Garden greenhouse

[edit] What is the definition of greenhouses?

The Scottish Building Standards, Part I. Technical Handbook – Domestic, Appendix A Defined Terms, suggests that the word ‘greenhouse’ (except in the expression agricultural greenhouse) means:

‘…a building ancillary to a dwelling used mainly for growing plants which is either:

• detached from the dwelling or
• attached to, but not entered from, the dwelling.’

The word greenhouse might also refer to greenhouse gases or the greenhouse effect.

[edit] What is the history of greenhouses?

Greenhouses can be traced back to ancient Roman times, where wealthy individuals used them to grow exotic plants and fruits. However, the concept of a greenhouse as we know it now did not emerge until the 15th century.

During the Renaissance, wealthy Italian families began to construct large glass structures, known as orangeries, to protect citrus trees from the cold weather. These were typically made from stone and had large windows made of mica or animal bladder, which allowed sunlight to enter.

In the 17th century, advances in glass-making made it possible to produce large sheets of glass, which led to the development of larger and more sophisticated greenhouses. In the 19th century, greenhouses became more common as the potential for growing food and ornamental plants was recognised.

The Victorians were particularly fond of greenhouses and built many elaborate structures, often designed in the Gothic or classical style, with ornate metalwork and decorative glass.

Today, greenhouses are widely used for commercial agriculture as well as for home gardening. They are designed to provide a controlled environment for growing plants, allowing for year-round production in areas with harsh climates or limited growing seasons. The technology behind greenhouses continues to evolve, with new materials and designs being developed to improve their efficiency and sustainability.

[edit] What are the modern uses of greenhouses?

Greenhouses are used for a variety of modern applications, ranging from commercial agriculture to home gardening:

• They are widely used in commercial agriculture to grow crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. The controlled environment of a greenhouse allows for year-round production of high-quality crops, and can help to protect crops from pests and diseases.
• They are also used for the production of flowers and ornamental plants. This includes cut flowers, potted plants, and bedding plants.
• Greenhouses are used by universities, research institutions, and other educational facilities for plant research and experimentation.
• Many farmers and growers use greenhouses to start seedlings before transplanting them into outdoor fields. This can help improve crop yields and reduce the risk of plant loss due to poor weather or pests.
• Greenhouses are popular with home gardeners looking to extend the growing season, growing plants that are not adapted to their climate, or simply enjoy gardening year-round.
• They can also be used for hydroponic growing systems, in which plants are grown in nutrient-rich water instead of soil. This can increase crop yields and reduce water use.
• Greenhouses are increasingly used as part of sustainable agriculture practices, such as vertical farming, which can help to reduce water consumption and pesticide use and to improve the efficiency of food production.

[edit] What are greenhouses made from?

Greenhouses can be made from a variety of materials, depending on the design, location, climate, budget and intended use:

• Glass is the most common material used for greenhouses. It allows maximum light penetration and is very durable. However, it can be expensive and heavy.
• Polycarbonate is a lightweight and shatter-resistant plastic that is used as an alternative to glass. It provides excellent light transmission and insulation, but it can yellow over time.
• Acrylic is another type of plastic that is used for greenhouses. It is lighter and more shatter-resistant than glass, but it is not as durable.
• Polyethylene film is a plastic film that is used to cover greenhouse structures. It is inexpensive and easy to instal, but it is not as durable as glass or polycarbonate.
• Metal frames can be used to support the covering material of the greenhouse. Aluminium is a popular material for greenhouse frames because it is lightweight and resistant to rust.
• Wood is also used to frame greenhouses, providing a natural, aesthetic. However, it is not as durable as metal and requires more maintenance.

[edit] What are the benefits of greenhouses vs polytunnels?

Greenhouses and polytunnels are both structures designed to extend the growing season for plants and protect them from the elements. While they share some similarities, there are also some key differences:

Benefits of greenhouses:

• Greenhouses are typically made of more durable materials than polytunnels, such as glass or polycarbonate, and can last for many years.
• Greenhouse materials provide better light transmission than polytunnel plastic, which can improve plant growth and productivity.
• They can also be more easily equipped with advanced climate control systems, such as heating, ventilation, and shading, to provide a more controlled growing environment.
• Greenhouses can be designed to look more aesthetically pleasing than polytunnels, which can be important for home gardeners or commercial growers who want to showcase their plants.

Benefits of polytunnels:

• Polytunnels are generally less expensive than greenhouses, making them a more accessible option for small-scale growers or those on a tight budget.
• They are relatively easy to instal and can be assembled quickly, making them a good choice for those who need a temporary structure or who frequently move their growing operation.
• Polytunnels typically require less energy to heat and maintain than greenhouses, as their plastic coverings can provide some insulation.

For more information see: Polytunnels.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Conserving and managing historic designed landscapes.
• Conserving structures in historic designed landscapes.
• Garden.
• Greenhouse effect
• Greenhouse gases.
• Hard landscape.
• Hydroponics.
• Polytunnel.
• The secret life of the Georgian garden.
• Walled kitchen gardens of the Isle of Wight.