Greenhouse

How a Greenhouse Works SOUTH WEST GREENHOUSES www.southwestgreenhouses.co.uk IRays from the sun enter the walls and roof of the greenhouse The heated air is less dense so it rises and is simultaneously The heat from the ground is transmitted to the layer of air next to it, which expands and becomes lighter than replaced by cooler air the air above it The temperature of the ground rises as it absorbs this radiation This cycle continues throughout the day. The stored warmth goes a long way towards keeping the plants protected from cold temperatures through the night until the run rises again, although in some areas one may need to make arrangements to provide additional heat and light to the plants. CREATING THE RIGHT GREENHOUSE FOR YOU Decide the GreenhouseStyle Locate the Greenhouse There are several choices of greenhouse structural frames such as the lean-to, even-span, 2 span roof, glass-to-ground, Quonset, gothic arch, cold frame, and a-frame. When planning the location of a greenhouse, you'll want to orient it either east to west or north to south, to The lean-to is non-freestanding maximize sunlight exposure. Make sure the area will not have sun blocked by buildings or trees. Since the greenhouse works by trapping solar radiation and converting it into heat, you'll want to choose an area that is well exposed to and is attached to another LEAN-TO building, alleviating water and electricity as a concern. GOTHIC Consider the building cost and availability of heat and water when choosing a freestanding greenhouse. The span-roof type is one of light. 3 Choose the Foundation the more common The greenhouse should be built on a strong foundation such as concrete, especially if your greenhouse will ultimately use glass instead of plastic. freestanding varieties. EVEN-SPAN A-FRAME A wood foundation can be a viable 4 alternative for smaller greenhouses. Species like cedar, redwood, and Best Frame Material cypress are resistant to moisture A good greenhouse frame should be of great strength Covering or Glazing as well as provide additional Heat retention, light penetration, durability, reparability, and budget are all insulation. Frame material options include Wood, Aluminum, Galvanized steel, factors to consider when Resin, and PVC plastic. choosing between glass, fiberglass, film plastic, and double-wall plastic. Glass reduces heat loss and helps keep humidity levels consistent, but it is costly and can break, and requires you use a solid foundation. Plastic is less Aluminum and resin are less expensive than wood and offer strength, however, they do not offer as much insulation. PVC frame insulates well, but lacks the strength of wood or metal. Watering System expensive but must be replaced every few years. Each covering has its own drawbacks and advantages. 6 For a lesser number of plants, watering by hand may be the practical option for you. But for larger greenhouses you'll want to examine your options for timers or mechanical evaporation sensors for automatic irrigation systems. There is an investment to consider when weighing your options but the extra cost and occasional need to fix the system is beneficial for busy people Lighting System For winter and rainy seasons, it may make sense to install a lighting system so that the plants have plenty to eat all the time. As a side-note, the addition Heating System 8 The working of a greenhouse largely depends on the day and night temperature inside the building. As it is an insulated structure, the heating system is crucial for healthy growth of greenhouse plants during winter. According to your convenience and of extra carbon dioxide will work with the additional light to help the plants to grow better, as it is used with light in photosynthesis. budget, you can use a heater powered by electricity, gas, oil, wood, or sun's energy. Similarly, there should be cooling arrangements for the hot summer months. Type of Ventilation You can use natural ventilation or mechanical 10 ventilation to keep your greenhouse functioning efficiently. Roof and side Air Circulation vents, as well as louvre vents will vent air Air circulation helps maintain a consistent temperature for the plants. Knowing the arrangement for air-mixing fans in your greenhouse is essential before you begin construction. During the winter, when heaters are need to keep the naturally, or you can opt for an exhaust fan or a motorized inlet louvres. greenhouse air temperature uniform, air-mixing fans are of great importance, and air circulation can aid in pollination as well. SOUTH WEST The greenhouse complexes in Almeria, Spain are among the largest of its kind in the world, covering GREENHOUSES almost 50,000 acres of land! www.southwestgreenhouses.co.uk Data Source Source: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-does-a-greenhouse-work.html Source: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/things-to-know-before-choosing-a-greenhouse.html Image Source "Hand Holding Eco House Icon Concept" by ponsulak / http://www.freedigitalphotos.net "Metallic Compass" by digitalart / http://ww.freedigitalphotos.net "Watering Can And Green Earth" by njaj / http://www.freedigitalphotos.net "Warming Sun" by digitalart / http://www.freedigitalphotos.net "Thermometer" by digitalart / http://www.freedigitalphotos.net