Deutsch: Gewächshaus / Español: Invernadero / Português: Estufa / Français: Serre / Italiano: Serra
A greenhouse (also glasshouse or hothouse) is a building, structure or complex in which plants are grown. They may range in size from small sheds to industrial-size buildings. A miniature greenhouse is known as a cold frame .
Greenhouse structures usually have clear plastic or glass roofs and walls. These coverings serve the greenhouse's purpose by absorbing visible sunshine, thereby heating up the air, and also trap the warmed-up air within. While the "greenhouse effect " is named for its similarity to a greenhouse, the mechanisms are not exactly the same.
Some of the commonly-used plastics for the surfaces of plastic-based greenhouses are polyethylene film and multiwall sheests of polycarbonate material, or PMMA acrylic glass.
Greenhouses are often used for growing flowers, vegetables, fruits and transplants. Growing plants in a greenhouse allows for greater control over their environment . Depending on the technical specifications of the greenhouse, the temperature, light level, irrigation , atmospheric conditions and fertilizer application may also be controlled. In this way, it is possible for crops to be grown out of season or in otherwise poor growing environments, and to supplement food and/or other crop production.