Types of Greenhouses
The standard definition of a greenhouse is a glass (or clear-plastic) enclosed structure used for growing plants in a controlled environment. That being said, greenhouses are not the same - they come in different shapes, designs and styles.
In many cases the season in which you will use your greenhouse will determine what style or shape you ending up going with. Some styles are meant for cold weather while others are best used during very hot summers. The ability to use your greenhouse year round will be determined by the materials you use as well as the structure size and airflow allowed.
Greenhouse Shapes:
Rigid Frame: This traditional model resembles a little house, and offers plenty of air circulation and headroom so your plants will thrive. This type of greenhouse has no center support beams, the support comes from the exterior walls. Due to the way the house is constructed, a deep, strong foundation is needed. The foundation-based construction provides strength, making the rigid frame greenhouse a good choice for a year-round greenhouse.
A-Frame / Post & Rafter Style: Both of these styles are designed for use in areas with very high winds. They have very strong constructed frames which is great for year round use. The one downfall to choosing an A-frame or Post and Rafter style is that construction materials can be very expensive.
Quonset Hut: The Quonset Hut shape is probably the most distinct of the three shapes. It uses bent metal tubes for the frame and has a circular shape. This makes plastic sheets most suitable for its walls and roof since it would be expensive to fit glass walls along its round frame. The downside to the Quonset Hut is the smaller headroom and strained air circulation. Quonset Huts are therefore best suited for a seasonal greenhouse.
Classification by Support Style
Unsupported: This style is what most people picture when they think of a greenhouse. They do not rely on any other structures for support and can stand alone in a yard or garden. Unsupported styles usually allow for better sunlight since you can control where there location is and don't have to rely on a pre-existing structure for support.
Lean To: 'Half' a greenhouse is mounted against the external wall of a building or other structure. There is often no doorway from the supporting building leading directly into the greenhouse - instead, entry is from the outside.
Even Span Styles: An even span greenhouse has one end attached to another structure; the Quonset hut shape often sports even-span structure, but the other shapes can use the Even Span structure as well. .
By researching the different shapes and styles you can decide what type of greenhouse best suits your needs. Depending on how much space you have, money to spend and style you prefer there are many different greenhouses you can choose from.
For more free articles on Greenhouses, please visit Jonathan Miranda's site BuildaGreenhouseEasy.com .
