Greenhouse flooring material that retains humidity

Chloe · #1 07-19-2011, 02:54 PM

Hi, this is my first post and I have a problem with low humidity in my 10x12greenhouse. The present floor is smooth concrete. The type of material that I would need on my floor to retain humidity must also be non-skid and also look great (since it is seen from my family great room and kitchen area). I've contemplated small pea gravel, but it would be slippery and also look messy from spilled bark,etc. Any ideas would be much appreciated!!

raybark · #2 07-20-2011, 09:12 AM

I think you're looking at this a bit wrong, Chloe.

If you're looking at your floor as the source of humidity, you want the water on the floor to evaporate quickly. If the floor is absorbent and holds the water, it will slow that evaporation rate - although it will hold more water to evaporate over a longer period of time.

Have you considered putting fine misting nozzles under the benches? They could be controlled by a humidistat to add moisture as needed, but by being under the benches, won't wet down the plants.

Chloe · #3 07-20-2011, 11:54 AM

Thank you and I appreciate your info! I have considered fine misting nozzles, and I like your idea of installing them under the benches. But, it is a bit of a process since I will have to also get an RO system to produce clean water mist. I will eventually get that system going though.
In the meantime, I thought to make the floor more water retentive, because it quickly evapourates in the summer with the ventilation and in the winter it dries even faster with the heat.

raybark · #4 07-21-2011, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chloe

In the meantime, I thought to make the floor more water retentive, because it quickly evapourates in the summer with the ventilation and in the winter it dries even faster with the heat.

It's that evaporation that creates the humidity! If it evaporates that rapidly, then all you have to do is replenish the water supply to the flooring more frequently. What you are considering will slow the evaporation process, which is the exact opposite of what you want.

While RO is a good thing (and I'd be happy to give you great pricing), it is not mandatory for line-pressure misting, which may be all you'll need.