Greenhouse Academic essentials

Best for teaching horticulture and agriculture
to high school & community college students.

 

This is a list of suggested equipment for a level 3 greenhouse.  The equipment package is functional but simple, designed for elementary and middle schools that will be introducing young students to the horticultural and agricultural industries. You may find that some of the items in the level 3 package are not necessarily based on your greenhouse design.  This package comes with all the features and benefits of an architectural-grade greenhouse.

Side Wall Vents

Side Wall Vents

Allows fresh air intake at the lower level of the greenhouse. The suggested quantity of 1 per 4′ of the side wall.

  • Aluminum framed, awning-hinged windows with fiberglass screens.
  • Typically 3′ wide x 2′ tall
  • Manual crank-out operation
  • Must be used in conjunction with roof exhaust fans

Operable Doors

Provides access in and out of the greenhouse, which may be considered a “fire exit.” One as needed per project.

  • Aluminum framed, narrow stile commercial door
  • Typically 3′ wide by 7′ tall
  • Includes push / pull hardware
  • Panic hardware available
  • Double doors at 42″ wide or 6′ wide are available
Exhaust Fan

Roof Exhaust Fan

Aluminum Exhaust fans are made especially for greenhouses with aluminum slant-wall housing, louvers, and safety grill. These extract the hot air, pulling fresh air in from intake shutters. Usually, you’ll only need one unless in an extreme Southern climate.

 30″ fans with 1/3hp are usually adequate but other sizes are available.

  • 115v, activated by the control system
  • Used in conjunction with intake shutters on opposing walls
Horizontal Air Flow

Horizontal Air Flow (HAF) Fans

Used in pairs to create gentle, horizontal air circulation. The suggested quantity of 2 per 750 square feet floor area.

  • Wire basket frame around fan for rafter suspension
  • 12″ diameter size
  • 115V with manual (switch) activation
Unit Heater

Unit Heater

Keep plants alive and people comfortable during winter months. Ask for assistance with suggested usage.

  • Ceiling suspended unite heater (natural gas or LP available)
  • 115V, thermostat activated
  • Heat may be supplied by adjacent building’s primary heat system if controlled separately.
  • Gas heaters require gas piping and venting duct work
Comfort Glide Shades

Sun Shades

Comfort Glide™ shades for the roof area using our exclusive built-in shade tracks.  We suggest shades for every West-facing bay for optimal greenhouse comfort.

  • Width to match bay for the length of the roof
  • Manual pull cord operation
  • Select your preferred fabric and color
  • Reduces glare and excessive heat during warmer months
  • Provides insulation and insulates on colder nights
Ridge Vents

Ridge Vents

These are used to extract hot air from the greenhouse, pulling fresh air in from the wall vents.  Suggested as continuous unites along the ridge.

  • Aluminum framed, ridge vent windows.
  • Typically 3′ wide by 2′ tall
  • Motorized drive shaft with scissor arm operators; 115v activated by the control system.

Must be used in conjunction with side wall vents.  Traditional rack and pinion operators are not recommended due to their appearance, space consumption, and safety concerns.  Each vent motor will require a control box separate from the control system.

Air Intake Shutters

Air Intake Shutters

Aluminum intake shutters open when the exhaust fan comes on providing fresh air. We suggest 2 shutters per exhaust fan.

  • Typically 21″ x 21″
  • 115v motorized, activated by the control system
Environmental Control Systme

Environmental Control System

A central controller for most cooling and heating equipment including wall and ridge vents, exhaust fans, intake shutters, HAF fans, and heater.  This is the greenhouse-specific, “entry-level,” four-stage control system with a corrosion-resistant cabinet, blueprints, and temperature sensor.  You’ll need one per greenhouse (per zone).

  • Control system measures 16″ x 14″ x 6″ in the cabinet
  • 115v: one-stage heating, 3 stage cooling
  • Minimal training required for operation
Evaporative Coolers

Permanent Evaporative Coolers

Exterior mounted evaporative coolers to supply cool, humid air to plants. Typically 1 to 2 units are placed on each side of the greenhouse.

  • Approx 3′ wide x 3′ deep x 3′ tall; 1/2 hp motor
  • 115v activated by the control system below
  • Requires ductwork, setting pads, and plumbing

Optional Equipment

Growing Benches

Growing Benches

Provide a growing area for the plants. Typically used around the perimeter and in the center of the greenhouse.

  • 3′ tall by 3′ wide
  • Available in lengths of 3′, 4′ and 6′
Potting Table

Potting Table

An area to work with plants and for study.  Suggest two to three per average size greenhouse.

  • 36″ tall x 30″ wide
  • Available in 48″ or 60″ long
  • Optional sink and lower half shelf available
Misting System

Built-In Misting System

An automatic PVC mist distribution system with timer controls, solenoid valve, and misting nozzles to cover a 6′ x 50′ area.  Typically install 1 per greenhouse or per misting zone.

  • 1/2″ x 50′ lengths
  • 120v control activated automatically
  • Kit includes timer controls, solenoid valve, risers, misting nozzles, strainer, PVC pipe and fittings, 20′ of 2 conductor wire, one brass hose adapter, PVC primer and glue, and Teflon tape.
  • Supply of plumbing to the solenoid valve will be required by the plumbing contractor.
Watering system

Built-In Watering System

An automatic PVC mist distribution system with timer controls, solenoid valve, and misting nozzles to cover a 6′ x 50′ area.  Typically install 1 per greenhouse or per misting zone.

  • 1/2″ x 50′ lengths
  • 120v control, activated automatically
  • Kit includes timer controls, solenoid valve, risers, misting nozzles, strainer, PVC pipe and fittings, 20′ of 2 conductor wire, one brass hose adapter, PVC primer and glue, teflon tape.
  • Supply plumbing to solenoid valve will be required by plumbing contractor.
Alarm system

Alarm System

An add-on for the control system that will automatically call up to four phone numbers with custom alarm messages. Does not require a separate phone line.

  • 8 3/4″ x 4 3/4″ x 2 1/2″ deep box
  • 115 v
  • An ideal way to protect your plants and work from unusually harsh weather or an equipment failure. Essential for research!
Weather Monitoring

Weather Monitoring System

An add-on to the control system that monitors wind speed, direction, and frost conditions.  Overrides the regular settings to prevent plant or greenhouse damage.

  • 16″ x 16″ x 5″ deep cabinet; Mast 10″ tall
  • 115V
  • Includes the exterior mounted weather mast and dedicated control box.

Equipment by Other Trades to Consider

  • Water Supply: Multiple water spigots with watering and misting hoses.
  • Floor Drains: At least one per greenhouse will ease clean-up considerably.
  • Grow Lights: Since these are installed by a licensed electrician, they are the best resource to obtain the grow lights. Our recommendation is the high-pressure sodium fixtures by P.L. Light Systems