GREENHOUSE STRUCTURES

GREENHOUSES Can you list a few potential benefits of

growing plants in a greenhouse? To control environmental factors such

as: Light Temperature (Heating and Cooling) Pest management Accessibility to water Ease of nutrient management Wind Control Humidity

Various greenhouse structures control environmental factors to different degrees

QUONSET GREENHOUSE One of the most

common types of greenhouses

Can be free-standing or connected to a building

Typically cheaper to construct

Requires a shade cover Maximizes sunlight

exposure Have you ever seen this

style greenhouse before?

LEAN-TO GREENHOUSE Attached to a building

Usually on the south facing side. Why?

Ridge of the roof is attached to the side of an existing building

The existing building can shade the greenhouse, restricting sunlight

Temperature and ventilation are difficult to control because of the transfer of heat from the existing building

Growing space is cut in half Commonly used by homeowners

GOTHIC ARCH Similar to a Quonset

style, but the arch provides more support and a larger unobstructed interior

Maximizes sunlight exposure

Can be free-standing or attached to a building

Decreases snow buildup on top of the greenhouse

Eliminates the need for truss supports

GABLE ROOF Similar to Quonset &

gothic arc styles Can be free-standing or

attached to an existing building

Allows for maximum light exposure and temperature control

Increase cost to build because of increased structural support

RIDGE AND FURROW & GUTTER CONNECTED STRUCTURES Commercial grade structures Extremely expensive to build Maximizes growing space Maximizes control of environmental

factorsDrawback-It is hard to create different

temperature/light/humidity “zones” within the greenhouse because there are no internal walls

GREENHOUSE COVERINGS Glass

Excellent light transmission Long lasting Expensive installation and heating Requires good structural support such as aluminum

or steel Polyethylene

Inexpensive installation Low heating cost Short-lived UV inhibitors increase its lifespan Produces condensation which increases wet plant

foliage and disease possibilities Light reduction compared to glass

GREENHOUSE COVERINGS Corrugated Fiberglass-

Reinforced PlasticLow in costEase of installationHigh tensile strengthLonger lifespanGood light penetrationCan degrade over time from

ultraviolet damage, dust, and pollutants

Flammable and may increase insurance costs

GREENHOUSE COVERINGS Acrylic

Lightweight Ease of installation Good heat insulation Good light transmission Long lifespan Flammable

Polycarbonate Lightweight Ease of installation Good heat insulation Good light transmission Available in clear, corrugated single layer panels Good replacement for corrugated fiberglass-reinforced

plastic Flammable