Design and installation of home greenhouses and hotbeds

Design features of indoor greenhouses and hotbeds

For the successful propagation of heat-loving crops by seeds and cuttings under protected ground conditions, specialized indoor greenhouses and hotbeds are required. They allow maintaining a stable microclimate for demanding plants such as orchids and gloxinias, as well as conducting effective forcing of lily-of-the-valley. The main task during their operation is to ensure a constant level of air temperature and humidity. To make the greenhouse mobile and easy to move depending on lighting, the structure is mounted on wheels.

A window greenhouse is placed on south, southwest, or southeast windows to maximize the use of natural light. Even on the north side, a glass structure provides plants with better lighting than placement deep inside a room. The foundation of the structure is an extended windowsill with ventilation holes for the inflow of heat from radiators, and shading devices are provided to protect the plantings from overheating.

• Hotbed length — 50–60 cm
• Hotbed width — 30–40 cm
• Hotbed height — 35–45 cm
• Water tray filling — up to 3/4 of the height

An indoor hotbed is a wooden box inside which heating and humidifying elements are mounted. All wooden parts of the structure are coated twice with oil paint and thoroughly dried, while metal parts are made of galvanized steel or aluminum angle. Ventilation is carried out through the upper inclined glass frame, fixing it in a raised position using supports.

1. A galvanized basin with water is installed on the lower longitudinal rails above the heat source.
2. A metal mesh is mounted on the upper rails.
3. A drainage layer of broken pottery is poured onto the mesh.
4. A 2 cm layer of moss or peat is laid.
5. A 2–3 cm layer of humus soil is added.
6. The soil is covered with a 2 cm layer of clean river sand.

Assembly and arrangement of an indoor conservatory

To create a full-fledged tropical microclimate, an indoor conservatory with a frame structure is assembled. Ventilation is provided through the lower gap between the frame struts and adjustable upper holes. Humidity is maintained by the evaporation of water from two galvanized trays with peat, onto which the airflow from the ventilation gap is directed. The entire structure is assembled on a sturdy metal frame and glazed.

The light box is made of water-resistant plywood and mounted in the upper part of the structure with a 40 mm outward projection. Access to the plants is provided by sliding glass panes on one side of the conservatory. For ease of maintenance, the wooden grate for plant containers is glued together with epoxy glue from three separate beech segments.

All metal elements of the conservatory undergo anti-corrosion treatment, are sanded, and primed. From the inside, wooden and metal parts are protected with epoxy varnish, and the outer side of the frame is coated with synthetic paint. For regular irrigation and to maintain humidity, a hose with a check valve from the water supply network or a storage tank is connected to the inner container.