Controlling the Environment in Greenhouses Used for Tomato Production

Introduction Growing tomatoes in greenhouses allows producers to grow plants at a time when it would be impossible to grow outside because of the weather. The sole purpose of a greenhouse is to maintain an environment that promotes optimum production. Solar energy from the sun provides both sunlight and heat, but growers must provide a system that maintains the optimum growing environment in the greenhouse. To maintain this optimum growing environment, your greenhouse must be equipped with well-designed heating, ventilation and air distribution systems that properly control temperature, carbon dioxide and humidity. This publication explains the importance of carefully managing the heating, cooling, ventilation and air circulation system in plasticcovered greenhouses for tomato production.