Greenhouse
Greenhouse
A Greenhouse (pronunciation: /ˈɡriːnhaʊs/) is a structure with walls and roof made chiefly of transparent material, such as glass, in which plants requiring regulated climatic conditions are grown.
Etymology
The term "greenhouse" comes from the older term "glasshouse" which was used to describe an artificial structure to protect tender or out-of-season plants from harsh weather. The term "greenhouse" came into use in the 19th century.
Definition
A greenhouse is a building or complex in which plants are grown. These structures range in size from small sheds to industrial-sized buildings. A miniature greenhouse is known as a cold frame. The interior of a greenhouse exposed to sunlight becomes significantly warmer than the external ambient temperature, protecting its contents in cold weather.
Function
Greenhouses protect crops from too much heat or cold, shield plants from dust storms and blizzards, and help to keep out pests. Light and temperature control allows greenhouses to turn inarable land into arable land, thereby improving food production in marginal environments.
Types of Greenhouses
There are various types of greenhouses, among them are:
- Lean-to Greenhouse: This type of greenhouse is probably the most affordable and easiest to build. It is attached to another freestanding structure or the house itself.
- Detached Greenhouse: These greenhouses are stand-alone structures that are designed to maintain their own climate-controlled environment.
- Ridge/Furrow Greenhouse: These are connected at the eave by a common gutter. Not only do they share the gutter, but they also share the internal environment.
- Even-span Greenhouse: This is a stand-alone greenhouse with an even-pitched roof.
Related Terms
- Cold Frame: A cold frame is a transparent-roofed enclosure, built low to the ground, used to protect plants from cold weather.
- Polytunnel: A polytunnel (also known as a polyhouse, hoop greenhouse or hoophouse, grow tunnel or high tunnel) is a tunnel made of polyethylene, usually semi-circular, square or elongated in shape.
- Shadehouse: A shadehouse is a structure enclosed by agro nets or any other woven material to allow required sunlight, moisture and air to pass through the gaps.
- Hothouse: A hothouse is a heated greenhouse for growing plants, usually exotic ones in a climate that would not support them outdoors.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Greenhouse
- Wikipedia's article - Greenhouse
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski