Updated at: 27-10-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

When exactly were greenhouses first constructed? Tiberius, the second Roman emperor, reigned from AD 14 to 37 during this time period.

If you’re a plant nut, you undoubtedly fantasize of having a greenhouse of your own. Or, perhaps, you already have one in your backyard. You’re in for a treat. This article will take you back to the origins of greenhouses and how they’ve evolved throughout the decades.

But first, we’ll learn the fundamentals. So, grab a pen and a paper, and let’s start learning!

What Are Greenhouses?

Many different types of gardeners, botanists, and commercial plant growers make use of greenhouses. It shields plants from the elements and ensures that they thrive despite the erratic weather patterns.

The Invention of Greenhouses

It’s time to go back in time and discover when greenhouses were first used. So put your seatbelt on, and let your imagination go wild.

A Brief History of the Greenhouse - Laidback Gardener

The largest greenhouse in the world

Imagine two enormous glass honeycomb domes. That is, after all, what the world’s largest greenhouse looks like.

Visitors to Cornwall, England, United Kingdom, are drawn to the Eden Project because of its futuristic architecture. Inside, there are more than a million different kinds of plants!

It was constructed on top of a defunct clay pit. The Eden Project was first conceived in 1996. The building process began in 1988 and was completed in the spring of 2000. Then, on March 17th, 2001, it was opened to the public. It is 3.9 acres in size, with a height of 55 m, a width of 100 m, and a length of 200 m.

One of Eden’s main aims is to educate people about the environment. Please consider making a donation if you’re so inclined.

The Romans

In the reign of Tiberius, the idea of insuring the survival of crops and plants in hard settings was first discussed. No true greenhouse may be used to safeguard their crops during this period of the year. Because of this, they’d use a cart to sow their crops.

A favorite of the emperor, cucumbers, can grow all day in hot weather, therefore Romans use them in this way. Cucumbers would not freeze if they were kept inside at night.

Selenite, a sheet of clear crystal, was initially employed to shield the cart, but it was later found to be ineffective.

Medieval period

The first greenhouse was built in Italy in the 13th century and was known as “the botanical garden.” The goal of this construction was to protect exotic plants brought from overseas by explorers at the time.

The new processes they’ve learnt have also made it easier for them to produce glass panels. It was an original thought, given that they wanted plants and trees to thrive in any environment, regardless of climate or season.

People from all over Europe were drawn to this concept, starting with the Netherlands, then England, and finally France. Early greenhouses served as privileged people’s private playgrounds. They also devote time to cultivating their favorite flowers and fruits.

The royal family in France, for example, created an orangery to cultivate oranges and dubbed it such.

Renaissance period

If you’ve ever wondered how glasshouses and conservatories got their start, go no further than this era. The Murano glassmakers of the 15th century were the first to introduce the idea of using transparent glass in roofing. The greenhouse’s past has been altered ever since.

A French botanist named Jules Charles devoted his life’s effort to cultivating tropical plants for medicinal purposes. He was widely regarded as the first person to design a functional greenhouse.

The 17th century saw a resurgence in the development of glasses-related inventions. Even yet, the European gardeners and inventors encountered a slew of difficulties.

The birth of modern greenhouses

Glass windows were exempt from taxes in Europe during the 19th century. As a result, it grew in popularity and started to make a statement in architecture. Most of the world’s largest greenhouses were constructed during this period:

  1. The Crystal Palace in London is a 1,848-foot long and 408-foot wide structure.
  2. The New York Crystal Palace, which measures 600 feet long and 200 feet broad, is the world’s largest indoor amusement park.
  3. 768 feet long, 220 feet broad and 82 feet high — Munich’s Glaspalast

Public access is rare in greenhouses, unlike in the past.

Greenhouses today

Expensive greenhouses have been built in the past, all of them were composed of glass. Technology has led to a realistic solution for keeping our plants safe and healthy in the modern world.

Because movable greenhouses are now available, constructing a greenhouse with glass roofing is no longer necessary. It’s a lot less expensive and time-consuming to set up than a glasshouse.

Benefits of Greenhouses

To help you decide, here are some of the best reasons why you should get one. The following is a list of advantages:.

