Dyi Your Own Greenhouse

The concept of a greenhouse actually got it's start during the Roman era. Like many other pioneering accomplishments that included the aqueduct, bath houses, and basic sanitation, the concept of propagating plant life indoors was a Roman discovery. Emperor Tiberius was a fan of the cucumber vegetable. HIs gardeners would plant the cucumbers in in pots so they could sun during the day and then would take the plants indoors during the night to a temperature controlled environment to keep them warm. After Roman civilization, the greenhouse concept took root (no pun intended) in latter day Italy and spread to northern Europe, including Great Britain and Holland. Back then the concept was still in its infancy and underwent many technological upgrades over a few centuries to correct the deficiencies that plagued earlier greenhouses. The most obvious problem naturally was controlling the internal environment. Keeping consistent warmth thorough the day and night was a challenge for early horticulturists and thus climate control required underwent much trial and error. It wasn't until the 1800's that greenhouses finally produced consistent results. During this period, many famous horticultural structures were constructed. Among those included the Royal Botanic Kew Gardens in London and The Winter Gardens in the Champs Elysees in Paris

That is the basic history of the greenhouse. Now, let's look at what makes a green house work. Greenhouses can be constructed with glass or plastic supported by a metal or steel lattice structure. Simply put, in the morning, the transparent greenhouse aborts UV rays from the sun thereby heating the indoor environment. During this event, the basics of physics kick in and warm air rises, gradually expanding to the top of the dome or ceiling. As this process continues, the air becomes lighter, and cooler air is brought inside the greenhouse and, thus, the cycle starts over again. This continued pattern throughout the day keeps the greenhouse in a state of equilibrium and acts kind of like a see-through convection oven. This process allows the greenhouse to stay warm in the evening despite, perhaps, cooler conditions outside.

Now that our physics lesson is complete, let's explore the possibility of building and maintaining your own greenhouse. While you can go to the expense of erecting a steel framework with glass panels and high-tech equipment, most people can't afford nor have the room for such a structure. For those who are horticultural enthusiasts and want an easy to construct, affordable greenhouse, there are many kits available. You can go with a small version which is that size of a suitcase and weighs around five pounds, or go to a larger version which has the same characteristics of a modern greenhouse. Typically, these kits, after constructed, contain about 160 square feet of floor area for your plant needs and is setup with the proper ventilation components to provide the optimal internal environment day and night for your plants. There are many resources and online stores available to further your knowledge and assist you in your purchase. However, just make sure that the materials which comprise your greenhouse are durable, because by definition, the greenhouse is meant to be outdoors and must withstand mother nature.

By: chickie maxwell

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