In many parts of the Northern Hemisphere there are already people thinking about protecting some of their most delicate plants from the winter that, in just three months, will knock on the door. Yes, without a doubt, it's time to go looking at greenhouses. There are many types on the market; plastic, wood, polycarbonate, aluminum ...; large, small, tunnel-shaped, box-shaped… Among so many variety, how do you know which one to choose?
Well, it will depend on the available space where we want to place it, and above all the amount of plants that we want to protect from the cold. Next I will tell you the main advantages and disadvantages of greenhouses that you will most easily find in specialized stores.
Steel / plastic greenhouses
The steel greenhouses are becoming more popular for its easy assembly and especially for its price. There are many models; The one in the photo is used especially to protect garden and / or flower plants, but there are also shelves with several shelves where you can put many plants.
The drawbacks they have are:
- The plastic that covers it has to be changed every year depending on which area you live in, as it wears out very easily.
- Steel rusts over time.
- If it is very windy in your area, the greenhouse is not heavy enough to withstand it, which means that it has to be well supported.
However, it is ideal if it is going to be inside a room or in areas where there is not much wind.
Wood Greenhouses
The wooden greenhouses They are gaining popularity because of their cost (not too high), and especially because they can last for many years with proper treatments.
Drawbacks: basically that if the wood is not treated, over time the water will cause it to deteriorate. That is why every 1-2 years a product should be applied to avoid this (which is known as priming the wood).
Polycarbonate Greenhouses
The polycarbonate greenhouses They are the ones used by nurseries and botanical gardens. Although their price is high, they are very resistant and it can take many years before they begin to spoil.
The main drawback, as we said, is the price. Although currently and more and more we can find them at more affordable prices, and of different models, they are still somewhat expensive. But if you plan to use it for a long time, it is definitely worth the expense.
Another option is of course do it yourself. If none of them convince you, it is best to go buy the material you will need and do it with the measures that you consider appropriate.