The popularization of greenhouses worldwide occurred in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Currently, the largest number of them are found in Asia (66%) and Europe (26%).

But the need to protect agriculture dates back more than 3000 years, and although it may seem incredible, it did not start due to food needs but to please the tastes and pleasures of the upper social classes.

Did ancient people protect crops?

The first known reference is in the Bible when it speaks of Jerusalem. One passage says that at King Solomon’s table nothing was missing “neither roses with the summer heat nor zucchinis in the rainy season.” That is, growing out-of-season products was an exclusive privilege of Solomon.

Thanks to philosophers like Theophrastus (a disciple of Aristotle), Seneca, and Pliny, it is known that to protect plants from the winter climate, they were moved during the night to covered places where the vapors of hot water or the combination of earth and manure produced heat to counteract the cold, allowing the plants to prosper and produce out-of-season fruits. However, these philosophers criticized the production of roses and some vegetables, considering them capricious and a violation of the laws of nature, done only for the rich.

Appearance and evolution of greenhouses

In the evolution of greenhouses, various empirical protection mechanisms were employed, which varied by country, such as the talc plates used by the Romans, the oiled paper used by the Asians, or the construction of huts by Germans, Italians, and Spaniards in the 15th century.

In the 16th century, the real evolution of greenhouses was marked by the creation in England of the first glass capsule known as the “orangeries” greenhouse, dedicated to the cultivation of oranges, which, due to its success, progressively replaced the existing winter huts. From there, innovations began to save energy in them and to take advantage of manure for nutrients, CO2, and heat.

The evolution of greenhouses and their types

The 19th century brought major innovations in heating methods and the use of stoves, and the double-glass cover was introduced as a thermal insulator.

In the mid-20th century, various studies led to innovations and modifications that improved the yield and quality of crops. This allowed the construction of greenhouses of different heights, even up to 5 meters, with different structural or geometric shapes (curved, flat, or gable type), the invention of rigid and flexible plastic covers, and the alternating use of wooden pillars with galvanized wire or steel and glass, as well as different climate control systems.

Greenhouses and the ventilation system

The use of natural air led to the primary ventilation system to refresh greenhouses, the use of windows. These allowed lateral air intake and were opened and closed manually, but today greenhouses have lateral and roof windows and motors with gear reducers and retractable systems that allow control over the windows and the amount of air entering the greenhouse.