to avoid high humidity during the fruiting or fl ow-
ering stage. High humidity levels during the fi nal
stages of fruiting or fl owering can be an invitation
for some devastating pathogens. A good starting
point for the humidity during the fruiting or fl ow-
ering stage is 45-55%. For most indoor gardens or
greenhouses, a dehumidifi er would only be required
during the fruiting or fl owering stage of growth.
Consistent Light Levels
Consistent lighting is not that big of an issue
for most indoor gardens and hobby greenhouses.
For indoor gardens, annual bulb changes will help
keep the light levels of the growing area consistent.
For most hobby greenhouse growers, the sun is the
sole source of light. However, there are some green-
house growers who measure light intensity and have
artifi cial lighting systems which can supplement the
sun. Some growers use artifi cial light as a way to
extend the length of the day, while others use it as
a way to maintain light levels when the sun’s energy
is blocked by clouds or other cover.
Consistency of pH for Maximizing Nutrient
Uptake
For hydroponic growers, the pH, or potential
hydrogen, of the nutrient solution is the most con-
trollable and infl uential parameter in terms of nutri-
ent absorption. Maintaining consistent pH levels is
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crucial to maximizing nutrient uptake. Horticultur-
ists who frequently monitor the nutrient solution’s
pH will be rewarded with more consistent growth
and larger yields.
Soil growers have a little more leeway than hy-
droponic growers, assuming the soil is properly pH
balanced. This is because the soil acts as a large
pH buffer to the solution. Although each plant spe-
cies and sub-species has its own optimal pH range
for nutrient absorption, a good rule of thumb is to
begin with a pH around 5.8 for hydroponic systems
and approximately 6.5 for soil.
Sudden Changes
As previously stated, plants thrive on consis-
tency. Healthy plant growth depends on tempera-
ture, humidity, lighting and nutrient levels staying
consistent. When one of these key contributors sud-
denly falters from the desired range, the plants will
usually go into a state of shock or slowed growth. In
some cases, the plants will still appear healthy, but
the actual rate of growth is hindered signifi cantly.
Many horticulturists implement monitoring devices
which can alert them of any sudden changes in the
garden. The quicker a gardener can correct a devia-
tion in consistency, the faster the plant will return to
an accelerated rate of growth.
Just about anyone can throw some seeds in the
soil and wait for a plant to grow. For serious hor-
ticulturists, growing plants is more than just giving
them the bare essentials to survive. Horticulturists
who take pride in their work and/or those garden-
ers who want to get the largest return on their in-
vestment want to see their plants thrive.
Not only is it important to provide a garden with
lighting, ventilation, and nutrition, but also to do so
in a manner that maximizes plant growth. The most
effective way to do this is to provide each of the
vital factors of plant growth in the most consistent
way possible. Horticulturists who take the time to
fi nd the crop’s optimal temperature and humidity
range will be more able to dial in the garden’s atmo-
spheric conditions and make it more conducive for
accelerated growth.
Providing plants with a constant light source
and a balanced nutrient solution at the proper pH,
increases the likelihood of success. Each contrib-
uting factor of success infl uences a portion of the
chemical equation we know as photosynthesis.
When atmospheric conditions, lighting and nutri-
tion are consistent, the garden will encounter less
problems and the crop being grown will be able to
produce up to its full potential. GG
Eric Hopper resides in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula where
he enjoys gardening and pursuing sustainability. He is a Garden
& Greenhouse senior editor and can be contacted at Ehop@Garde-
nAndGreenhouse.net.
www.GardenandGreenhouse.net
August 2017