Longer growing season

A more precise climatic control is provided by greenhouses. Because of this, you can continue to cultivate the plant in your greenhouse even if its seasonal period has ended.

Protection from the weather

You can keep your plants safe from the elements in a greenhouse, whether it’s a hurricane or a severe heat wave. It protects your plants and ensures that they grow to their greatest potential.

Energy efficient

Greenhouses take advantage of environmental circumstances, such as maximizing the heat inside the greenhouse. To move your indoor plants, you don’t need a lot of fancy equipment.

Pest-free plants

Greenhouses provide protection for your plants, as previously stated. Pests, on the other hand, can’t wreak havoc on it. As a result, you may rest assured that it will grow strong and free of pests.

Building a Greenhouse in 10 Easy Steps

Step 1: Choose the Greenhouse Style / Frame

Whether you’re looking for a small greenhouse or a large greenhouse, Rimol Greenhouse Systems can help. A greenhouse’s usefulness and efficiency can be greatly affected by this phase, which is one of the most important ones in the construction process. Each greenhouse is tailored to a certain purpose and can be put to use in a variety of ways. Learn about each type of greenhouse in our series pages before deciding which one is right for you; utilize our guide to picking a greenhouse for help. If you need more information or are having trouble deciding on a structure type, give us a call and one of our greenhouse technicians will be happy to help you out.

Step 2: Doors and Hardware

The Rimol greenhouse structure needs entry and exit routes that are both functional and in keeping with the precise aesthetic you’re aiming to accomplish while looking at how to build a greenhouse. Our wide selection of doors comes in a wide range of colors and sizes, so you’re sure to get exactly what you want. If you’re looking for a long-lasting, energy-efficient door, go no further than ours. You’ll be able to use these doors at any time to gain entry to your greenhouse with ease.

Another crucial stage in designing a greenhouse is deciding on the hardware that will hold it all together. As a result, you must ensure that your greenhouse plans have all of the necessary hardware in order for it to withstand the harshest weather conditions. Rimol Greenhouse Systems offers a wide range of hardware for supporting your greenhouse.

Step 3: Choose Your Covering

When it comes to producing an ideal growth environment in your greenhouse, selecting the right cover is essential to the process. With a wide range of materials and thicknesses, Rimol Greenhouses ensures that you can choose the perfect covering for your demands and budget. Snow and wind will not shred these covers because of their strength and durability. In terms of longevity, you can rely on Rimol Greenhouse Systems’ greenhouse covers. Make sure to check out our guides on greenhouse covering and polycarbonate installation after you’ve made your choice.

A Look Back at the Amazing History of Greenhouses | by Mark Crumpacker | Medium

Step 4: Cooling and Ventilation

How to ventilate a greenhouse is a popular issue when people inquire about greenhouse construction. Keep your plants cool by making sure you have a mechanism to cool down your greenhouse structure. Mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation, and shading are just a few of the cooling solutions available from Rimol Greenhouses. We provide a variety of high-quality items that can help you cool your greenhouse in an efficient and effective manner. Check out the cooling and ventilation choices available in our greenhouse structures to choose the one that’s right for you. Our advice on sizing fans and shutters can help you determine the size of cooling equipment you need for your greenhouse.

Step 5: Select Your Heating System

When designing a greenhouse, you need also think about how to keep your plants warm. In addition to propane and natural gas heaters, we also provide oil heaters, convection tubes, water heaters and more for a wide range of growers. Whatever type of greenhouse heating system you need, we have the resources you need. We have a variety of heating systems to choose from, and you can use our guide to sizing a heating system to help you decide which one is best for your greenhouse.

Step 6: Environmental Controls

You must have complete control over the heating and cooling systems in order to design a functioning and energy-efficient greenhouse structure. We offer a wide variety of environmental control systems, from simple thermostats to more complex computer modules. You won’t become frustrated or puzzled because these controls are simple to learn and incredibly user-friendly. A proper growing environment for plants in your greenhouse is something that may be achieved with the help of our systems. Get a better understanding of environmental controls by reading our article on how to use them effectively.

