A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion Landscape trials and triumphs Growing under Glass Need greenhouse advice...

Last year my Hubby put a new roof on my greenhouse. It is a clear plastic specially designed from greenhouses, but it does get hot in there and I'm wondering if anyone would have any suggestion of what I could use inside on the roof to help filter the extreme heat a bit more.

I know I need all the sunlight I can get, but this is a bit much, although it did not burn my plants which did surprise me. But I could barely keep my plants moist enough with all the heat. Here is some info' that greenhouses need.

1. Diffused light prevents the formation of strong shadows inside the greenhouse. This means light is surrounding the plants and flowers instead of just hitting them directly.
2. Diffused light helps prevent the plants from getting overheated and burnt.
3. Diffused light provides a more comfortable climate inside the greenhouse.
4. Diffused light reduces the amount of water needed for irrigation.

This is what I'm looking for, something that will do this for me. Any suggestions?????

you can get light defusers at home depot. They are designed for florescent light panels but there is no reason you can rig a "hanging ceiling" framework for them and use them in the greenhouse. It should do what you want.

Good luck with your greenhouse. Also a vent on each end to allow airflow during the heat of the day might help. just a thought

Thanks TK we did put in a fan and it was a big help. Your idea is great, but what I'm thinking of is maybe a sheet of fabric or plastic just like the light defusers that you mentioned. My greenhouse is pretty big.

Plain old Visqueen plastic, the kind that comes in rolls, would diffuse the light. If one layer wasnt enough, maybe 2 layers would do.

Just thought I'd tell you my hubby just put in windows on top of my greenhouse and it helps lots with the heat. I'll remember the plastic idea too if I have too do something else.