The general idea of a greenhouse is to protect climate-sensitive plants from extreme shifts in temperature—either too hot or too cold. Maintaining a greenhouse has its own share of toil. Unlike the normal outdoor environment, which may be left to its own devices to some extent as nature creates some degree of balance, a greenhouse must be placed under strict regulation. Inside the greenhouse is a controlled environment that must simulate the outdoors.

For a start, it must regulate heat and humidity inside the facility just like Mother Nature does. Other factors to be considered are irrigation of the plants for water supply, light exposure, fertilization and pests and disease control. What is more, you also need to recreate such natural activities as germination and pollination which some plant varieties need in order to grow.

Greenhouses may be built attached to a house, or as stand-alone structures. The latter option provides more growing room for the greenhouse facility. It is recommended that greenhouses be built in the southeast portion of the property. It is in this way that the minimal sunlight available during the winter will be maximized by the greenhouse. Moreover, the house can serve to protect the greenhouse from strong winter blizzards coming in from the north.

It may seem that there is too much to do in order to start a greenhouse. But, gardening enthusiasts will be more than willing to vouch that in the fullness of time the efforts are truly well worth it.