Greenhouses utilize many basic design principles to create optimal environments for growing plants. This includes encouraging and discouraging sunlight, shade, moisture, heat, and coolness as necessary. There are many different advantages to these useful structures.

In general, greenhouses work to allow nonnative plants to survive in different climates. It also helps plants normal to areas survive during atypical times of the year. Of course, housing plants within a structure can also discourage many unwanted animals from getting into them.

Greenhouses offer many specialized advantages for a gardener to consider. For instance, they aid in starting seeds early as well as wintering tender plants. The area can serve as a nice atmospheric retreat in off seasons. They also are great for forcing bulbs and growing exotic plant species.