Questions & Answers About Greenhouse Gardening in Alaska
What crops are commonly grown in Alaska home greenhouses?
A. The most popular crops are tomatoes and cucumbers. Using your greenhouse to produce these warm season crops that are not easily grown in outdoor gardens is the best reason to have a green house. Other warm season crops commonly grown include peppers, eggplants, beans and sweetcorn. Sweetcorn, however requires a large amount of space for the amount of production returned.
Q. Can I use a greenhouse for growing plants year round?
A. The additional lighting and heating costs necessary for
maintaining plant growth usually prohibits operating ag greenhouse
in winter. Supplemental heating is often used in the early spring to
maintain warmer temperatures at night. This can increase growing
costs substantially, especially in outlying areas where fuel and
electricity costs are higher.
Q. What is the best method of growing in Alaska greenhouses beds, benches, or containers?
A. Beds can be less costly and provide more vertical growing space, but have the disadvantage that the soil warms more slowly in the spring, delaying plant growth initially. Benches provide a warmer, well drained situation at a convenient working height. Containers offer the advantages of portability and the option of changing soil conditions for individual plants.
Q. What insects can I expect to invade my Alaska greenhouse?
A. You are likely to encounter the same pests as in other states. A greenhouse environment reduces the influence of the external environment ,but transporting soil, plants, and greenhouse equipment into the greenhouse increases the likelihood of transferring pests. Common pests include aphids, whiteflies and spider mites.
Q. Will I have to heat my greenhouse during the summer?
A. In most situations, ventilation is the most important environmental control during the summer. Proper ventilation reduces humidity, prevents excessive heating and replenishes carbon dioxide. It may be helpful to have a source of supplemental heat available for low night temperatures early and late in the season.
Q. Where can I get additional information on greenhouse gardening for Alaska?
A. The University of Alaska Fairbanks Alaska Cooperative Extension has a number of publications on greenhouse construction, management and recommended plant varieties.
You may also obtain additional information from other greenhouse owners and sales outlets throughout the state. The information given herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Alaska Cooperative Extension is implied.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service programs are available to all, without regard to race, color, age, sex, creed, national origin, or disability and in accordance with all applicable federal laws.
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Anthony T. Nakazawa, Director, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Alaska Fairbanks.111/11-84/WV/2000 Reprinted July 1999