My sublime padlet by Charlize Ho

Growing Zone: (Idea) Ethan Gao

egao28 — 2024-10-24 15:14:54 UTC

Tile 1: Quantity and Quality

A few benefits of big greenhouses at PC are allowing more students to study plants at a time, having a bigger yield, and planting a wider variety of plants. We will include fans for proper ventilation, solar power for energy sustainability, an automatic watering system, and a temperature sensor.

https://planetgreenhouse.com/blogs/news/10-benefits-of-having-large-greenhouses?srsltid=AfmBOop2X7LjRPwjvYr4V9YDuim8GEHccKCjbguaHU2nxoc71P_zqLuh

Discovery Zone: Aaron Prasad

aprasad34 — 2024-10-24 15:28:54 UTC

We can have an area with chairs and maybe even a projector. We can also have some vegetation and natural lighting to make it feel more like a greenhouse.

Flooring/Energy Saving Methods: Kalia Aggarwal

2024-10-28 14:59:03 UTC

One way we can save energy in the greenhouse is the use of VFDs on exhaust fans. The use of VFDs allows energy to be more controlled as it can help control the speed of exhaust fans. Exhaust fans help lessen the possible effect of diseases caused by high temperatures within the greenhouse and can also reduce the amount of stress levels for the plants.

https://saveonenergy.ca/en/For-Business-and-Industry/Resources/Greenhouse-energy-efficiency#:~:text=Greenhouse%20operators%20can%20gain%20more,don't%20use%20energy%20unnecessarily.

Growing Zone: (Idea) Ethan Gao

egao28 — 2024-10-28 15:19:13 UTC

Tile 2: A cozy greenhouse that prioritizes plants over anything else.

There will be a natural ventilation system, windows on the sides, natural lighting from the sun, and artificial lighting for the winter. Moreover, it will have various plants together, something called intercropping, which reduces the risk of pest and disease problems.

https://pivotandgrow.com/intercropping-increasing-crop-diversity/#:~:text=Intercropping%20can%20improve%20crop%20quality,in%20a%20variety%20of%20conditions.

Website for intercropping benefits ^^

Flooring/Energy Saving Methods: Kalia Aggarwal

2024-10-30 16:34:26 UTC

A huge loss of energy in a greenhouse is heat loss. One way that greenhouses loose heat is it being in contact with the air outside. To reduce this, a greenhouse needs to have solid insulation to reduce the amount of heat that is being lost. The insulation needs to be transparent to allow sunlight to pass through, which is crucial to a greenhouse.

https://drygair.com/blog/8-ways-to-reduce-greenhouse-heat-loss/#:~:text=Conductive%20Greenhouse%20Heat%20Loss&text=This%20is%20when%20air%20inside,to%20the%20colder%20air%20outside.

Growing Zone: (Idea) Ethan Gao

egao28 — 2024-10-30 16:38:26 UTC

Tile 3: Basic but Effective

The plants in this growing zone will be in the ground for easier traversability. The sticks in the photo are there to help the plants grow upright and bigger. Finally, the cylindrical shape can help regulate the temperature, which increases crop yield. (because photosynthesis occurs more in hotter temperatures, and cylindrical greenhouses retain heat better than other shapes)

https://journal.hep.com.cn/fie/EN/10.1007/s11708-017-0464-8

Flooring/Energy Saving Methods: Kalia Aggarwal

2024-10-30 16:41:23 UTC

One flooring material we can use in the greenhouse is vinyl. Vinyl is water resistant which is perfect considering lots of plant watering will be happening in a greenhouse, and if something accidentally spills it won't be a huge deal. In addition, vinyl is also easy to install which won't be a huge hassle.

https://www.paramountmaterials.com/collections/greenhouse-flooring-1?srsltid=AfmBOooguPcQ8OFsIr6vAxcwhQntJytdIiAO_cVsmJCkbVJCESYtSMFQ

Discovery Zone: Aaron Prasad

aprasad34 — 2024-10-30 16:43:24 UTC

Giving everyone a desk would also be good so they can write stuff down. As well as so that they can do different experiments where they need a place to set things down.

