Greenhouses Vs. Cold Frames - Tuflite Polymers

Greenhouses and cold frames are both used for the same purpose – helping plants to grow while staying protected against extreme heat or cold. And, this is why they are either confused to be the same by many. And for those who know the difference between the two, they are always confused as to which one they should opt for to be installed in their backyard. So, for all those nature lovers who would love to grow plants within their own backyard for fresh yields, here is a blog that will show you the difference between a greenhouse and cold frame, while also letting you know the pros and cons of both. After getting to the end of the blog, you will definitely be in a better position to decide as to which option is the best for you.

What are cold frames?

Cold frames are transparent small-heighted enclosures that protect the plants within against adverse climatic conditions, while also allowing them to receive sunlight. In layman words, they could be said to be a miniature greenhouse, however with certain differences. Cold frames are smaller, meaning they take up lesser space, proving to be an advantage for those who are short on space. Moreover, cold frames can be moved around as required, probably between places with more shade and more sunlight, depending upon the suitability for growing a particular plant. To add to that, cold frames are useful in all kinds of climates.

• Summer – Cold frames can harden off tender plants, which otherwise can't in heated up summers.
• Winter – Cold frames can protect the plants against chilling cold winds; and against frost by adding an additional layer of plastic inside the frame.
• Monsoon – Cold frames can prevent plants from rotting in the heavy rains, thus keep them safe and young.
• Autumn – Cold frames can protect younger plants and cuttings against the harsh autumn winds.

What are greenhouses?

Greenhouses are larger transparent structures that help the plants within to grow, while providing them with enough sunlight, protection, and a maintained inner temperature. They provide a better growing environment against cold frames because there is air and ventilation that acts as a buffer and lowers fluctuations in humidity and temperature. Moreover, the inner conditions are easier to manage. Greenhouses come in different varieties.

• Cold houses – These are designed to extend the growing season by letting spring crops to start growing earlier, and autumn crops to grow a bit longer.
• Cool houses – These are designed to keep temperatures at a cool manageable level for plants which would otherwise die in the extreme cold weather outside during winters.
• Warm houses – These are designed for plants who need a warm temperature to grow in, thus allowing a broader range of plants to get through the winters.
• Hot houses – These are designed for tropical plants that need good amount of heat to grow.

With all of these greenhouses, you will be able to grow fresh fruits and vegetables all through the year, and have fresh produce whenever required. You can grow a variety of fruits and flowers right in your garden by installing a greenhouse. However, you will need to provide your greenhouse with constant care and maintenance, while also giving it enough space.

Which material to choose?

Now, whether you decide to install a cold frame or a greenhouse, the choice is up to you. But, one important consideration is the material you would like to choose to build it up. Traditionally, these structures are built with glass. But, if you ask for expert advice, you must opt out of glass and go for polycarbonate instead. Polycarbonate is the new contemporary material that is highly replacing glass for such structures because of its additional durability and toughness, while providing the same amount of light and protection. And, another added benefit is that polycarbonates come with a special UV protective layering on one side of the sheet. This layering prevents the harmful UV radiations of the sun to come inside the structure. Thus, with polycarbonate, you can give your plants maximum sunlight, while preventing them from damage against the UV radiations. This is something that glass cannot provide you with! So, whether it is a cold frame or greenhouse you are opting for, choose a polycarbonate one. And, get in touch with Tuflite Polymers, one of the leading polycarbonate sheet manufacturers in India, to get the best quality polycarbonates with a wide variety of styles to choose from.