Unit One: Greenhouse Care and Maintenance

Lesson One:

Materials and Equipment

Lesson Objectives

1. Identify plant materials and equipment that are commonly used in the greenhouse industry.
2. Examine common growing media and evaluate their use in plant production.
3. Discuss the importance of irrigation and the equipment associated with those systems.

Footer description area.

Introduction

Today you are the manager of a greenhouse...

Shopping List – Think, Pair, Share Activity:

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What materials and equipment are necessary to run a greenhouse operation?

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Materials and Equipment

• Anvil and Blade Pruner
• Hook and Blade Pruner
• Bulb Planter
• Cell Pack Containers
• Hanging Basket
• Nursery Container
• Scoop Shovel
• Square-Point Shovel
• Sharpening Stone

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• Propagation Mat
• Propagation Trays
• Greenhouse Thermostat
• Soil Moisture Meter
• pH Testing Meter
• Polyethylene Film
• Shade Fabric
• PVC Pipe
• PVC Pipe Cutter

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Greenhouse Production Items

Anvil and Blade Pruner

http://www.original-lowe.com/uploads/tx_loeweproducts/7.107_offen.jpg

• Anvil pruners cut by pushing a blade through a material.
• At the end of the cut, the blade's cutting edge meets the anvil.

Hook and Blade (Bypass) Pruners

http://www.gemplers.com/img/felco-classic-hand-F2-lrg.jpg

• Bypass pruners have a blade sharpened on the outside edge that slides past a hook.
• They make clean cuts, close to the stem but can't be used on branches larger than 1/2 inch in diameter.

Bulb Planter

http://ace.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pACE-959626dt.jpg

http://www.claringtonforge.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/650x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_65.jpg

• A bulb planter is a hand tool that has an open-ended cone sharpened on its bottom edge.

Cell Pack Container

http://www.torontonurseries.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/L-606-1.jpg

• A container made of 
• cellular plastic.
• Varies in size (width and depth)
• Used for holding flowers or plants.

Hanging Baskets

http://cdn.greenhousemegastore.com/images/uploads/12607_7026_popup.jpg

• A hanging basket is a suspended container used for growing decorative plants.
• Hanging baskets are normally made from wire with an impervious, usually plastic, lining to retain the contents.

Nursery Container

• Nursery containers have heavy-duty, wrap-around rims that are easy to handle and strong enough to pick up heavy plant material.
• Superior drainage is engineered into both side and bottom drain designs. They typically come in black and are a minimum of a half-gallon in size.

http://cdn.greenhousemegastore.com/images/uploads/14395_5905_popup.jpg

Scoop Shovel

https://www.ewingirrigation.com/media/catalog/product/c/o/corona_aluminum_scoop_shovel_ss68000_1.jpg

• A scoop shovel is used to scoop and move large quantities of material at once, such as small rocks, sand, soil, etc.

Square-Point Shovel

https://www.agriculturesolutions.com/images/stories/virtuemart/product/SPS30_1.jpg

• Square-point shovels can perform many of the same functions as garden spades (ex: lawn edging, transplanting small bushes and trees, cutting sod and small roots, dividing perennials and trenching).
• Sharp, flat tips of square points are also utilized more for digging in hard-packed soils that demand more force to penetrate. 

Sharpening Stone

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41eC4CGczRL._SX300_.jpg

• Sharpening stones are used to grind and hone the edges of steel tools and implements.

Propagation Mat

http://cdn.greenhousemegastore.com/images/uploads/2376_2795_popup.jpg

• These heated rubber mats are made so that planters containing seedlings can be placed on top of the mat.

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• When combined with a lighting system, many plants can be grown indoors using these mats.

Propagation Trays

http://cdn.greenhousemegastore.com/images/uploads/1893_4510_popup.jpg

• Propagation Trays provide extra depth for increased soil volume, allowing for a more mature plant and longer shelf life.
• These are the most economical inserts for growers who do not use plug extractors or transplanters.

Greenhouse Thermostat

http://media.qcsupply.com/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/1/0/10004.jpg

http://cdn.greenhousemegastore.com/images/uploads/1476_1786_popup.jpg

• Thermostats are used to detect or control conditions in the greenhouse.
• Equipment in the greenhouse is turned on and off to reach the desired temperature set on the thermostat.

