The Basics Of Greenhouses – Common Types

Growing and maintaining a vegetable garden can be one of the most rewarding pleasures in life. This wonderful, enjoyable and sustainable hobby can turn into a nightmare when you least expect it. Many times, you could put in all the effort in the world to ensure that you grow a healthy garden only to have your dreams shattered by insects, pests, birds, and other external conditions. Because you are currently growing your vegetables out in the open, you have little to no control over the external conditions that your plants are in. This is when moving your garden into a greenhouse could be a great idea. 

The greenhouse structure impedes the flow of thermal energy out, and the sunlight that passes through the transparent “walls” of a greenhouse heats the ground in the greenhouse which radiates warmth and heats the air. Or, if too much heat is a problem, a greenhouse can help you create or regulate a more temperate environment for plants by adding a cooling mechanism.

The ideal sheeting material of choice here should allow for the light to be emitted in but is also able to keep this heat in for as long as possible. 

Types of greenhouses

Gable Roofed Green Houses

Gable-roofed greenhouses are one of the most common types of greenhouse. They receive maximum amounts of sunlight while providing ample space to grow many plants. Additionally, thanks to the straight walls and high roof, you’ll be able to move around freely while tending your garden. The design is somewhat simple so building it yourself is usually fairly straightforward. Depending on the materials you use for the frame and covering, construction costs can be quite reasonable as well.

A-Frame Greenhouse

The A-frame greenhouse is even simpler than the gable style greenhouse, yet equally popular. It requires minimal materials and can be quite cheap and easy to construct. If you use a wood frame and plastic covering, these greenhouses can be constructed for next to nothing. What’s more, they require little building experience. Be aware, due to the wide base and narrow peak, they can be more difficult to maneuver within. And the airflow isn’t always ideal in the low edges and tight corners.

Hoop Green House

Hoop houses, named for their half hoop shape, are another style of greenhouse that can be constructed very cheaply. The shape creates more height around the sides than the A-frame style. This allows extra space for your plants to grow taller and allows you more comfortable access to them. Providing ventilation to every corner of this style greenhouse is much more possible than with the A-frame design. Unlike the peaked roofs of the gable and A-frame styles, snow can settle on top of hoop houses. So, they must be cleared off to prevent excessive weight and possible structural damage.