Step 7: Other Systems

All the systems that go into constructing a fully functional greenhouse construction should be researched by novices interested in learning how to build one. You can help your plants thrive by using a CO2 Generator. Simple irrigation systems may ensure that your plants receive the right amount of water, no matter what time of year it is. If you’re interested in cultivating your plants in a controlled atmosphere, there are numerous systems that can assist you.

Step 8: Benching

Adding benches will allow you to customize the functionality of your greenhouse structure to meet your specific needs as a retail space. For your convenience, we provide a wide selection of benches in a variety of materials, styles, and sizes. These benches are made of galvanized steel, which means they’ll last a long time. Whether you want a simple bench or something more elaborate, we can help you design it to your specifications.

Step 9: Order Your Greenhouse

You can order your greenhouse structure once you have completed your greenhouse plans and any required accessories. In order to get a free price estimate from us, please fill out our quote request form and read our terms and conditions thoroughly. Once you’ve placed your order, we’ll get it out to you as quickly as we can.

Step 10: Build Your Greenhouse

It is time to create your greenhouse now that you have chosen everything that will go into it. With Rimol Greenhouse Systems, you won’t have to worry about this onerous chore. You can request a PDF copy of any handbook you need by contacting us by phone or email. Obtain a building permit from your local government before starting your project, and learn about the construction and taxation of the structure you’re building. During the constructing process, feel free to contact us if you have any further questions or issues!

12 Tips On Choosing The Best Greenhouse Site

Solar radiation:

It’s vital to figure out how sunlight will get to plants because they need it for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is inhibited by low light, resulting in sluggish development and the abortion of fruit and flowers. The yield is modest and the financial return is minimal. A greenhouse’s location and the time of year have a significant impact on photosynthesis; places that don’t receive enough sun radiation in the winter require additional illumination.

Water:

In addition to the 10,000 to 15,000 gallons of water needed for evaporative cooling, each plant need around 1 gallon of water combined with nutrients per day. You may boost your water efficiency by recycling nutrient water, but watch out for salt buildup. To determine the salt and pH levels in the water, a preliminary water analysis is recommended. Adding acids like sulfuric, phosphoric, and nitric to water with more than 7 parts per million of basicity is recommended for tomatoes. Add a base if the source water is acidic (less than 7)

Elevation:

Your cooling and heating bills will rise and fall depending on the elevation of your home. Temperatures between 59°F to 86°F are ideal for tomatoes, for example. In the event that you find yourself at a higher elevation than usual, the following suggestions can help you keep cool:

When the weather is chilly, you can protect your plants by placing plastic water jugs around them. During the day, the water will collect heat and retain it when the temperature lowers at night.

The colder months are the perfect time to set up a temperature alarm in your greenhouse. Ceramic heaters can be used to raise the temperature of a home if necessary.

To regulate the temperature in a hard-structure greenhouse, use an automatic vent opener; in a soft-structure greenhouse, open a flap.

A watering system that includes misters is ideal for usage in the summer. In the winter, detach all hoses and use water by hand to avoid pipes from freezing.

Microclimate:

Latitude is just one of several factors that might alter your surroundings. There will always be a difference in temperature between the polar seas and the equatorial seas, because big volumes of water heat and cool more slowly than land masses do. To illustrate this point, San Diego, which is located next to the Pacific Ocean, sees a significantly less variance between day and night temperatures than the Sonoran desert, which is not located near a large body of water.

Even in the early morning hours, trees, mountains, and other barriers may produce shadows on the greenhouse. Wind and storm patterns are also influenced by mountain ranges. Snow, grit, and sand all have the potential to melt greenhouse glass, which should be taken into account when planning a greenhouse project. Also keep in mind that fog and clouds might gather at specific times during the day and restrict sunlight, which is bad for photosynthesis.

Pest pressure:

Keep your enterprise away from other agricultural production regions or construct a buffer zone between the two to prevent pest infestation.

Level and stable ground:

Make sure the ground on which you build your greenhouse is stable; it should not change. Water must also be able to drain from the earth (a 6 inch drop in 100 feet). Ground must also be compacted before the greenhouse is built so that it doesn’t begin to settle afterward.