Flooring/Energy Saving Methods: Kalia Aggarwal

2024-10-30 16:46:01 UTC

Another flooring option is wood. Wood is a good flooring option as it provides good insulation towards the plants which is very important in a greenhouse. However, one disadvantage is that attracts insects which can affect the wood and the plants.

https://plantagreenhouses.com/blogs/learn/exploring-greenhouse-flooring-options-pros-cons-and-considerations?srsltid=AfmBOorBqIcwAsK5tWMpOXgT72ZmoH948D2knvOZFnGjZ1oA5GHuXU04

Discovery Zone: Aaron Prasad

aprasad34 — 2024-10-30 16:53:47 UTC

We can add whiteboards and markers so the teacher can give a visual representation. Since some children are visual learners, something like this would help students get the best education possible.

Propagation Zone: Charlize Ho

cho28_ — 2024-10-30 18:26:24 UTC

We can add wall mounted stations by using glass vials, jars, or test tubes in wall-mounted racks. These stations double as functional decor and add a botanical aesthetic to the room. It can also be used as floating glass orbs or small glass tubes can be hung from the ceiling or shelves, creating a beautiful, display. Tabletop displays are made of clusters of glass bottles, beakers, or other transparent containers. Place these on windowsills, shelves, or side tables to let natural light help with growth.

https://cupoflora.com/pages/propagation-station-instructions#:~:text=Placement%3A%20Position%20the%20fully%20assembled,air%20conditioning%20or%20heating%20units.

Propagation Zone: Charlize Ho

cho28_ — 2024-10-30 22:06:05 UTC

4. We utilize shelves that incorporate water trays or containers for rooting plants, creating a hydroponic setup, this is called ‘Vertical Hydroponic System’ . A large stand against the wall with vertical shelves equipped for hydroponic gardening. This adds greenery without using traditional pots, and saves space.

https://www.spintheglobeproject.com/the-best-hydroponic-system-for-vertical-gardening/

Propagation Zone: Charlize Ho

cho28_ — 2024-10-30 22:07:22 UTC

Ambient lighting is where lights glow under shelves or cabinets where propagation is taking place. LED grow lights can mimic natural sunlight, allowing plants to thrive anywhere, even in dim rooms. Adding accent lighting to showcase plants and create a cozy atmosphere.

https://www.exaco.com/greenhouse-ambient-lighting.php

Propagation Zone: Charlize Ho

cho28_ — 2024-10-30 23:42:25 UTC

1. Using small aquarium tanks for plants that grow well in water. Some designers even combine fish with plants in a symbiotic setup, as fish waste can help nourish plants. A propagation method called rooting is a procedure that requires the plant to grow on water instead of soil. It could be functional and educational.

https://www.windycityaquariums.com/blogs/blog/growing-house-plants-in-an-aquarium#:~:text=You%20could%20quite%20successfully%20start,can%20be%20propagated%20in%20water.

Growing Zone (features): Ethan Gao

egao28 — 2024-10-30 23:50:33 UTC

Tile 4: Automatic Shades

We can include automatic shades in case the sun gets too bright. These can help regulate the temperatures inside and allow students to interact better since the sun isn't obstructing their view.

https://www.greenhousegrower.com/technology/equipment/keeping-cool-with-greenhouse-shading/

Growing Zone (features): Ethan Gao

egao28 — 2024-10-31 01:30:35 UTC

Tile 5: Strong Foundation

For the growing zone's base, we should include a frame made of galvanized steel. It is proven to be much more durable and long-lasting compared to other materials, which can protect the plants from dangerous and heavy weather conditions.

https://plantagreenhouses.com/blogs/learn/what-s-a-better-greenhouse-frame-galvanized-steel-or-aluminum?srsltid=AfmBOoogYi_BWklrcdvZ8whL7_F2zYhcwOY18OBY5Zd9HnQY4kypNucY

Growing Zone: (features) Ethan Gao

egao28 — 2024-10-31 14:14:27 UTC

Tile 6: Polycarbonate Sheets

Polycarbonate sheets offer great insulation and light distribution, letting in 88% of light while also preventing dangerous UV rays from the sun from damaging and possibly killing the plants. Polycarbonate is also more durable and lasts longer, requiring low maintenance and lower costs.

https://canada-plastics.com/polycarbonate-sheet/8-advantages-of-using-polycarbonate-sheets-for-greenhouses-instead-of-glass/

Flooring/Energy Saving Methods: Kalia Aggarwal

2024-11-01 14:42:48 UTC

Thermal screens are also a good insulation method which reduces the amount of heat loss in a greenhouse. Thermal screens create pockets of air directly above the growing area which can work as an indirect heat transfer.

