Green Houses

1. Structure: Greenhouses are typically made of transparent materials like glass or plastic, allowing sunlight to enter. The structure can vary from simple to complex, ranging from small backyard structures to large commercial operations.
2. Purpose: The primary purpose of a greenhouse is to control environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, light exposure, and ventilation to optimize plant growth. This enables gardeners to grow plants that might not survive outside their natural climate zone.
3. Temperature Regulation: Greenhouses trap solar radiation, keeping the interior warmer than the outside air during the day. Additional heating systems can be used during colder months to maintain optimal temperatures.
4. Humidity Control: Greenhouses can be equipped with systems to control humidity levels, ensuring that plants receive adequate moisture without excessive dampness.
5. Ventilation: Good ventilation is essential to prevent overheating and to regulate airflow. This can be achieved through vents, fans, or louvers.
6. Types of Greenhouses:
   • Cold Frame: Simple and unheated, used to protect plants from cold weather.
   • Lean-to: Attached to a building, benefiting from the existing structure.
   • Hoop House: Made with hoops of plastic or metal, often used by small-scale growers.
   • Glasshouse: Traditionally made of glass panes, providing maximum light transmission.
   • Polytunnel: Made of polyethylene and used for larger-scale agriculture.
7. Benefits:
   • Extended Growing Season: Allows for year-round cultivation.
   • Protection: Shields plants from pests, diseases, and adverse weather.
   • Optimal Growth Conditions: Provides ideal conditions for plant growth and development.

Greenhouses are used both by hobby gardeners and large-scale agricultural operations to produce a wide range of crops, flowers, and ornamental plants. They play a crucial role in global agriculture by enabling the cultivation of crops that would otherwise be limited by climate or seasonal constraints.