What is a greenhouse?

“A Greenhouse”

A greenhouse is an enclosed glass house used for growing plants in regulated temperatures, humidity, and ventilation. A greenhouse can range from a small room holding a few plants over the winter to an immense heated glass building called a hothouse or conservatory covering acres of ground. A greenhouse is used for forcing fruit or flowers to grow out of season and for holding plants over through cold seasons, as well as for growing tropical plants. It is also a place to grow less hardy fruits because they can be better tended. However, only in since twentieth century has the greenhouse been used for forcing vegetables to grow. Now millions of dollars’ worth of plant products are raised yearly in greenhouses.

Adapted from The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 2003. Columbia University Press