https://drygair.com/blog/8-ways-to-reduce-greenhouse-heat-loss/#:~:text=Conductive%20Greenhouse%20Heat%20Loss&text=This%20is%20when%20air%20inside,to%20the%20colder%20air%20outside

Propagation Zone: Charlize Ho

cho28_ — 2024-11-01 14:43:38 UTC

We can install a drip irrigation system that sprouts water directly to the soil or roots of each plant, minimizing water waste. A drip irrigation system helps prevent disease by minimizing water contact with the leaves, stems, and fruit plants.

https://web.uri.edu/safewater/protecting-water-quality-at-home/sustainable-landscaping/drip-irrigation/#:~:text=The%20emitters%20slowly%20drip%20water,stems%2C%20and%20fruit%20of%20plants.

Discovery Zone: Aaron Prasad

aprasad34 — 2024-11-01 14:43:41 UTC

Sinks distributed throughout the room would be a good idea since the children might get their hands dirty depending on what they are doing. The desks can have little shelves for extra storage so the students can put their pencil cases and other things in them without the room getting messy. The tables are also a larger size so that it is easier to do group experiments and projects with one another.

Flooring/Energy Saving Methods: Kalia Aggarwal

2024-11-01 14:53:45 UTC

Another flooring method we can use is gravel, which has a visual appeal and minimal effort. Gravel drains water which reduces the effect of mold and works as a great insulator.

https://plantagreenhouses.com/blogs/learn/exploring-greenhouse-flooring-options-pros-cons-and-considerations?srsltid=AfmBOorBqIcwAsK5tWMpOXgT72ZmoH948D2knvOZFnGjZ1oA5GHuXU04

Propagation Zone: Charlize Ho

cho28_ — 2024-11-01 14:57:35 UTC

We place heat mats under trays to prevent the soil from germs. They can provide a stable environment by maintaining the same temperature, allowing the plants to grow even on cold weathers.

https://www.sagehort.com.au/blog/heat-mats-help-grow-plants-indoors/#:~:text=Heat%20mats%20provide%20a%20stable,warmth%20respond%20with%20accelerated%20growth.

Flooring/Energy Saving Methods: Kalia Aggarwal

2024-11-01 14:58:41 UTC

Tiles is another good flooring option. It's an easy space to clean, and when using the right colours, can easily brighten up the greenhouses' space. However, especially with larger sized greenhouses, tiles can be very pricey.

https://plantagreenhouses.com/blogs/learn/exploring-greenhouse-flooring-options-pros-cons-and-considerations?srsltid=AfmBOorBqIcwAsK5tWMpOXgT72ZmoH948D2knvOZFnGjZ1oA5GHuXU04

Discovery Zone: Aaron Prasad

aprasad34 — 2024-11-01 15:01:06 UTC

Lab equipment in the classroom would be great because it would be easier to conduct more educational experiments and projects. Shelves around the room would also be a good idea so things that are not in use at the moment can be kept stored until needed.

Microgreens (plants)

egao28 — 2024-11-02 03:00:39 UTC

Tile 7: Growing Microgreens

A section of microgreens can boost the student's knowledge of different types of vegetables. Microgreens also take up little to no space in a greenhouse and usually don't need a lot of maintenance.

https://ceresgs.com/grow-anything-in-a-ceres-greenhouse/

Native Plants (plants)

egao28 — 2024-11-02 03:00:53 UTC

Tile 8: Growing Native Plants

Planting native plants allows students to learn more about the environment and biodiversity around them. It also helps repopulate endangered plants in our area.

https://www.oldgrowth.ca/the-rewards-of-native-plant-gardening/

Propagation Zone: Charlize Ho

cho28_ — 2024-11-02 21:43:14 UTC

A root zone monitor is a sensor system that tracks the level of moisture in the trays or the beds. It adjusts the watering based on the plant if it is over-watered or under-watered. It can save water, reduce diseases, and improve nutrient intake.

https://climatecontrol.com/greenhouse-soil-ec-moisture-sensors/

Propagation Zone: Charlize Ho

cho28_ — 2024-11-02 21:51:33 UTC

Setting up an IPM system (Integrated Pest Management) can be beneficial to prevent insects from plants. Pest prevention is crucial during the propagation stage for the plants as they are particularly vulnerable.

https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/integrated-pest-management-ipm-principles

cho28_ — 2024-12-05 16:03:10 UTC