Best Green Houses

Across the globe, ever since the advent of civilization, man has cultivated crops in the open

environment. Even today, most of the plantations stand in open air. However, in the open

environment, forces of nature can not be controlled. This is the reason why some farmers opt

for greenhouses where conditions can be effectively monitored to suit the plants' needs.

The greenhouse is a combination of a frame with panels installed over it. The frame provides

the basic structure of the greenhouse while panels form the roof and walls of greenhouse.

Panels are designed let in sunlight so as to keep the plants warm for maximum growth. They do

this by trapping the heat from the sun within itself. If the plants inside do not require a lot of

sunlight, panels can be covered with opaque covers to block excess sunlight from entering the

enclosure.

In the past, greenhouse panels were made from glass. Since glass is not shatter proof, it is

vulnerable during hailstorms and heavy snowfall. Nowadays, alternate materials such a acrylic

or plastic are available, which are shatterproof.

Types of panels available in the market

There are three types of panels readily available in the market.

1. Glass

The most common material used to make greenhouse panels is glass. Ordinary glass does not

provide protection against ultraviolet rays from the sun, excessive exposure to which can be

detrimental to plants. Furthermore, since ordinary glass is prone to shatter, tempered glass

which is stronger than regular glass is often used as an alternate. A reputable contractor must

be hired to install glass panels because of their weight and fragility.

2. Plastic

Plastic panels can be made from fiberglass, polyester, acrylic or polycarbonate. These materials

can withstand impact from hails, heavy snowfall, balls and rocks. In addition, plastic panels are

lightweight and allow optimum amount of sunlight to enter the greenhouse.

3. Film panels

This type uses a film that is stretched over the panel. Usually polyethylene and polyester films

are used in greenhouse panels. These panels offer adequate protection from the sun.

Moreover, these panels are economical and can be purchased in the form of rolls.

Choosing the panel most suitable for you

Each of the aforementioned panels comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Choosing

the right type will depends on the usage of the greenhouse and the kinds of plants that would be

cultivated within. Having the most suitable panels will ensure that plants would be able to grow

round the year.

Panels can either be purchased from the vendor or be custom made to fit the greenhouse. Both

cultivator and the contractor should measure the site before the panels are made so as to

ensure proper size. If hiring a contractor is beyond the farmer's budget, certain websites on the

internet that offer services at a lower price could be explored.

Plants manufacture their food by the process of photosynthesis. In nature, this process

consumes sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to manufacture carbohydrates and other organic

compounds that serve a food and are essential for the growth of plants. It is therefore important

that plants receive adequate sunlight inside the greenhouse. This is especially the case in

winters, when sunlight is scarce. It is therefore important that the right kind of panels are

installed, which will allow ample amount of light to reach plants, while protecting them against

the harmful ultraviolet radiation present in sun rays.