Temperature controls the rate of plant development and thus, crop timing. Temperature can also influence extension growth of plants, greenhouse energy consumption, and crop quality attributes. Additional information on temperature, including crop responses and greenhouse energy consumption, are listed in the articles below. Additional resources follow.
- Virtual Grower, a free computer program for greenhouse growers to predict heating costs. Developed by the USDA Agricultural Research Service.
- Temperature and Scheduling: Improving Greenhouse Production Efficiency by Erik Runkle and Matthew Blanchard, Michigan State University.
- Greenhouse Temperature Management by A.J. Both, Rutgers University.
Resources
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Grow warm or grow cool?
Published on July 17, 2009
Using the Virtual Grower computer software is one way to determine how to get the best results at certain greenhouse growing temperatures. -
Energy-efficient annuals 4: Dianthus & snapdragon
Published on June 22, 2009
Researchers from Michigan State University present research-based information for scheduling dianthus and snapdragon in an energy-efficient and predictive manner. Part 4 of a 12-part series. -
Energy-efficient annuals 3: Marigolds
Published on May 22, 2009
Researchers from Michigan State University present research-based information for scheduling marigold in an energy-efficient and predictive manner. Part 3 of a 12-part series. -
Energy-efficient annuals 2: Scheduling bedding plants
Published on April 22, 2009
Greenhouse temperature influences plant development and energy consumption for heating. When producing a crop, delivery of low temperatures may actually be more energy intensive than warmer temperatures. -
Controlling height with temperature drops
Published on April 17, 2009
Temperature drop is the practice of lowering the temperature, typically by 5-15 degrees F, before sunrise. Generally, the greater the magnitude of the temperature drop, the stronger it suppresses plant height. -
Energy-efficient annuals 1: Perfecting temps and light
Published on March 29, 2009
Learn the concepts of how temperature and daily light integral influence growth and flowering of annual bedding plant crops. -
Calculating ADT (average daily temperature)
Published on December 17, 2008
Average daily temperature is a crucial factor in crop time and plant development. Learn to calculate it and how it affects your growing schedule. -
Fanning uniformity in the greenhouse
Published on May 17, 2008
Horizontal airflow fans, which help create a more uniform greenhouse environment, can be a boon if used properly. -
Responses to temperature & light
Published on January 29, 2008
Longer growing time at cooler temperatures or shorter growing time with warmer temperatures? That question is addressed for annual bedding plants in this article. -
Using +DIF to lower fuel costs
Published on February 17, 2007
As energy costs continue to be a concern, consider growing crops at a warm day temperature and a cool night temperature to help reduce fuel costs. -
Manage temperatures for the best spring crops
Published on January 17, 2007
Given the high cost of greenhouse heating, many growers are lowering the temperature set points. While there are some advantages to lowering the thermostat, some negative consequences can arise. -
Temperature effects on floriculture crops and energy consumption
Published on November 15, 2006
This article reviews the effects of temperature on production time of floriculture crops, especially annual bedding plants, and the impacts on greenhouse energy consumption for heating.