GREEN HOUSE – SHADE HOUSE: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? by Shenequa Williams and Carol-Faye Bynoe-George
In Agriculture, Greenhouses and Shade houses serve different purposes, especially in tropical climates like what we experience here in Antigua and Barbuda. A greenhouse is an enclosed structure, typically with transparent walls of glass or plastic, designed to trap heat and maintain a warm, controlled environment. It is important to know the differences of the two and according to Mr. Owolabi Elabanjo/Chief Extension officer, mistakenly people tend to use them interchangeably without paying attention that they are quite different and each serve its own purpose. Greenhouses are used mainly to manipulate favourable climatic conditions to stimulate plants growth which optimize better yields while also allow fruits and vegetables to be grown anytime during the year rather than being seasonal crops.
This is particularly useful for starting seedlings or growing crops that need a particular type of atmospheric conditions where temperatures are already increased or decreased depending on the ideal temperature required to stimulate growth and production. They are often suitable ventilated to avoid overheating, benefiting high-value crops like vegetables and herbs and extending growing seasons. Greenhouses are also known as polyhouses.
In contrast, a shade house or screen house though some may look like greenhouses are used to protect cultivated plants from excessive heat, light or dryness. Usually, shade house is made with shade cloth or netting, providing partial sun protection without trapping heat. Shade houses are open structures, allowing natural airflow, which is vital in tropical areas. This environment protects plants from intense sun and reduces heat stress, making it ideal for crops like leafy greens and certain ornamentals that prefer cooler conditions.
For the agricultural Industry, whether in Antigua and Barbuda or anywhere else, these structures offer year-round crop production, important for food security amid climate variability. Greenhouses and Shade houses help reduce water evaporation, protect plants from pests, and support efficient irrigation, aligning with local initiatives to strengthen agricultural resilience. Both provide essential solutions to climate challenges, aiding sustainable agriculture in the Caribbean region.