Greenhouses are a staple for the modern gardener. They provide control over the plants’ environment throughout the year. They are a versatile solution for amateur and commercial growers. Naturally, the demand for these is high, and your store should keep a collection in stock. This guide will explore the range, from mini greenhouses to the traditional variety.
Types of Greenhouses
Greenhouses today have come a long way. They are now available in various sizes, and materials. More people are taking up gardening, a trend which came into its own during the pandemic. Let’s take a look at some popular greenhouse types:
1. Miniature Greenhouses
These are perfect for beginners or gardeners with limited space. With mini greenhouse, you can cater to amateur gardeners or customers with minimal space.
a. Miniature greenhouses are available in many similar designs to full-sized ones. You can stock up on pop-ups, lean-tos, and even tabletop versions.
b. With mini greenhouses, you can tap into a more extensive customer base. Hobbyists and students with a limited budget and limited space can pick up something that aligns with their lifestyle.
2. Traditional Glass Greenhouses
These offer excellent light transmission and are very durable. Thus, they are excellent for pro and commercial gardeners.
a. Glass greenhouses are a classic. These elegant structures are very pleasing to the eye. Plus, they allow in a lot of light while maintaining humidity simultaneously.
b. They protect plants from extreme temperatures and weather conditions.
c. While traditionally more expensive than other types, modern advancements have made them more affordable and energy-efficient.
3. Polycarbonate Greenhouses
These are a cost-effective alternative to glass. The benefits are similar.
a. These offer similar light transmission and durability to the glass ones.
b. They are great for your clients in colder climates. They provide excellent insulation, keeping the cold and frost out of the garden area.
c. Polycarbonate greenhouses are also very lightweight and easy to install.
d. These panels are available in different thicknesses. You can get them in single and double-layers. Your customers can choose based on their insulation and light diffusion requirements.
4. Polytunnel Greenhouses
Also known as hoop houses, these simple structures are suitable for extending the growing season. They are also great for protecting plants from harsh weather conditions.
a. Polytunnel houses are simple structures made from metal/PVC hoops covered in polythene. They are very cost-effective to manufacture, which reduces their cost.
b. If your customers garden as a seasonal hobby, polytunnel greenhouses are perfect. They are easy to set up and dismantle, so there’s no need to invest in a structure that will pointlessly obstruct an area.
c. Hoop houses protect from the elements and pests, extending the growing season and allowing gardeners to grow various plants.
5. Cold Frames
These low, unheated structures are ideal for growing seedlings and extending the growing season into the colder months.
a. Cold frames come with transparent lids that you can open or close. This allows your customers to check in on the plants and adjust temperature and air circulation as needed.
b. As the name suggests, cold frames are suitable for lower temperatures. You can offer them to your clients in colder climates or put them out in winter.
c. Cold frames are flexible; you can build them directly in the ground or keep them portable.Â
6. High-Tunnel Greenhouses
These are close in appearance to polytunnel greenhouses, but have a more commercial application. These are taller, so they provide a greater level of space and control.
a. Thanks to their height, these high-tunnel greenhouses are great for tall and vining plants.
b. They are ideal for commercial farmers and serious gardeners looking to extend the growing season and increase yields.
c. Your customers can equip high-tunnel greenhouses with fans, heaters, and irrigation systems. This will allow them to grow their crops in a more controlled environment.
7. Passive Solar Greenhouses
These are eco-friendly options for the sustainable gardener.
a. Your customers can strategically keep these greenhouses in the sun. The material makes the maximum use of available sunlight during the day for heating.
b. Their materials (often stone or water) keep the greenhouses insulated throughout the year to protect the plants from sudden temperature drops and retain residual heat.
8. Lean-To Greenhouses
These can be attached to existing structures. They are economical and utilise existing heat and shelter.
a. Lean-to greenhouses are attached to an existing structure, such as a house or garage, using the existing heat and shelter.
b. They are space-efficient. The customer can customise them to fit the main building’s available space and architectural style.
c. Lean-to greenhouses are often used to overwinter plants and start seedlings early. They are also great for growing a kitchen garden.
9. Earth-Sheltered Greenhouses
Your eco-friendly customers will love these greenhouses.
a. These are wholly or partially buried in the ground, which helps stabilise temperatures and reduce heating and cooling needs.
b. Your customers do not need to spend extra on heating and cooling options since these regulate the natural temperatures.
c. They can also use thermal mass for heat storage.
Conclusion
Greenhouses are excellent tools for amateur and pro gardeners alike. As such, they are must-haves for any gardening supplies business. The trick to standing out is to have extensive knowledge about the product and your customer base. Keep mini greenhouses for the tabletop gardener and high-tunnels for the commercial farmer. Cater to all in order to expand your customer base.
