All About Greenhouses: What They Are and How They Work
Farmers know that their success depends on the weather. They need to be able to predict the temperature, when it will rain, and how long the frost will last. Greenhouses offer a way to extend your growing season, no matter what the weather is like outside. But what are greenhouses, and how do they work? Let's take a closer look!
What is a Greenhouse?
Greenhouses are a structure with walls and roofs made mostly of transparent materials like glass and plastic. These structures help farmers grow plants that require controlled climatic conditions, such as those needing high temperatures or sunlight pattern changes throughout the day.
Today's greenhouses are far more advanced than in decades past. Modern greenhouses allow farmers to grow plants with the latest farming techniques in a controlled environment. They’re equipped with screening installations, heating and cooling systems, and lighting that can be adjusted for optimum plant growth conditions, ensuring maximum yields year after year.
Different Types of Greenhouses
Greenhouses are a great way to extend the growing season and protect plants from certain weather conditions. Depending on your needs for production, there is an array of different types. Below, we’ll list the greenhouses you can find at GGS.
Curved Glass
A curved glass greenhouse provides the ideal habitat for growing plants. They're made almost completely to eliminate condensation drip. This structure has a sturdy, hefty, galvanized steel frame for the best corrosion protection.
Low Profile Venlo
GGS Structures makes Low Profile Greenhouses that are an improvement on the traditional Venlo Greenhouse Design. These greenhouses have two or three peaks between the posts and continuous alternating vents. Our Venlo Greenhouses are built with continually alternating vent windows to give 20% more ventilation than the conventional alternating roof vents.
Gutter Connected Poly
GGS gutter-connected poly greenhouses are ideal for a wide range of food crops, plants, and flower crops because they provide excellent ventilation and temperature management. The roofs' single-piece arch design and curled Gothic peaks maximize condensation control. In addition, the steeper peak helps shed ice and snow more effectively than Quonset arches.
Widespan
With no center pillars to restrict mobility, widespan greenhouses are ideal for multiple and higher floor space use. These Widespan Greenhouses are very popular for Garden Centers, Shipping, and Warehousing because they offer a lot of versatility for setting up floor areas.
Freestanding
Freestanding greenhouses suit professional growers that need special settings for various crops. These structures may be used in any climate, are cost-effective, allow for more natural ventilation, and make the most of the available space for growing bench crops and hanging baskets.
How Do Greenhouses Work?
No matter what type of greenhouse you choose, they all work by trapping heat from the sun inside the structure. The walls and roof of a greenhouse are usually made of materials that allow sunlight to enter but prevent heat from escaping. This trapped heat creates an ideal environment for plants to grow.
The most common type of greenhouse is made with a metal or wood frame and covered with transparent plastic or glass. These greenhouses can be ventilated with fans and vents to regulate the temperature inside. Some greenhouses also have cooling systems to keep the temperature from getting too hot on sunny days.
Greenhouses can be used to grow various plants, including vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs. Many farmers use greenhouses to grow plants that are not native to their region or that require a specific climate to thrive. Greenhouses can also be used to protect delicate plants from bad weather, pests, and diseases.
Why a Greenhouse Is a Wise Investment
A greenhouse is a wise investment for any farm because it gives farmers more control over their growing environment. While they can be expensive to build and maintain, they offer many benefits to farmers.
Greenhouses can extend the growing season by several months, which means that farmers can grow more crops yearly. They can also increase crop yields by protecting plants from harsh weather conditions and pests.
Building a greenhouse is a big decision, but it can pay off for years to come. If you’re thinking about adding a greenhouse to your farm, contact GGS today. We’ll help you find the perfect solution for your needs.
Improve Crop Growth
Greenhouse design is an art, not just a science. GGS greenhouse professionals put your needs first, whether you're looking for maximum efficiency or want to expand and take advantage of the many opportunities available in this industry.
Each client's needs are different, so we always customize our designs to meet their specific needs.