In today’s fast-paced world, garden greenhouse is a product that becomes more and more popular. In a decade, small greenhouses on the residential market have multiplied. Also, the larger ones have also seen their sales increase. They enable people, farmers and communities to be less dependent on large producers, complex supply chains and political instability. Because greenhouses have a lot of benefits, such as extending growing seasons, they are accessible even to amateur gardeners. Also, greenhouses are known to make us feel closer to the nature by helping us grow healthier foods.
In this article, we will first introduce what is a greenhouse, what is it made of and what its benefits are. We will then delve into the types of greenhouses. Then only we will list the reasons why selling greenhouses can not only bring profits, but contribute to a better life. A section about commercial structures is included just before our conclusion.
What Is a Greenhouse?
Table of Contents
The greenhouse definition that follows is based on our own experience, and research on the subject of “what is a greenhouse”.
A greenhouse is a building structure with roof and walls. Usually, it is covered in plastic or glass and is located outside for growing plants.
Simple as that, a greenhouse is just a freestanding structure which we cover with various materials depending on the use, terrain, weather, etc…
This is an interesting question. Since the invention of greenhouses, human technology has evolved. As a result, we can find greenhouses made of various materials. From organic material such as silicate panels (used in glass greenhouses) to polymeric (aka polyethylene film).
Other greenhouse covering materials are:
– Polycarbonate greenhouse panels
– PVC mesh cover for smaller kits
The materials used in greenhouse structures vary. Greenhouses can be made of:
– Wood (wooden greenhouses)
– Plastic hoops (DIY greenhouses, the cheapest, but also the most fragile)
– Steel hoops (the ones DELITE GARDEN specializes in)
– Aluminum profiles (Aluminum greenhouses, more expensive in general)
But what you need to remember is that most greenhouses are made of transparent materials like greenhouse poly cover, so the growing plants can be exposed to the sunlight.
How Do Greenhouses Work?
Greenhouses are man-made structures that utilize natural energy, at its natural state to improve farming conditions. We already know that greenhouses are freestanding structures covered by a transparent or translucent glazing. Now let’s see how do greenhouses work!
The greenhouses use what is called appropriately the “greenhouse effect”. That is, by trapping light from the sun and heat, greenhouses create a microclimate for growing plants. Greenhouses also protects tenders, perennials, seedlings from pests, winds, acid rain etc…
Also, a greenhouse is usually equipped with means of ventilation. Whether it be a door, or a side roll-up, it helps regulate the air flow as well as the temperature and humidity inside the greenhouse.
For larger, production-oriented structures such as polytunnels, high tunnels, etc…, greenhouses can be equipped with fans, heaters, vents, lighting, irrigation, humidity controls and generators.
Benefits of Greenhouses
Greenhouses offer numerous benefits to businesses, communities, and individuals. They provide a controlled environment for growing plants and vegetables, allowing greenhouse owners to cultivate almost year-round produce even with unfair climate. But there are many other benefits of greenhouses:
- They extend growing seasons. Have you ever heard of the term “winter greenhouse”? Well, it is because greenhouse in winter keep the air inside warmer than on the outside. It provides a comfortable growing environment for plants.
- Outdoor greenhouses also protect plants from bad weather, pest and even rodents. That is a plus for farmers and garden hobbyists who have enough on their plate.
- Greenhouses covering or greenhouse tarp can effectively prevent the transmission of UV radiation (namely UV-B), which is good for plants and produce.
- Greenhouses such as hoop greenhouses (also called tunnels) are easy to set up, stand the test of time and allow for higher yields.
Types of Greenhouses
There are many greenhouses and greenhouse supplies in the market. According to their categories, greenhouses can be classified as:
– Commercial tunnel
– Residential greenhouse
Residential greenhouse sellers also like to rank the greenhouses by size as follows:
– Polytunnel greenhouses
– Walk in greenhouses
– Lean-to greenhouses
– Mini greenhouses such as potting sheds
Besides, greenhouses can be listed according to materials they use, such as:
– Plastic film tunnels
– Polycarbonate greenhouses
– Aluminum green house
– Glasshouse
– Wooden greenhouse
History of greenhouse
The history of greenhouses reflects humanity’s ingenuity in cultivating plants under controlled conditions，from ancient times to the present，both the appearance and function of the greenhouse have undergone considerable changes.
Ancient beginning(1st century CE)
Roman Proto-Greenhouses: The earliest recorded greenhouse-like structures were built during the reign of Emperor Tiberius (14–37 CE). Roman gardeners used “speculariums”—carts covered with translucent sheets of mica or selenite—to protect tender cucumber plants from cold weather. These structures relied on passive solar heating.
