Greenhouse condensation

Hi folks, Ive finally got the new greenhouse up and running . We have had nothing but rain, rain and more rain and its not really had much of a chance to warm up. There is condensation inside and im worried about mould and all things horrible, so is it better to leave the windows open. Ive got tiny wee seedlings in there and i dont want to walk in one morning and find them all covered in white fluff. Any advice appreciated

 

Yes!

Wide open during the day will be fine, and if the nights are going to be 10C or higher it won't hurt to leave them open at night too.

I am still keeping mine closed at night, because I want to try to keep the temperatures up (14C I think is the point that they plants will continue to grow, and below that that they won't, and below 10C they will stall [and take a while to get going again]) - exact temperature depends on type of plant of course - but in the next few weeks I will move to "summer regime" which is to leave the roof vents "ajar" at night, and fully open during the day)

If I had a damp greenhouse I would definitely leave the roof vents ajar at night - heavy condensation / high humidity more of a risk than sub-optimal night temperatures IMHO

 

Thanks Kirsten, Ive never had a greenhouse before so im just trying to use my common sense, but sometimes thats not the right thing. I have had them open, but i will close them for the night now. I was even sat there worrying about whether slugs would get in through the windows . Other half says it might be better for me to move in there and keep an eye on things, it would probably save me from worrying!!

 

You've had them open at night and are still getting condensation issues?

If so:

Either there isn't enough condensation to worry about (might seem so to you, but sounds to me like its a non-issue)

or

There is a lot of condensation (i.e. would be even to my eyes) and the water is coming from somewhere - underground? something "still drying out" in there? if so I think you need to keep the windows open as much as possible.

Is the greenhouse shaded? If not I would expect, on a sunny day, for it to dry out completely (given a decent air flow) such that the only condensation the next morning would be "dew" [for want of a better word]

 

No this is the first night ive opened them Kristen and the only time ive had any condensation. Its not in a shaded area and Im sure when we get any sun (forever the optimist), then it will probably disappear. I think you are probably right, it being a non-issue. I just thought id get some advice and be safe rther than sorry

 

Since I had my garden Makeover last year I now get water in greenhouse,I think its a case of new path higher than base Have run silicone sealer all round where its sitting on breeze blocks but still get water,enlarged drainage holes and water still slow to drain,

 

Hi Pam, I wouldnt have a clue but im sure someone else on here can advise you. Ive been out today and any condensation i had has gone. Probably where the pots had been watered and theres not been a lot of heat to dry them out a bit. Its a helluva scientific goings-on this greenhousing business eh?

 

I think the problem is over fence we have a patch of grass,mowed every week by gardener, it is very slightly higher than me hence when it rains water (obviously) runs down hill, which is why my back garden was hard landscaped, since we added greenhouse concrete slab it has had to find a new route,so comes round corner of slab keeps going and as we had a faint slope on slab it meets the lowest point and seeps in, as it seems to come from that corner.front left looking at greenhouse.We put a row of breezeblocks for added height to G/H and although they are concreted down there must be gaps.

 

My other half sealed any little gaps in mine with expanding foam. It sets rock hard and certainly seals it all up well

 

WHEN we get any dry weather I will run some sealant along edge as far as i can reach ,problem is http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn74/pamsdish/2010/DSCN1498.jpg as you can see G/H backs onto shed and FULL water butt

 

Hi Pam, looks like you have the same greenhouse as me. I can see where your problem is with it backing onto the shed. Hopefully someone in here will be able to give you some ideas

 

This is the culprit up the side as I thought will fill with sealant later today
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn74/pamsdish/2012/DSCN1885.jpg

 

what picture?

 

I like some condensation in mine as it indicates high humidity when warm. Humidity is one of the best ways to keep a few of the nasty pests away, especially red spider mite.

 

Its not condensation ,when I go in with all this b****y rain I have a 2ft pool by the door I have to jump over ,its about an inch deep, its just not getting chance to soak away. and its right where my potting bench is
Spent a little time in greenhouse yesterday and moved all the pots I have in that corner and all that side wall from about 2/3rds up is very damp ,so WHEN it gets a little drier I will run sealant down that edge ,O.H. screwed my potting bench to sides of breeze blocks so will have to get that away to seal all side ,will have to put electric drill/screwdriver on charge.