• Learn about watering systems for greenhouses.large greenhouse image by Adrian Hillman from Fotolia.com
  
  Plants that thrive in greenhouses are obviously deprived of rain coming from the atmosphere and therefore are entirely dependent on greenhouse watering systems for moisture. By knowing all the ideal conditions required by your greenhouse plants, and knowing which watering systems and accessories to install, you can find the best ways to control humidity and moisture therefore ensuring optimum health for your plants.
  
  

Drip Irrigation System

• Drip irrigation systems have many advantages. First, they are great for conserving water because water flow is timed and well-regulated. Second, they can bring water directly to the plants. The drip system is also very simple to put together. A drip system consists of small tubes that branch out from a PVC pipe. Each one, through its individual nozzles, delivers water to each plant or container. The entire system can be connected to timers and sensors for automation. Many people prefer the drip system because of its capacity to conserve water and its ability to directly deliver water to the soil and plant roots. This prevents weed growth, mold and water loss. However, the possibility of the drippers and nozzles clogging is one disadvantage.
  
  

Mat Watering

• Mat watering is also a good system if your greenhouse plants consist mostly of pots or propagation trays since the water is simply wicked up, preventing the disturbance of small seedlings. A thick mat is installed over a bench with one end set into the gutter filled with water. The capillary action will keep the mat wet. Plant pots which have large perforations on their bottoms will soak up the water in a similar way. A downside, however, is that these mats eventually clog with algae.
  
  

Misting

• Misting is an efficient watering system for seedlings. A pipe that has fine nozzles is set up above a row of seedling trays or plants. This system keeps plant cuttings moist and helps control humidity since the fine mist tends to evaporate. The mist also cools down the indoor temperature of the greenhouse. Misting systems are ideal for epiphytes and tropical plants.
  
  

Running Water System

• A running water system is perhaps the most customizable irrigation system there is. A common technique for running water is using PVC pipe and barrels to collect rainwater. This is a very eco-friendly system and cuts down expenses as well.