In a world where the weather and climatic conditions are very unstable, sustainability and self-sufficiency become very important for agricultural produce, — as a result, greenhouses emerge as an essential asset for gardeners, and farmers. The greenhouse structures not only extend the growing season but also provide a controlled environment for cultivating a wide array of plants. So, what are greenhouses? What types do we have, and what are their benefits and costs?
What are Greenhouses?
Greenhouses are structures primarily made of transparent materials such as glass or plastic, designed to cultivate plants in a controlled environment. Greenhouses utilize sunlight to create a warm and stable climate, shielding plants from adverse weather conditions like frost, excessive heat, or heavy rain. The transparent walls trap heat energy, creating a microclimate conducive to plant growth.
Types of Greenhouses — By Covering Material
Traditional Glass Greenhouses: This is the traditional greenhouse covering material and offers the best light transmission. These traditional constructions exhibit beauty and elegance, with glass panels enclosing the growing space. They provide superior light transmission, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Although they may be expensive to set up, they can last for decades with proper care. If you are in search of this type of greenhouse, you should consider a Victorian greenhouse, also known as A Victorian glasshouse; it is a gardener’s dream come true!
Polycarbonate Greenhouses: This is a rigid plastic that is stronger and more durable than plastic film. It transmits light effectively as well. These are the modern alternatives to glass greenhouses types, they use polycarbonate panels, which are lightweight, shatterproof, and offer good insulation properties. They are cost-effective and provide sufficient light diffusion for plant growth. Polycarbonate greenhouses are often favoured for their ease of assembly and versatility.
Hoop Houses/Plastic Film: Also known as tunnel or polytunnel greenhouses, hoop houses feature a simple arched frame covered with plastic sheeting. They are cost-effective and easy to set up, making them popular among small-scale growers and hobbyists. While less durable than glass or polycarbonate structures, hoop houses are suitable for seasonal or temporary installations.
Types Of Greenhouses — By Structure
Lean-to greenhouse: These greenhouses are attached to a structure, such as a house or garage. This design makes use of an existing wall for heat retention and support, making it ideal for limited spaces or budget-conscious gardeners.
A-frame greenhouses: The A-frame greenhouses are basic, durable constructions with triangular ends. They are simple to construct and have plenty of area in the middle. However, the sloping sides may limit useful area at the edges.
Quonset hut greenhouses: Quonset hut greenhouses look like big arched sheds. They are sturdy and can resist heavy snow loads, but their curved design may limit headroom and make them less aesthetically pleasant.
Gothic arch greenhouses: These types of greenhouses feature a curved roof that rises to a peak in the center. This design effectively sheds snow and gives ample headroom throughout the greenhouse. However, they can be more costly to construct than other styles.
Hoop house greenhouses: The hoop house greenhouses are low-profile structures constructed from bent metal hoops covered in plastic sheeting. They are an easy and inexpensive way to protect plants from the outdoors, but they may not be appropriate for extreme areas.
Benefits of Greenhouses
Now that we know what greenhouses are, and the type available, let’s look at the benefits of greenhouses for farmers and gardeners.
Extended Growing Season: Greenhouses allow gardeners to prolong the growing season past the conventional boundaries of the outdoors by providing a controlled environment. This makes it possible to cultivate crops all year round, increasing production and productivity.
Climate Control: Frost, wind, and extreme heat are just a few of the unpredictably bad weather conditions that greenhouses shield their contents from. With greenhouses, growers can control temperature, humidity, and ventilation in order to establish ideal growth conditions that will produce stronger and healthier plants.
Pest and Disease Management: Greenhouses’ confined environments lower the chance of plant illnesses and help avoid pest infestations. Furthermore, farmers can reduce their reliance on chemical pesticides by employing integrated pest management (IPM) techniques more successfully.
Improved Crop Quality: Greenhouses provide better control over environmental elements including light, water, and nutrients, which encourages steady development and higher-quality crops. Produce that is fragile or valuable benefits greatly from this, as it guarantees marketability and homogeneity.
Increased production: Greenhouses offer significant advantages in increasing production. They provide a controlled environment that mitigates the impact of weather conditions, facilitating accelerated plant growth. Moreover, the efficient use of space allows for a higher crop yield per surface area.
Greenhouse Cost Considerations
The cost of building and operating a greenhouse can vary significantly depending on factors such as size, materials, and additional features.
Size: This is the most significant aspect influencing the pricing. Greenhouses are charged per square foot, with smaller greenhouses costing less. A typical home greenhouse costs between $5 and $30 per square foot.
Materials: More durable materials like polycarbonate or tempered glass will cost more than plastic sheeting.
Features: Additional features like ventilation systems, heating and cooling systems, automatic watering systems, and other greenhouse kits will increase the cost.
Pre-fabricated vs. DIY: Pre-fabricated greenhouses are more expensive than making your own, but they are also simpler to put together.
General idea of greenhouse costs:
Small, DIY greenhouse: Costs around $200 to $1,000
Pre-fabricated greenhouse kit: Ranges from $1,000 to $5,000
Professionally built greenhouse: Costs around $2,000 to $25,000+
It is also worth noting that while traditional glass greenhouses tend to be more expensive upfront, they offer durability and aesthetic appeal. Polycarbonate greenhouses strike a balance between cost and performance, making them a popular choice for many farmers. Hoop houses are the most budget-friendly option, suitable for those with limited space or resources.
If you’re looking for a low-cost option, you should consider making your own little greenhouse from recycled materials. However, if you want a greenhouse with more features, a pre-fabricated kit or a professionally built solution may be a better choice. We would recommend you consider the greenhouses for sale by Planet Greenhouse.
Conclusion
Modern horticulture and agriculture would not be the same without greenhouses, — they provide a wealth of advantages to farmers of all categories. A greenhouse offers a flexible and dependable solution for both hobby gardeners and commercial farmers looking to extend their growing season or increase productivity. Acquiring knowledge about the different kinds of greenhouses, their benefits, and the accompanying costs can help you design your own greener haven and experience the wonders of controlled environment farming.
