Green House

Specifications

1. Dimensions

  • Size: Varies widely; common sizes range from small hobby greenhouses (6×8 feet) to large commercial greenhouses (over 100×200 feet).
  • Height: Typically 8-12 feet at the peak for small to medium structures; larger commercial greenhouses may be taller.

2. Frame

  • Material:
    • Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
    • Steel: Strong and durable, often galvanized to prevent rust.
    • Wood: Less common, usually treated for outdoor use.
  • Shape:
    • Gable (A-frame): Classic peak-roof design.
    • Gothic Arch: Curved roof for better snow shedding.
    • Quonset (Hoop House): Semi-circular shape, often used for simple, temporary structures.

3. Covering

  • Material:
    • Glass: High light transmission, heavy, and breakable.
    • Polycarbonate Panels: Good light diffusion, durable, and lightweight.
    • Polyethylene Film: Inexpensive, needs regular replacement (every 3-5 years).
  • Thickness:
    • Glass: Typically 3-6 mm.
    • Polycarbonate: 4-10 mm, often double-walled for insulation.
    • Polyethylene: 6-12 mil (thickness unit for film).

4. Ventilation

  • Passive Ventilation: Roof vents, side vents, louvered windows.
  • Active Ventilation: Exhaust fans, intake shutters, and circulation fans.
  • Automated Systems: Temperature-sensitive vents and fan controllers.

5. Temperature Control

  • Heating:
    • Electric heaters, propane/natural gas heaters, or radiant heating systems.
    • Ground heating with heating mats or cables for seed starting.
  • Cooling:
    • Shade cloths to reduce solar gain.
    • Evaporative coolers or misting systems.
    • Fans and vents for air circulation.

6. Humidity Control

  • Misting Systems: To increase humidity for plants requiring high moisture.
  • Dehumidifiers: To reduce excess humidity and prevent mold/mildew.

7. Lighting

  • Natural Light: Maximized through transparent covering materials.
  • Supplemental Lighting: LED grow lights, high-intensity discharge (HID) lights, or fluorescent lights for extending daylight hours or indoor growing.

8. Watering Systems

  • Manual Watering: Hoses and watering cans.
  • Automated Irrigation: Drip irrigation, overhead sprinklers, or ebb and flow systems.
  • Water Conservation: Rainwater harvesting systems, water recirculation systems.

9. Additional Features

  • Benching and Shelving: For plant organization and efficient use of space.
  • Flooring: Gravel, concrete, or porous materials to improve drainage.
  • Sensors and Automation: Environmental sensors (temperature, humidity, light) and automated controls for maintaining optimal conditions.

10. Maintenance and Durability

  • Maintenance: Regular cleaning of coverings, lubrication of moving parts, and checking for damage.
  • Durability: Quality of materials and construction affects lifespan; regular upkeep ensures longevity.

Features

1. Structural Features

  1. Frame: Typically made of aluminum, steel, or wood.
  2. Covering: Glass, polyethylene, polycarbonate, or acrylic.
  3. Ventilation: Roof vents, side vents, and exhaust fans.

 

2. Environmental Control Features

  1. Temperature Control: Utilizes solar radiation; additional heaters for colder climates.
  2. Humidity Control: Misting systems, humidifiers, or dehumidifiers.
  3. Lighting: Supplemental lighting systems for consistent light levels.
  4. Watering: Automated irrigation systems like drip or misting systems.

 

3. Design Types

  1. Cold Frame: Simple, unheated for frost protection.
  2. Hotbed: Uses compost or heaters for additional warmth.
  3. Hoop House: Tunnel-shaped, plastic-covered for season extension.
  4. Commercial Greenhouse: Large-scale, high-tech facilities.

 

4. Functional Benefits

  1. Extended Growing Season: Grow plants beyond the normal outdoor season.
  2. Protection: Shields plants from pests, diseases, and weather extremes.
  3. Higher Yields: Optimized conditions lead to better and more consistent yields.
  4. Plant Variety: Grow a wider variety of plants, including non-native species.

 

5. Operational Challenges

  1. Cost: High initial setup and ongoing maintenance expenses.
  2. Energy Use: Potentially high energy consumption for heating and cooling.
  3. Pest and Disease Management: Requires diligent management to prevent and control outbreaks.