Simply put, a greenhouse is a house with transparent materials like glass or plastic as roof and walls. So how does a greenhouse work? This structure works by converting light energy from the sun into heat energy for the plants inside. For more details, I explain its procedure in steps that you can easily understand below.
1. Step-By-Step Greenhouse Process
1.1. Step 1: Light From The Sun
Normally, a greenhouse is built or installed in an area where the sun is adequate. So when the sunlight shines into the greenhouse, it absorbs and lets all or a lot of light inside. This will provide the plants with plenty or sufficient access to sunlight for their growth.
1.2. Step 2: Heat Absorption
Because the roof and walls are transparent, the plants inside the structure get to receive all the light they need. Apart from the plants, other items and objects in the greenhouse also get sunlight as well. During the process, it converts the sunlight into infrared energy or heat and keeps it in the greenhouse. If you want your greenhouse to retain more heat, place dark-colored objects because they absorb more light.
1.3. Step 3: Energy Releasing
After absorbing the light from the sun, those dark objects will store it as a heat source. Then they will slowly release that heat energy as they slowly become cooler. Scientists refer to this infrared energy as wavelength, and it does not escape the greenhouse easily. So when you enter the greenhouse during this process, the warm air is lighter than the cool air that is above it. During this process, the temperature in the greenhouse is also higher than the outside temperature. In short, it is the same as you getting into a car that is sitting in a sunny spot. A quick intense heat that is hot, but you will get used to it after a few minutes.
1.4. Step 4: Warmth
What you should about the greenhouse is that the temperature inside is always higher than the temperature outside. So you will need to install a ventilation system of some sort on extremely hot days to protect your plants. Too much heat can simply cook those flowers and plants within a few hours. On the other hand, the greenhouse will heat up slower on overcast days, which makes it ideal for sunny areas. It also helps promote photosynthesis for the plants to enhance their growth, especially in the winter months.
2. Greenhouse Benefits & Drawbacks
Greenhouses are quite beneficial for gardening and other purposes that involve growing plants both indoor and outdoor. In case you are indecisive about whether or not you should build a greenhouse, check out their benefits below first. There are both pros and cons of greenhouses, and I am going to include the downside for you as well.
2.1. Pros Of Greenhouses
2.1.1. Convenience
Greenhouses these days are more convenient to use than you think because they are customizable and portable. Most greenhouses you come across now are also easy to assemble, and they are available in various sizes and shapes. That way, you are able to grow your plants during any season you like with incredible results every time. Plus, with the acceptable and reasonable price, there is every reason to use them.
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2.1.2. Longer Growing Season
With more light and temperatures, greenhouses can help to extend the growing season for your plants. While the weather could be rainy or sunny, the temperatures inside the greenhouses tend to remain stable. In case winter comes fast and your plants still need more sun to develop, the greenhouses can help with that. Some greenhouses offer up to weeks or even months of stable temperatures, which is incredible.
2.1.3. Protection
As you probably know, outdoor weather conditions change all the time. There are days that it is too rainy or windy which can harm outdoor plants. A greenhouse is a shield that protects your plants from a majority of harsh weather conditions outside. It ensures sufficient sunlight while keeping strong wind or other conditions from damaging or harming your plants. On top of that, greenhouses also keep insects and other pests like birds from invading those greeneries as well. This also means you won’t have to build a fence or use pesticides to keep those pests which is healthier.
2.2 Cons Of Greenhouses
2.2.1. Costly
As you expand your greenhouse farm, the cost of maintenance like air circulation, sensors, and more will also increase. We are talking about electricity, heating, and many more that you are going to spend on. This problem often occurs in areas or countries where the climates are not favorable for greenhouse gardening. If you get a high yield as planned, then the expenses won’t be a problem. In case things don’t go well, owning greenhouses can be more expensive than you think.
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2.2.1. Difficulty
Growing plants in a greenhouse is good and all, but it also requires a lot of knowledge to get it right. A small greenhouse for recreational purposes is not a big deal, but larger projects can be challenging. When it comes to greenhouse gardening, there are many factors that you have to have in mind. One wrong move, and there could be pests or other damages that may discourage your motive with growing plants. This is why you should read a lot to have a clear picture of greenhouses before you start to invest in them.
2.2.3 Location
Want it or not, you will have to have a proper location to install a greenhouse. You need a spacious area with easy access to electricity, water, and other sources for the plants. And if you want to make it as greenhouse farming, you will need to buy or rent a large plot of land. It is to properly install the greenhouses that match the standard for the most successful growth and results possible. Greenhouse farming is a serious business that you have to consider thoroughly before investing in.
Final Notes
Everything has its high and low, and things are the same with greenhouses. While there are so many benefits, it could cause some problems at the same time. Just make sure you do your research so that you can conveniently and correctly use the greenhouses to your advantage. The good thing is that there is a lot of information regarding greenhouses available that you can look into. I am also here to answer if there is anything that I can help with, so feel free to reach out.