A greenhouse is a structure where plants are grown. It can range from small sheds to large buildings. Greenhouses are made of a variety of covering materials like glass or plastic. The primary heating mechanism of greenhouses is the convection process. The basic concept behind these structures is to maximize the solar radiation and utilize it as the source of energy for plants. The transparent covering materials help the soil, plants and other surfaces inside the building absorb the heat. These surfaces in turn re-radiate some of their energy and assist in maintaining the desired temperature.
Greenhouses could be made out of glass or plastic. Although plastic is used commonly today, glass is the preferred building material for commercial greenhouses. Nowadays commercial greenhouses, a major source of the vegetables and flowers in markets, are highly sophisticated and fully equipped with computers. The screening installations, heating-cooling systems and even the lighting are often controlled automatically and remotely via computers.
Whether you are looking to build your own greenhouse with the help of greenhouse kits or are interested in a commercial one, a basic knowledge of greenhouse supplies and mechanisms is very helpful. The multitude of greenhouse supplies can be classified into these broad categories: building materials, coverings, foundations and floors, environmental systems, circulation, ventilation and watering systems. Building materials include wooden, steel or aluminum frames. Plastic is not a favorable material for building frames as it is generally incapable of withstanding extreme weather conditions. Coving material could be glass, rigid fiberglass or double-walled plastic films. It is important to match the frame and cover type. Foundations and floors need to be favorable for drainage and easy access. Most people use gravel with a concrete or stone walkway for access to the plants.
Environmental systems include heaters, fans, thermostats etc. As only 25 percent of the necessary heat comes from the sun, an effective heating system is essential to maintain the required temperature at all times of the day and night. Similarly, in warm weather the air temperature and intensity of heat needs to be lowered by fans or shades using cloth, screens, vinyl netting or even paint. The fans are also an important means in providing air circulation and maintain the right levels of humidity in the greenhouses. Ventilation is another vital factor in greenhouse supplies as it replenishes the carbon dioxide gas and removes any extra moisture from the inside air. Ventilation methods include electric lighting combined with carbon dioxide injections, dry ice, and burning of sulfur-free fuels. Watering techniques vary from hand-watering methods to mechanical evaporation sensors or automatic mist spraying systems. Since greenhouses could house a variety of plants with unique needs, it is essential to consider greenhouse supplies that will cater to all of them.
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