When it comes to properly growing a garden, the amount of heat and sunlight trapped inside the greenhouse is what will cause plants to flourish or die off. When heat waves pass through the glass, they are then transformed into thermal energy and trapped inside the greenhouse; much like how the sun warms the earth. In addition to keeping the thermal energy contained within, the glass also produces an effect called convection. The air closest to the ground (and the plants) is warmest and has the tendency to rise. Since the glass in the greenhouse traps the air before it can reach high enough to cool completely, the air is continuously rising and falling within the greenhouse. Convection causes the air to maintain its heat and for the air to gradually get warmer each time the process is completed.

Greenhouse glass refers to the material that helps produce these effects and is either made from actual glass or the plastics used to construct greenhouses. Both materials function similarly and allow light to pass through them and trap heat inside. The choice of material used for a greenhouse depends on the environment and the structure itself. Money is also a factor in choosing the right type of glass for the job as well as how long the buyer expects the greenhouse to last. Plastics generally weigh less and are less expensive, but are not as durable as actual glass. Depending on budget and location, a plastic greenhouse is generally cheaper to build and serves the same purpose, but doesn’t last as long over time.

The main difference between regular glass and the glass used in greenhouses lies in the type of coating they receive. Usually, greenhouse glass has a coat or glaze applied to it and is tempered for safety. Since greenhouses are frequented by people, greenhouse glass is tempered in such a fashion that if it breaks, it crumbles into small, smooth pieces that are less likely to cut your skin. Although virtually any type of glass will work to produce the positive effects associated with greenhouses, it is recommended that tempered glass be used to ensure safety. Tempering the glass also has the ability to make it stronger and better stand up to harsh environments and weather phenomenon.

Some of the higher quality types of greenhouse glass also have an E-glazing applied which reflects some of the UV and infrared light back into the atmosphere. This process allows the same amount of light to pass, but protects seedlings and younger plants from receiving too much radiation that could potentially be harmful to the plants. This coating also helps maintain a more constant temperature by blocking the infrared rays that cause heat. With the right type of greenhouse glass, your garden can receive the right amount of sunlight and the perfect temperature to make sure your garden flourishes.

For one, your house will give off some heat and help keep the plants warm as you nurture them from seedlings. Additionally, it can be easier to run water and other utilities out to your greenhouse if it is closer to the source. Finally, the aesthetic appeal can only help add to your home’s value, and shouldn’t be taken lightly.

There are drawbacks, however. Now, if you are an avid gardener, and can’t wait to make good use of your greenhouse, then this probably won’t apply to you, but a lean to greenhouse that is later removed can leave a bad mark on the wall that it rested against. In addition to all of the dirt and grime that a shed full of potted plants will invariably generate, there are smaller factors to consider as well. The primary concern here, of course, is the discoloration that can materialize when a section of exterior paint is kept out of sunlight for long periods of time while the rest of the home is bathed uniformly in UV rays. If you do take down your greenhouse after several summers, be prepared to give your home a fresh coat of paint.

Most agree that the benefits of a lean to greenhouse far outweigh the risks, but for those who do not, there are certainly many other options available. The most important thing is to figure out what suits you and your home the best, and to take action, and then to take advantage of what you’ve created!