Utilities:

Have the following tools at your disposal before beginning any project:

Phone service

Three-phase electrical service

Natural gas, propane, fuel oil, and electricity are all viable options for heating and CO2 generation. Various other options include using solar power, compost, wood chips, or even the husks of nuts and other nuts.

Roads:

Having good roads is essential. As an example, if you transport your harvest over an unpaved road, your fruit will be vulnerable to all of the vehicle’s rocky movement, which could cause bruising or crushing, as well as other serious damage.

North-South orientation:

The orientation of the greenhouse and the plants within it should be north-south, particularly in southern latitudes, in order to maximize light and ventilation.

Capability of expansion:

It’s a good idea to buy a little extra land than you think you’ll need just in case your business grows.

Availability of labor:

In order to run the business, the owner or management will need two sorts of workers:

It’s important to have a workforce that can be trained and retained. These workers will be in charge of gathering and packing plants and fruits.

Workers who have specialized skills. There are many different types of people who fall under this umbrella: farmers, production managers, plant nutritionists, plant protectionists, office workers, labor managers, and marketing professionals.

Management Residence:

In the event of an emergency, the greenhouse’s growers and managers should all live within a reasonable distance of each other.

FAQs

When were the first greenhouses made?

In the 17th century, the Dutch and English developed the idea of greenhouses. A stove-heated greenhouse was built in the Chelsea Physic Garden in London in 1681, where medicinal plants were grown.

Is a greenhouse an artificial environment?

Plants are grown in an artificial greenhouse at a controlled temperature. The favorable conditions for plant growth, such as climate, light, soil, moisture, and other critical elements, are available in this location.

What do greenhouses produce?

All year long, greenhouses can be utilized for a variety of different things. If you want to grow vegetables, you can do so, but you can also grow vegetable transplants for other growers and create ornamentals, as well. When a crop isn’t being grown, many greenhouse operators don’t have much free time.

Did the Romans have greenhouses?

At first, Roman greenhouses consisted of beds mounted on wheels that were pushed into the sun and then retreated under frames glazed with translucent stone or mica on cold days. This is what Pliny the Elder describes.

Why did Japan construct greenhouses?

For low-cost greenhouses and plasma sterilization of nutritional solutions, greenhouses made of readily available materials were created, together with plasma sterilization devices.

Do plastic greenhouses work?

Heat-loving plants can thrive in plastic greenhouses. This is due to the fact that they retain heat from the sun’s rays for long periods of time. However, they aren’t just good for annuals and easy-to-grow vegetables in full light.

Why are greenhouses Green?

For that reason, it’s known as a greenhouse. Due to the fact that it is made of glass or plastic, the plants may grow inside, which is why it is covered in lush greenery.

Are greenhouses worth it?

How Much Do Greenhouses Cost? You should get a greenhouse if you’re even considering it. It is possible to cultivate plants and vegetables year-round in a greenhouse. Even if you have to fork up some money, the rewards of your labor are worth it.

Are greenhouses bad for the earth?

Greenhouse gases have a wide range of environmental and health consequences. They contribute to global warming by accumulating heat, and they also exacerbate respiratory diseases caused by smog and other air pollutants. Another result of climate change produced by greenhouse gases includes extreme weather, food supply problems, and an increase in wildfires.

A Look Back at the Amazing History of Greenhouses | by Mark Crumpacker | Medium

Do greenhouses prevent pests?

There are few better places for pests to thrive than a greenhouse, which is both warm and stocked with food. In many cases, the natural enemies that keep pests in check in the garden are absent from the greenhouse.

Can you grow a garden in a greenhouse?

Vegetable cultivation in a heated greenhouse. When it comes to growing vegetables in your yard, a greenhouse may extend your growing season and possibly provide you with fresh produce throughout the winter and early spring.

Conclusion

What astonishes you now about the origins of greenhouses, don’t you think? At least, that’s how I see it. In fact, the origins of greenhouses may be traced back to a simple desire to grow cucumbers: It doesn’t matter if you decide to build a greenhouse or purchase a greenhouse from a retailer.