Most of us are aware that greenhouses help certain plants, fruits and vegetables to grow, but without any real understanding as to how. Greenhouses enable us to enjoy plants and produce that we would not normally be able to. For a better understanding of greenhouses and how they work, read on.

How they are constructed

Greenhouses are usually constructed from glass or plastic (polycarbonate). They can range from simple garden structures to complex biospheres. For the simple garden style of greenhouse, they are usually constructed via a simple wooden or metal frame and covered in glass or polycarbonate sheeting. The structures will normally have a ventilation area also, which generates heat convection.

Keeping things warm

Greenhouses are normally constructed from glass or polycarbonate which converts the sun's rays into thermal (solar) energy. The interior of the greenhouse then warms up, increasing the temperature inside. Normally objects that have good thermal mass are placed within the greenhouse, such as bricks, soil, clay plant pots, and water. These items are heated in the daytime via the sun's rays and then, when the sun has gone down, they emit heat into the room keeping it at a warmer temperature throughout the night, and on days when there is little sun.

Location

The location of a greenhouse in terms of where it is erected is important. Greenhouses should be erected in an area where they can absorb the most thermal energy. This means placing the greenhouse in areas which are not blocked by shadow or shade. Make sure that you place your greenhouse in an area away from trees, or the shadows generated by them, and from shadows or shade generated by your house.

Protective properties

Greenhouses protect plants that would normally be unable to survive in the environment. Greenhouses keep plants in a warm environment away from wind and rain, and animals which may eat or trample the plants.

Other qualities

There are some other considerations that ensure a greenhouse works at its most efficient, such as the use of insects to allow cross pollination of plants, and creating a well ventilated environment. For colder climates the use of a heating device for warming the greenhouse may be necessary for winter or very cold periods.

If you are interested in having your own greenhouse erected, make sure that you find a suitable spot in which the greenhouse will receive as much sunlight as possible. Make sure that the greenhouse is well constructed and that you have a ventilation system in place. If your country tends to have very cool periods of harsh winters, then make sure that you install a heating system so that your plants do not die. There are many types of greenhouse construction, such as greenhouse curvend & bent glass. Greenhouses can be bought from garden centers, online, or constructed via a greenhouse construction company. If you have any problems with your greenhouse then contact a greenhouse repair company or ask the company that you bought the greenhouse from, or who constructed your greenhouse, if they provide a greenhouse repair service to clients.