off 8For additional shading if needed during the hottest
weeks before the first expected frost in coolerpart of the day, either throw a 30-40% shade
climates - where tomatoes and other warmcloth over the top, or if the shade is needed for a
weather crops are most likely to be grown inlong period of time consider splashing white-wash
greenhouses - so they can mature all the fruiton the under side of the top plastic. Use material
they have set.that will wash off when water is applied.