In the Greenhouse
Why a Desert Greenhouse?

Yes, I live in the desert.  Yes, I have a greenhouse.  Yes, there are a few differences to running a desert greenhouse as opposed to a traditionally located greenhouse.

Here in the Mojave Desert, there are drastic temperature fluctuations from the daytime to evening.  It could be ninety degrees Fahrenheit at two o’clock in the afternoon and bottom out in the high forties in the middle of the night.

I keep my greenhouse for one reason: temperature stability.

During the month of August, temperatures are well into triple digits and humidity is very low.  Outdoor vegetable gardens suffer in the extreme conditions.  With a ventilation fan, misters and shade cloth, my indoor greenhouse maintains a daytime temperature around ninety degrees and my tomato plants love it.

In fact, I love tomatoes.  During the crazy outdoor temperature swings of spring and fall, my tomato plants just keep on producing.  I have picked my first ripe tomato of the season in the beginning of March.

Wintertime operates in the greenhouse differently for me than other climates.  I use thermal mass instead of a heater.  For the thermal mass, I use large containers of water placed throughout the space.  During the day, the thermal mass absorbs heat from the ambient air and direct sunlight and at night as the temperature drops, the heat is released back into the space.  Even though it can be below freezing at night, inside the greenhouse the temperature is right about fifty degrees which is perfect to keep my heat-loving plants going though the three cold months.

A big difference between my desert greenhouse and other greenhouse locations is that cool season vegetables to not do very well in my space.  On a sunny forty degree day in the winter, my greenhouse could be ninety degrees inside - not exactly hospitable for lettuce.  Well, unless you like bitter lettuce, but who does.

Just like traditional greenhouse gardeners, I use my greenhouse to start seeds for outdoor gardening.  However, what my desert greenhouse does for me is to give me the ability to grow plants that have a difficult time growing in the intense heat and drying wind of the Mojave.  I love my vegetables and flowering bulbs, the greenhouse gives me a way to enjoy them.

Comments (4)
  • 2010-08-31 03:09:34 | Janet  - Are you willing to help
    I live on 2 acres of land and have plenty of room to put up a green house. I'm so tired of everything burning up in the Phoenix sun in the summer. Is this even feasible or am I out of my mind. Feel free to email me.
    Reply
  • 2010-08-31 03:14:20 | Hilery  - Phoenix Sun
    Janet, You might start with just a portable shade structure. In areas with intense summer sun, veggie gardens benefit from being shaded during the most intense portion of the day. A simple wood or PVC frame that is secured to the ground with the top covered with shade cloth should get you through the worst part of the summer.
    Reply
  • 2010-08-31 03:13:42 | Jose Manuel Velasco Garcia  - Thank you for this article ! !
    Hello Hilery, I live in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. Just next to El Paso Texas. The region I live is also a desertic area and I found your article very interesting. I really would like to keep communication with you. I am in the process to start my own business on hydroponics and the design and construction of the greenhouse is a critical area I need to learn about as much detail possible. My plan is to star growing basil and then cherry tomatoes. Please let me know how I can keep in contact with you. Thank you and Best Regards from Mexico!!!
    Reply
  • 2010-08-31 10:15:52 | Hilery
    Jose, Sounds like a great endeavor! You can contact me any time through the contact tab at the top of the site. Best of luck!
    Reply
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