Soil Moisture Meter ���

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61GfDJbqWRL._SY355_.jpg

• A soil moisture meter is an instrument for determining the percentage of moisture in a material (such as soil), which is commonly found by measuring its electrical resistivity.

pH Testing Meter

• A pH meter is a scientific instrument that measures the hydrogen-ion concentration (or pH) in a solution, indicating its acidity or alkalinity.
• The pH meter measures the difference in electrical potential between a pH electrode and a reference electrode.

http://www.specmeters.com/assets/1/14/DimLarge/IQ-150-pH-Meter-ISFET-Probe.jpg

Polyethylene Film

http://www.hyatts.com/eCom/images/B/B12052.jpg

• Polyethylene film is a thick, flexible material that comes in sheets of various thickness (measured in mil) that can be used in single or double layers (for better insulation).
• A quick and inexpensive option for growers.
• Its translucency diffuses light well, bouncing the available sunlight and reducing shadows, both of which aid plant growth.

http://cdn.greenhousemegastore.com/images/uploads/2111_510_popup.jpg

Shade Fabric

http://store.rimolgreenhouses.com/v/vspfiles/photos/shadeclothfinished-2.jpg

http://cdn.greenhousemegastore.com/images/uploads/2402_4034_popup.jpg

• Shade fabric/cloth is a commercially available material for hanging over greenhouse glazing to cool it in summer months.
• They are usually made of loosely woven polyester or aluminum and can be found in varying densities or degrees of shade from approximately 5% to 95%.

PVC Pipe

http://www.villages-news.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_large_18243.jpg

• Polyvinyl chloride, commonly abbreviated as PVC, is the third-most widely produced synthetic plastic polymer.
• PVC comes in two basic forms: rigid (sometimes abbreviated as RPVC) and flexible.

PVC Pipe Cutter

http://selectproductsltd.com/images/sizes/SEL22436_PVC_Pipe_Cutters.jpg

• A PVC pipe cutter is a type of tool used to cut PVC pipe.
• Besides producing a clean cut, the tool is often a faster, cleaner and more convenient way of cutting pipe than using a hacksaw.

Materials and Equipment

• Sphagnum Moss
• Peat Moss
• Perlite
• Sand
• Rice Hulls

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• Vermiculite
• Coconut Coir
• Peat Pots
• Elle Pot
• Rock Wool Growing Pots

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Growing Media and Material

Sphagnum Moss

http://www.recorpinc.com/images/moss/sphagnum-moss.jpg

• Living vegetation gathered from the tops of swamps, bogs and marshes and then dried out
• Has a very acidic pH, relatively sterile and lightweight
• Excellent moisture-holding capacity

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Peat Moss

http://lghttp.17653.nexcesscdn.net/808B16/cdn_images/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/p/s/pso100a.jpg

• Partially decomposed vegetation gathered from swamps, bogs or marshes and then ground up
• Found below the living sphagnum moss
• Good source of nitrogen with a high moisture-holding capacity

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Perlite

http://garden.org/pics/2015-01-12/drdawg/12d404.jpg

• A gray-white material derived from volcanic ash
• Usually added to increase aeration in a growing media
• Commonly used as media during propagation

Sand

http://hydroponicgardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/CoarseSand600400.jpg

• Not like the sand at a beach, this is finely ground stone
• Contains the same elements as the parent material
• Example: If the stone had high levels of calcium, the sand produced from that stone will have high levels of calcium.
• Provides structure to growing media and increases drainage

Rice Hulls

http://cdn.arbico-organics.com/images/uploads/1309000-m.jpg

• By-product of rice production
• Adds aeration to the growing media
• Has a high moisture-holding capacity
• Used in combination with other growing media
• not to be used independently

Vermiculite

http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/137863/file-522660781-jpg/images/vermiculite.jpg

• Derived from heat- treated mica ore
• Very lightweight with a neutral pH
• Commonly used in media for seedlings
• High moisture-holding capacity

Coconut Coir

http://www.soilless.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/CoirBlock_soillessorg.jpg

• Made from the husk of a coconut
• Hairy, fibrous material that is high in phosphorous and potassium
• Commonly used in hanging baskets
• High moisture-holding capacity with little shrinkage

Peat Pots�

https://laidbackgardener.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/20150414c.jpg

• Biodegradable plastic containers made from compressed peat moss
• Can be transplanted directly into a new container
• Reduces root damage or stress
• Removes the need for conventional plastic containers

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Elle Pots

http://hort.ufl.edu/woody/images/ellepot.jpg

• Biodegradable paper containers made from cellulose
• Can be transplanted directly into a new container
• Reduces root damage or stress
• Removes the need for conventional plastic containers

Rock Wool Growing Cells

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51nlxtWAe4L.jpg

• Made from a mixture of inorganic materials
• Weathers with time but not fully biodegradable
• Can be transplanted directly into a new container
• Reduces root damage or stress
• Removes the need for conventional plastic plug trays

Materials and Equipment

• Hose Punch
• Hose Repair Coupling
• Hose-End Repair Fitting
• Hose-End Sprayer
• Hose-End Washer
• Impulse Sprinkler
• Irrigation Drip Emitter
• Irrigation Timer
• Irrigation Tape
• Polyethylene Pipe
• Spaghetti Tubing
• Mist Nozzle
• Oscillating Sprinkler
• Siphon Proportioner
• Solenoid Valve
• Backflow Preventer
• Fertilizer Injector
• Water Breaker

Watering and Irrigation Equipment

Hose Punch

https://www.plumbingsupply.com/images/drip-deluxe-tubing-punch.jpg

• Tool used to create small holes in plastic hose used in irrigation systems
• The hole created by the hose punch is where irrigation heads can be inserted.

