How does a greenhouse work? And how can it help you with your gardening? Greenhouses are a wonderful way for hobby gardeners to take their gardening to the next level.
Greenhouse Construction
A greenhouse is a structure that is usually made of glass or plastic over a wood or metal framework. The sunlight that comes through the glass or plastic as solar energy converts to thermal energy, making the inside temperature of the greenhouse much warmer than the outside temperature. It's the same thing that we experience when we park a car in a sunny spot, and return from a shopping expedition to find the car's interior is much warmer than when we left it.
A greenhouse also holds in moisture. The warmer temperature inside the greenhouse creates condensation, which makes the air rich with moisture. This combination of heat and moisture makes a perfect environment for plants to grow and thrive. The warmer environment of the greenhouse allows the gardener to extend the growing season, to start seeds earlier and to try growing plants that might not otherwise grow in certain planting zones.
Another key aspect of a greenhouse is the ability to control the level of heat and humidity, keeping both at a level that will keep your plants happy. Too much heat, and your plants will wilt; too little and your plants will freeze. Too little humidity and your plants will dry out; too much and you will end up with a mold and mildew problem. Heat and humidity in a greenhouse can be controlled in several ways. The most common methods are simple doors and windows that can be opened to allow excess heat and humidity to escape. More elaborate greenhouses may include ventilation fans and even automated systems that open and close vents when the temperature or humidity reaches a preset level.
Types of Greenhouses
There are large commercial green houses, and small greenhouses for hobby gardeners. Some are free-standing structures, while others are built as an addition to a home or other structure. There are portable greenhouses that can be taken down and moved season to season. Greenhouses can be as simple or elaborate as the gardener chooses, from a simple homemade wood frame covered with plastic to a permanent structure with an elaborate ventilation system. Whether simple or elaborate, they all work in the same way.
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