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