Hose Repair Coupling

http://www.easy-irrigation.co.uk/images/brass-hose-joiner-main.jpg

• A connector on the end of a hose to connect (or couple) it with another hose or an irrigation sprinkler.

Hose-End Repair Fitting

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• A device attached to the end of the hose to facilitate connection.

Hose-End Sprayer

http://1274ym4fbva545shrh1giu44.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/hose-end-sprayer.jpg

• A sprayer that fits on the end of a garden hose. It is used to apply fertilizer or other chemicals to the lawn or garden. 
• The water from the hose mixes with the contents of the sprayer to dilute the contents.

Hose-End Washer

http://ace.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pACE3-7931135enh-z8.jpg

• Controls the pressure and stream of water coming out of the hose

Impulse Sprinkler

http://www.shopsteins.com/magento/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/4/1/417837_detail.jpg

• This is a type of irrigation sprinkler in which the sprinkler head, driven in a circular motion by the force of the outgoing water, pivots on a bearing on top of its threaded attachment nut.

Irrigation Timer

http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/046878/046878289543lg.jpg

• An irrigation controller is a device to operate automatic irrigation  systems such as lawn sprinklers and drip irrigation systems.
• Most controllers have a means of setting the frequency of irrigation, the start time and the duration of watering.

Irrigation Tape

http://www.irrigation-tools.com/products/2-2-1.jpg

• Irrigation or drip tape is a type of thin-walled dripperline used in drip irrigation.
• It’s sold flat, on reels containing several thousand feet.
• The wall thickness typically ranges from 4 to 25 mils (0.1–0.6 mm).
• Water exits the tape through emitters/drippers. Typical emitter spacing ranges from 6 to 24 inches (150-600 mm).

Polyethylene Pipe

http://www.greenhousemegastore.com/product/black-polyethylene-tubing/greenhouse-irrigation-fittings-hardware

• Used in greenhouse and various irrigation systems
• Polyethylene pipe is chemical resistant, so fertilizer and pesticide can travel through the pipe without contaminating other water systems.

Spaghetti Tubing

https://www.berryhilldrip.com/images/T/spot%20spitter.jpg

• Spaghetti tubing is a very fine plastic tubing used in drip irrigation, typically in gardens and greenhouses, with a small inside diameter, which may be 0.05" or smaller.
• The end of the tube may have a plastic or lead weight to hold the tube in a pot.

Mist Nozzle

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51CWEAtwioL._SY300_.jpg

• Misting is a technique for minimizing plant moisture loss by controlled, periodic wetting of the foliage of cuttings which are being rooted.
• This technique is helpful for rooting leafy cuttings.

Oscillating Sprinkler

http://www.waterirrigation.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/2/image/1000x1000/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/5/4/541.jpg

• A sprinkler that has a bar that tips back and forth. It delivers a fine spray to a large area.
• It can be set for square or rectangular areas.

Siphon Proportioner

http://www.ultimatewasher.com/images/sm/stream-injector_lg.jpg

• Easily and accurately applies a consistent rate of soluble fertilizer to lawn, garden or greenhouse plants
• Attaches to a standard hose fitting and offers built-in back flow prevention should pressure fail
• Brass body ensures durability and spring filter eliminates clogging

Backflow Preventer

http://backflowparts.com//wp-content/gallery/watts/008.jpg

• A backflow prevention device is used to protect potable water supplies from contamination or pollution due to backflow.
• Water pressure may fail or be reduced when a water main bursts, pipes freeze or there is unexpectedly high demand on the water system.
• Reduced pressure in the pipe may allow contaminated water from the soil or from other sources to be drawn up into the system.

Solenoid Valve

http://www.valveandactuatorcompany.co.uk/cms_images_products/160_1_large.jpg

• A solenoid valve is an electromechanically operated valve. The valve is controlled by an electric current through a solenoid.
• Their tasks are to shut off, release, dose, distribute or mix fluids. They are found in many application areas such as automatic irrigation systems.

Fertilizer Injector

http://lghttp.17653.nexcesscdn.net/808B16/cdn_images/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/w/m/wmx200a.jpg

• Fertilizer injectors are devices used to apply water-soluble fertilizers, pesticides, plant growth regulators, wetting agents and mineral acids during crop production.
• They are a vital part of modern greenhouse or nursery operations.

Water Breaker

http://cdn3.volusion.com/atyw2.hvqa2/v/vspfiles/photos/DC-10-22368-2.jpg

• Designed to offer a soft, aerated flow of water so the force of the water will not damage plants or disturb the soil

Review

Let’s try that list again…

Shopping List: Reflect and Summarize

• Create a new list using the items identified in today’s lesson.
• You can only select 10 items.
• Include what the item does and why you need it.

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Example: Polyethylene Film – A strong, clear plastic that will be used to build the walls and roof of the greenhouse.