A greenhouse is a specially designed structure used to shelter growing plants of all kinds during the winter months and year round in locations with cold climates. Plastic cladding or glass is often used for the walls and ceilings to allow the rays from the sun to reach the plants. Greenhouses are made in a number of different sizes and shapes but the most basic ones resemble a garden shed.
Huge greenhouses can be used to grow food crops and many botanical gardens use them to display flowers and plants for public view. Home gardeners can purchase an indoor greenhouse that will fit in the backyard.
The greenhouse covering is the most important aspect of this type of structure. The covering is responsible for creating a favorable growing climate. Sunlight streams through the walls and ceiling and the inside of the building is heated through convection. The covering will then retain the heat inside the structure. Glass and plastic are appropriate materials to use for greenhouse covering. Colder climates may require double paned glass to be completely effective. Plastic sheets are also available. These flexible sheets are simple to install and will be easy to replace if they become damaged.
Italy introduced the greenhouse to the botanical world. They were first used to grow the various plants that were collected by explorers in tropical regions. Eventually the greenhouse caught on in other European countries with colder climates. Some of the biggest greenhouses built to grow crops using LED grow lights can be found in the Netherlands.
Many of the materials used to build greenhouses are mass produced and this makes them affordable for many people. Anyone who is handy with tools can build one right in the backyard. With a functioning greenhouse, families can enjoy fresh vegetables, fruits and beautiful flowers all year round.