Greenhouses: what you need to know when choosing a quality design

The greenhouse is used for growing seedlings, vegetables, fruits and even exotic plants. The design consists of a frame that is fitted with a transparent material. Frames are made of plastic, wooden, metal. In any case, the materials are durable, reliable, lightweight. Roofing material is film, glass, polycarbonate, the main thing is that the material is transparent and durable.

Types and designs

The choice of option for greenhouses depends on what they grow in, on the area on which it will be installed and on the cost. There are several varieties of greenhouses:

Classical The greenhouse is traditionally executed gable. The structure is installed separately or adjacent to the wall of the building. It is equipped with heating, lighting, supports. Vegetables, seedlings, greens are grown.
Polygonal. The construction is excellent for growing cucumbers, as it has several walls arranged vertically to which supports can be made. Such greenhouses are often overheated in the midday heat, therefore, they need constant ventilation.
Arched. It is good to use for root crops and low vegetables. The design includes arc supports made of metal, plastic, wood, which are covered with roofing material. The early harvest ripenes well: lettuce plants, radish, greens.
Pyramidal. Ideal for growing seedlings and low vegetable crops. Pyramid greenhouse for the right temperature requires a minimum amount of electricity. Suitable for stunted plants.
Mini greenhouses. A compact greenhouse is usually located above a warm bed. Heat-loving greens are grown in a hotbed. Mini-greenhouses are better covered with agrofibre, as they overheat strongly in the midday heat. Regular ventilation and, if possible, shading during the hot season are required.
Dutch This design has side walls that expand below. Compared to the gable view, the Dutch greenhouse is the most stable, but not easy to install. Place the structure in an area that is well lit. The position of the walls allows a large amount of light to pass through. Light-loving vegetables perfectly grow in it: eggplant, tomatoes, peppers. To grow tall vegetables in such a greenhouse is problematic, since it is difficult to establish supports in it.

Heated greenhouses are also for sale. They are produced in various configurations and sizes. Vegetables grow well in them in the winter season, you can grow exotic plants. In such greenhouses, the air is heated and humidified, they are equipped with lighting devices.

Materials

The following materials are used for the production of greenhouses:

Glass

The material is fragile and heavy and requires a solid foundation. Glass has the following advantages:

high light transmission;
creating an optimal microclimate;
not exposed to chemicals;
Long operation possible with proper handling.

The glass greenhouse also has drawbacks: expensive and complex construction of the foundation, difficult installation, so the material is heavy and fragile, the need to replace broken glass.

Film

Polyethylene film has several advantages:

lightweight construction;
easy to cut;
simplicity in installation;
warms up quickly;
does not require the construction of a foundation;
low cost.

PVC film, which contains a light stabilizing additive, helps protect vegetables from burns. From heavy rains, hail, strong winds it is good to use a reinforced film. Increasingly, gardeners use air-bubble material made of polymer, consisting of several layers and having great heat dissipation.

Polycarbonate

An excellent material for the greenhouse is cellular polycarbonate. Its advantages are:

long term of operation;
huge throughput of sunlight;
high impact resistance;
good thermal insulation;
flexibility;
no need for a solid frame and foundation, due to the lightness of the material; fire safety;
resistance to chemicals.

Polycarbonate also has its drawbacks: it expands at high temperatures, special fasteners are required during installation, storage of the material only in an upright position, polycarbonate should not be left on a roll. When choosing a greenhouse from any material, it is important that it transmits light well throughout the day. Choosing a greenhouse, the needs of plants are taken into account when growing and propagating. Before you buy a greenhouse, you must familiarize yourself with the products in the catalogs of manufacturers.