Greenhouse automation – this is a step towards a stable harvest with minimal time investment. A smart greenhouse allows you to control temperature, humidity, watering and lighting without the constant presence of the owner. In this article, we will analyze how to create a smart greenhouse with your own hands, what systems and components you will need, and what to pay attention to when setting up and operating.

What problems does a smart greenhouse solve?

Smart greenhouse automates:

• Temperature control – sensors monitor the temperature inside, and the ventilation or heating system maintains it within the specified parameters.
• Automatic watering is implemented using drip or sprinkler irrigation, operating on a timer or readings from soil moisture sensors.
• Ventilation – Automatic vents or fans regulate air flow, preventing overheating and excess humidity.
• Lighting – phytolamps are turned on at night or when there is insufficient natural light.
• Parameter monitoring – data is transmitted to a smartphone or computer, allowing you to monitor the condition of the greenhouse remotely.

Why is this important?

Without automation, plants can suffer from sudden temperature fluctuations, over-watering or drought. Even a few hours of overheating can lead to crop loss. An automation system eliminates these risks and makes care easier.

Expert advice: When designing a smart greenhouse, consider not only the climate of your region, but also the requirements of specific crops. For example, tomatoes require less humidity than cucumbers, and some flowers require constant illumination.

Selection of materials and design

The greenhouse base must be strong, durable and easy to use.

Frame materials:

• Aluminum or galvanized profiles are durable, resistant to corrosion and mechanical stress.
• Wood is a budget option, but requires treatment with antiseptics and protective varnishes.
• Metal pipes are reliable, but are subject to corrosion if not galvanized.

Greenhouse covering:

• Polycarbonate (optimal option) – retains heat, protects from UV radiation, durable.
• Glass has excellent light transmittance, but its fragility and high price make it less popular.
• Film – a budget option, but requires annual replacement.

Construction form:

• Arched – withstands wind and snow loads.
• Gable roof – convenient for organizing ventilation and installing additional structures.
• Tunnel – suitable for large plantings, but requires a reinforced frame.

Expert advice: If you plan to use the greenhouse all year round, install a foundation (strip or pile) to protect the structure from freezing and soil heaving.

Automation of irrigation system

Automatic watering is one of the most important parts of a smart greenhouse. Incorrect watering regime can lead to root rot or soil drying out.

Types of irrigation systems:

• Drip irrigation - delivers water directly to the roots, reducing evaporation.
• Sprinklers – imitate natural rain, suitable for wet crops.
• Wick watering is an autonomous method in which plants themselves take water from a container.

Automatic irrigation components:

• Solenoid valves – open and close the water supply.
• Soil moisture controller – determines when to turn on irrigation.
• Pump – required if water pressure is insufficient.
• Filters – protect the system from clogging.

Expert advice: To minimize water consumption and avoid over-watering the soil, use moisture sensors. Install them at different depths to monitor the moisture saturation of the top and bottom layers of soil.

TOtemperature and ventilation control

Temperature is a critical parameter for plants. In hot weather, the greenhouse can overheat, and in winter, it can lose heat.

Automatic temperature control methods:

• Thermal drives for vents are mechanical devices that automatically open windows when heated.
• Electric fans – controlled via temperature controller.
• Heaters – infrared, gas or electric.
• Heat pumps are efficient but require large investments.

Important sensors:

• Temperature and humidity sensors.
• Hygrometers for soil monitoring.
• CO2 sensors (for professional greenhouses).

Expert advice: Place temperature sensors at different heights to understand the difference in temperature between the ground and the top of the greenhouse. This will help avoid local overheating.

Automatic lighting

Lighting options:

• LED phytolamps are economical, durable, and have an adjustable spectrum.
• Sodium lamps – strong glow, but high energy consumption.
• Fluorescent lamps are suitable for seedlings.

Lighting control:

• Timers.
• Light sensors.
• Intensity regulators.

Expert advice: Different crops require different amounts of light. Tomatoes – 12 hours, cucumbers – 10, greens – 8.

Controllers and control systems

For automation use:

• Arduino/Raspberry Pi – programmable microcontrollers.
• Ready-made systems (Gardena, Netatmo) – solutions with mobile applications.
• GSM/Wi-Fi modules – for remote control.

Expert advice: For remote control, use IoT platforms (e.g. Blynk, Home Assistant).

Smart greenhouse with your own hands

Creating a smart greenhouse is a promising step for those who want not only to simplify the process of caring for plants, but also to increase the yield. Modern technologies allow you to automate almost all processes: from watering and ventilation to lighting and climate monitoring.

Key benefits of a smart greenhouse:

• Saving time – automation eliminates the need for constant monitoring of the microclimate.
• Stable harvest – automatic systems allow you to maintain optimal conditions for plant growth.
• Cost reduction – optimized water and energy consumption.
• Flexibility of control – the ability to remotely monitor and configure parameters via a smartphone or computer.

What to consider before creating a smart greenhouse?

• Budget – Decide in advance which systems are necessary and which can be added later.
• Power consumption – consider the power source for all automated systems.
• Maintenance – even the smartest greenhouse requires regular inspection, replacement of sensors and equipment maintenance.

By investing in a smart greenhouse, you get a system that works for you. This is especially true for people who do not have the opportunity to look after their plants every day, but want to get a stable harvest.

If you are planning to build or upgrade a greenhouse, pay attention to greenhouses from NovaTeplitsa. They are specially adapted for the installation of automatic systems and provide the best conditions for growing plants. Check out the models on on our website and create your smart greenhouse today!