What Is a Greenhouse?
Also called a glass house or hothouse, a greenhouse is a structure for growing flowers, fruits and vegetables.
The glass sides and top of the structure allow the warming radiation from the sun to enter.
This special glass traps the heat within the greenhouse and keeps it warm enough for the plants to thrive, even when the weather is colder outside, well past the normal growing season.
The first greenhouse dates back to Roman times, when they first erected structures to protect their plants.
Though primitive, the heated pits and slabs of rocks worked to a degree.
The Romans' understanding of the effects of heat and light, though, was in error.
They believed heat was more important than light and so built structures that maintained the heat, but blocked out most of the light.
By the mid 1800's, though people were starting to figure out that light was beneficial to the plants so the greenhouse designs began to evolve.
One important development, besides the use of glass, was making a curved roof instead of a flat one.
This allowed more of the sun's rays to enter the structure.
About this time a noted horticulturist named Joseph Paxton came on the scene and improved the greenhouse designs.
He's most famous for the large Palmhouse at Kew Gardens and the Crystal Palace.
Greenhouses haven't changed much in the past few decades and have become common sights in home gardens.
One reason is that they allow people to extend the growing season, usually several weeks additional.
If there's other heating involved, the greenhouse can be used for longer periods.
Unlike an open garden, a greenhouse allows the gardener or horticulturist to control the main factors that affect plant growth-- light, moisture and temperature.
By being able to adjust all three to differing degrees, one can insure the particular plants have the perfect environment for growing.
Also, the structure allows one to protect the plants from hungry animals, such as birds and rabbits, which may see those new shoots or berries as tasty treats.
A greenhouse also lets the gardener control and combat pests and diseases.
Whether for growing prize orchids or delicious, juicy tomatoes, a greenhouse can bring much satisfaction to its owner.
Even with limited space, don't be discouraged.
It's still possible to make use of the space even if it's paved.
In this instance a free standing greenhouse may be just what's needed because it's small and can be installed in confined spaces.
The glass sides and top of the structure allow the warming radiation from the sun to enter.
This special glass traps the heat within the greenhouse and keeps it warm enough for the plants to thrive, even when the weather is colder outside, well past the normal growing season.
The first greenhouse dates back to Roman times, when they first erected structures to protect their plants.
Though primitive, the heated pits and slabs of rocks worked to a degree.
The Romans' understanding of the effects of heat and light, though, was in error.
They believed heat was more important than light and so built structures that maintained the heat, but blocked out most of the light.
By the mid 1800's, though people were starting to figure out that light was beneficial to the plants so the greenhouse designs began to evolve.
One important development, besides the use of glass, was making a curved roof instead of a flat one.
This allowed more of the sun's rays to enter the structure.
About this time a noted horticulturist named Joseph Paxton came on the scene and improved the greenhouse designs.
He's most famous for the large Palmhouse at Kew Gardens and the Crystal Palace.
Greenhouses haven't changed much in the past few decades and have become common sights in home gardens.
One reason is that they allow people to extend the growing season, usually several weeks additional.
If there's other heating involved, the greenhouse can be used for longer periods.
Unlike an open garden, a greenhouse allows the gardener or horticulturist to control the main factors that affect plant growth-- light, moisture and temperature.
By being able to adjust all three to differing degrees, one can insure the particular plants have the perfect environment for growing.
Also, the structure allows one to protect the plants from hungry animals, such as birds and rabbits, which may see those new shoots or berries as tasty treats.
A greenhouse also lets the gardener control and combat pests and diseases.
Whether for growing prize orchids or delicious, juicy tomatoes, a greenhouse can bring much satisfaction to its owner.
Even with limited space, don't be discouraged.
It's still possible to make use of the space even if it's paved.
In this instance a free standing greenhouse may be just what's needed because it's small and can be installed in confined spaces.
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