Lesson 1 - Know a range of types of protected structure, and their use in growing plants

Question 1

Describe a lean to glasshouse

Answer 1

Glasshouse that leans against a wall for support. Small. Generally unheated. Can take advantage of south facing position, and the shelter of the house. Brick walls can absorb heat which can be released back into the greenhouse overnight.

Question 2

Describe a coldframe

Answer 2

Unheated structure. Heated by sunlight and store heat in the soil. A wooden frame supports glass or plastic ‘lights’. Solid walls, usually made of wood, metal, glass or brick, will provide the height. Lights must be moveable

Question 3

Describe a polythene tunnel house

Answer 3

Hoops of metal, plastic or wood clad with polythene.

Question 4

Describe a cloche

Answer 4

Traditional cloches were made of glass and formed like a bell - they were placed over individual plants. They can now be made of clear or green tinted plastic or glass.

Question 5

Describe a conservatory

Answer 5

High light levels. Plants can be exhibited on permanent staging. Can be heated in winter and provide a humid environment in summer. A glass or plastic structure attached to the house, as an extra room.

Question 6

Describe a tent cloche

Answer 6

A wooden frame covered with polythene, or 2 pieces of glass placed to form a tent shape over a plant.
One end may need to be blocked to prevent making a wind tunnel.

Question 7

Describe a floating cloche

Answer 7

A sheet of horticultural fleece or perforated polythene placed directly over the ground where crops have been sown or planted.

Question 8

Describe a tunnel

Answer 8

A cloche where an entire row of plants may be protected using one single structure. Constructed using metal hoops and polythene or horticultural fleece. Fabric is kept in place using a second row of hoops, or can be tied in place.

Question 9

Describe English lights

Answer 9

1.82m x 1.37m, made with a number of small panes of glass and lazing bars. Lights must be movable

Question 10

Describe dutch lights

Answer 10

1.5m x 0.75m and made of a single large sheet of glass
Lights must be movable

Question 11

What can yours a cold frame for?

Answer 11

Propagating semi-ripewood and hardwood cuttings, hardening off plants, overwintering tender plants

Question 12

Describe a single span greenhouse

Answer 12

The sides of the roof are equal. Reasonable headroom and growing space. Can have heating systems.

Question 13

Describe a commercial greenhouse

Answer 13

Similar to a home greenhouse by significantly bigger, so often has supporting pillars to support the roof. Commonly 8.2m by 26m. Metal roof trusses are used. Sometimes called a widespan greenhouse.

Question 14

Describe a dutch light greenhouse

Answer 14

Same as single span however the side walls are slightly sloped to maximise light penetration.

Question 15

Describe horticultural uses for greenhouses

Answer 15

Taking cuttings and sowing seeds, growing on tender seedlings, housing specialist plant collections, growing fruit, salad, vegetable and herb crops,

Question 16

Describe horticultural uses for cold frames

Answer 16

Taking cuttings and sowing seeds, hardwood cuttings, hardening off, growing salad and vegetable crops

Question 17

Describe horticultural uses for polythene tunnels

Answer 17

Starting seeds, growing on tender seedlings, growing fruit, vegetables, salads and herb crops, main season cropping

Question 18

Describe horticultural uses for cloches

Answer 18

Extending the main cropping season, protecting early and late crops from wet and cold weather

Question 19

Describe horticultural uses for conservatories

Answer 19

Taking cuttings and sowing seeds, growing on tender seedlings, growing fruit, salads and herbs, displaying specialist plant collections.