Renaissance Innovations (16th–17th Centuries)
-Orangeries in Europe: Wealthy Europeans in Italy, France, and the Netherlands built “orangeries”(heated stone buildings with large windows) to shelter citrus trees during winter. These were precursors to modern greenhouses, often using wood-fired stoves for heating.
-Dutch Advancements: By the 17th century, the Dutch refined greenhouse designs for tropical plants brought from their colonies. Glass production improved, enabling larger windows and better light penetration. The term “greenhouse” (from Dutch “kassen”) began circulating.
18th–19th Centuries: Technological Leaps
-Heating Systems: Steam and hot-water heating systems (invented by Scottish engineer James Anderson in the 18th century) allowed year-round cultivation. The “Chelsea Physic Garden” in London (1683) and “Kew Gardens” (mid-18th century) pioneered these systems.
-Victorian Era Boom: Greenhouses became status symbols among the wealthy, with elaborate designs like conservatories housing exotic flora from British colonies.
20th Century: Materials and Efficiency
New Materials: Post-WWII, aluminum frames and polyethylene plastic (introduced in the 1940s) replaced heavy wood and glass, making greenhouses affordable and modular.
-Global Expansion: The Netherlands emerged as a leader in greenhouse agriculture, while countries like Japan and Spain adopted large-scale greenhouse farming.
-Climate Control: Automated ventilation, artificial lighting, and hydroponics revolutionized productivity, enabling crops to grow in arid or cold regions.
21st Century: Sustainability and Innovation
-Energy Efficiency: Innovations like geothermal heating, solar panels, and double-glazed glass reduce carbon footprints.
-Smart Greenhouses: AI, and automated systems optimize water, light, and nutrient use. Vertical farming and urban greenhouses address food security.
-Greenhouse Effect Connection While greenhouses inspired the term “greenhouse effect” (coined by Joseph Fourier in 1824), the analogy refers to Earth’s atmosphere trapping heat—a critical concept in climate science.
Why Develop Greenhouses Business?
According to several sources, the greenhouse retail market was valued between 25 and 35 million USD dollars in the U.S alone and expected to grow at CAGR 8~10% in the next 5 years. This information alone should give enough incentive for existing garden supplies wholesalers, garden centers to develop their own range of greenhouse kits. Divided into 2 segments, residential and commercial use, the latter, commercial tunnels, shows the best promise.
As per our own experience and data at DELITE, we have seen an unprecedented uptake of greenhouse wholesale orders for the last 2 years. Feedback from our current clients in both Europe and U.S.A highlights the fact that residential greenhouses are trendy and sell well as long as pricing and online marketing are done well. As for commercial greenhouse kits, the market is still promising due to higher profits, but the competition is more intense due to the market’s maturity.
In a nutshell, garden greenhouses and backyard greenhouses (residential greenhouses) are seen as a trendy product. Popular with families with a garden and willing to take control over their food and distance themselves from mass agriculture, high carbon footprint and potential supply shortages. Communities and small-sized farms are also a segment that current greenhouse wholesale and retail brands are tapping into, which may lead to increased competition.
What Are Commercial Greenhouses?
We have used the term “Commercial greenhouse” several times in this article. But some of you, who haven’t already been in contact with the greenhouse industry, may not know what is it, or how it works. Thus, we have decided to shed some light on this specific range of green houses.
What is a Commercial Green house?
It is a greenhouse used for public or commercial use. It is a category of large greenhouses (usually larger than a residential kit) because it is supposed to grow larger crops, and yield profits. Small to large-sized farms use commercial house kits to grow their produce.
How they work?
The answer is simple: the same way a standard greenhouse works. The greenhouse glazing, whether it is glass, plastic film or pc sheets creates a natural barrier against pests, bad weather. Commercial green houses are usually large high tunnel greenhouse to more with options such as side ventilation, garage door gable wall etc… to regulate the environment inside the greenhouse.
Conclusion
In short, a greenhouse is a freestanding building used for growing plants, vegetables, produce in a controlled environment. Their main feature is that they extend growing seasons.
There are many types of greenhouse structure and coverings. Greenhouses also vary in size and shape. Each greenhouse is made to fit the needs of a specific kind of grower, whether it is professional farmers, communities, garden hobbyists and garden beginners.
The greenhouse market data presented here shows good vital signs. Garden centers, garden supplies brands and greenhouse supplies wholesalers may look into the greenhouse venture to add value to their existing product range, and make profits.
For more information on greenhouse manufacturing and exports contact us.