How a Greenhouse Works SOUTH WEST GREENHOUSES www.southwestgreenhouses.co.uk IRays from the sun enter the walls and roof of the greenhouse The heated air is less dense so it rises and is simultaneously The heat from the ground is transmitted to the layer of air next to it, which expands and becomes lighter than replaced by cooler air the air above it The temperature of the ground rises as it absorbs this radiation This cycle continues throughout the day. The stored warmth goes a long way towards keeping the plants protected from cold temperatures through the night until the run rises again, although in some areas one may need to make arrangements to provide additional heat and light to the plants. CREATING THE RIGHT GREENHOUSE FOR YOU Decide the GreenhouseStyle Locate the Greenhouse There are several choices of greenhouse structural frames such as the lean-to, even-span, 2 span roof, glass-to-ground, Quonset, gothic arch, cold frame, and a-frame. When planning the location of a greenhouse, you'll want to orient it either east to west or north to south, to The lean-to is non-freestanding maximize sunlight exposure. Make sure the area will not have sun blocked by buildings or trees. Since the greenhouse works by trapping solar radiation and converting it into heat, you'll want to choose an area that is well exposed to and is attached to another LEAN-TO building, alleviating water and electricity as a concern. GOTHIC Consider the building cost and availability of heat and water when choosing a freestanding greenhouse. The span-roof type is one of light. 3 Choose the Foundation the more common The greenhouse should be built on a strong foundation such as concrete, especially if your greenhouse will ultimately use glass instead of plastic. freestanding varieties. EVEN-SPAN A-FRAME A wood foundation can be a viable 4 alternative for smaller greenhouses. Species like cedar, redwood, and Best Frame Material cypress are resistant to moisture A good greenhouse frame should be of great strength Covering or Glazing as well as provide additional Heat retention, light penetration, durability, reparability, and budget are all insulation. Frame material options include Wood, Aluminum, Galvanized steel, factors to consider when Resin, and PVC plastic. choosing between glass, fiberglass, film plastic, and double-wall plastic. Glass reduces heat loss and helps keep humidity levels consistent, but it is costly and can break, and requires you use a solid foundation. Plastic is less Aluminum and resin are less expensive than wood and offer strength, however, they do not offer as much insulation. PVC frame insulates well, but lacks the strength of wood or metal. Watering System expensive but must be replaced every few years. Each covering has its own drawbacks and advantages. 6 For a lesser number of plants, watering by hand may be the practical option for you. But for larger greenhouses you'll want to examine your options for timers or mechanical evaporation sensors for automatic irrigation systems. There is an investment to consider when weighing your options but the extra cost and occasional need to fix the system is beneficial for busy people Lighting System For winter and rainy seasons, it may make sense to install a lighting system so that the plants have plenty to eat all the time. As a side-note, the addition Heating System 8 The working of a greenhouse largely depends on the day and night temperature inside the building. As it is an insulated structure, the heating system is crucial for healthy growth of greenhouse plants during winter. According to your convenience and of extra carbon dioxide will work with the additional light to help the plants to grow better, as it is used with light in photosynthesis. budget, you can use a heater powered by electricity, gas, oil, wood, or sun's energy. Similarly, there should be cooling arrangements for the hot summer months. Type of Ventilation You can use natural ventilation or mechanical 10 ventilation to keep your greenhouse functioning efficiently. Roof and side Air Circulation vents, as well as louvre vents will vent air Air circulation helps maintain a consistent temperature for the plants. Knowing the arrangement for air-mixing fans in your greenhouse is essential before you begin construction. During the winter, when heaters are need to keep the naturally, or you can opt for an exhaust fan or a motorized inlet louvres. greenhouse air temperature uniform, air-mixing fans are of great importance, and air circulation can aid in pollination as well. SOUTH WEST The greenhouse complexes in Almeria, Spain are among the largest of its kind in the world, covering GREENHOUSES almost 50,000 acres of land! www.southwestgreenhouses.co.uk Data Source Source: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-does-a-greenhouse-work.html Source: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/things-to-know-before-choosing-a-greenhouse.html Image Source "Hand Holding Eco House Icon Concept" by ponsulak / http://www.freedigitalphotos.net "Metallic Compass" by digitalart / http://ww.freedigitalphotos.net "Watering Can And Green Earth" by njaj / http://www.freedigitalphotos.net "Warming Sun" by digitalart / http://www.freedigitalphotos.net "Thermometer" by digitalart / http://www.freedigitalphotos.net