You’ve probably seen plastic stretched over a frame on a garden box, backyard structures with plants growing in them, or large commercial buildings with plastic walls glowing at night, full of seedlings for the next season. All these structures are considered greenhouses. But what is a greenhouse, and what makes these structures different from others?
A greenhouse is a structure created to maintain a suitable growing environment for growing plants. The walls and ceiling are usually covered with transparent material to allow sunlight in and trap heat. Gardeners, horticulturists, and commercial growers use them to extend growing seasons, protect plants from harsh climates and pests, and cultivate plants not native to the local environment. Greenhouses are desirable because of the precise control over factors such as temperature, humidity, and light, which can increase plant growth and productivity.
There are many different types of greenhouses, each designed to suit specific needs and environments. Each has advantages and considerations based on climate, available space, budget, and intended use. The most common types of greenhouses include:
- Traditional freestanding greenhouse: The classic standalone greenhouses provide a controlled environment for growing plants and offer flexibility in size and design. They usually have a wood or metal frame covered with transparent glass, polycarbonate, or plastic sheeting. A popular choice for modern greenhouses is to use polycarbonate sheeting. It is incredibly lightweight, durable, and more cost-effective than glass. Whatever material you choose, it is essential to understand the advantages and disadvantages to ensure it meets your needs. A freestanding greenhouse must also be strong enough to withstand wind and harsh weather. Depending on the design, you should secure it to a wood or concrete base or directly to the ground.
- Lean-to greenhouse: This is similar in structure to a standalone greenhouse. The main difference is that a lean-to is attached to an existing building, such as a house or garage, and shares one of its walls. The lean-to is popular for those with limited space or in high-wind areas where extra stability is needed.
- Geodesic dome greenhouse: Geodesic domes are spherical and partial-spherical structures of interconnected triangles. This type of structure is known for its strength and efficient use of materials. They can add a unique feature to a growing space but are not as flexible in size and design.
