| Although plants don’t breathe as we do, they do need oxygen and air circulation. Many people aren’t aware that roots need oxygen; it’s probably the most overlooked “nutrient” that plants require. That’s the reason that compacted or poorly draining soil is so bad for plants; their roots cannot “breathe” in them. Amending soils so that air spaces exist among the soil particles allows roots to breathe, which is why amendments are recommended for virtually all soil types. In a greenhouse setting, most plants will be growing in a potting medium, so it’s unlikely that compacted soil around plant roots will be a concern. But, plants growing in greenhouses in winter do need air circulation in a big way. Plants also breathe by a process called respiration through their leaves that exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide. Because a greenhouse is an enclosed environment, you’re essentially creating a microclimate. The process of respiration can produce quite a bit of water vapor, or condensation, and too much in an enclosed microclimate is not good for plants. High humidity and condensation can lead to disease problems. Circulating air helps maintain both uniform humidity levels and temperature. It’s not difficult to increase air circulation in a greenhouse. Here are some tips:
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