Illustration / Photo: from open sources
Today you can choose between many greenhouses. Each has its own purpose and features.
A greenhouse is a kind of dome for plants, which protects them from rain, wind and other weather conditions, as well as from diseases and pests. That is why they are built everywhere: by companies, farmers or amateurs. Moreover, the constructions can differ in size, appearance and be suitable for different plants. For example, there are straight-walled, farm and arched greenhouses – each of them has its own features.
What are arched greenhouses
These greenhouses have a semi-circular roof and can be supported by a metal arch or pipes. Such a design is stable and reliable. Polycarbonate or a special strong film is used as a roof material. Air circulation is provided by a door or even windows.
The advantages of arched-type greenhouses are as follows:
- good illumination due to maximum utilisation of sunlight;
- even distribution of light inside;
- simple design that can be installed without specialised skills;
- excellent thermal insulation if honeycomb polycarbonate is used rather than film.
At the same time, they are not recommended for growing tall crops. The roof material (polycarbonate or film) should be replaced periodically, as they wear out over time.
In such a greenhouse it is convenient to grow low crops, or place high-growing crops closer to the centre, and low – on the edges, leaving 2 aisles.
How straight-walled greenhouses work
Modern farm greenhouses with straight walls are also called rectangular greenhouses. They have a straight single or gable roof. The design includes such elements:
- frame made of straight pipes or profiles;
- material for the roof and walls;
- fasteners.
The frame elements are connected to each other by welding or bolts. PVC clips or other fasteners can also be used. Glass, film or cellular polycarbonate are used as roof and wall material.
Advantages of straight-walled construction:
- Possibility to place in a limited space, e.g. close to the wall of a house or outbuilding;
- high height, allowing to grow tomatoes, cucumbers;
- easy access to all planted plants;
- greater durability than arch greenhouses due to the rectangular frame.
Which greenhouse to choose
If comfort for planted plants is a priority, and there is no need to grow tall crops, you should choose a greenhouse in the form of an arch. If the space is limited and it is necessary to place in the protected ground high-growing crops, providing the convenience of care for them, it is better to give preference to a straight-walled design.
