A greenhouse is a section of a garden that is not affected by the vagaries of the weather and environmental factors. Here you can create the microclimate necessary for plants. The greenhouse allows you to grow vegetables even in winter. In addition, it makes it possible to equip a greenhouse and a winter garden, where you can admire greenery and flowers all year round.
Making a greenhouse is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. It is enough to know what the structure consists of, as well as the general laws of its functioning. Many gardeners and owners of summer cottages build such structures on their own. In this article we will talk about how to make a greenhouse with your own hands, show photo and video instructions.
Design basis
The greenhouse consists of several parts. The basis of the entire structure is the frame. When choosing a frame, it must be borne in mind that the strength of the entire building depends on its strength. Today you can find three main types of frames: wood, PVC and steel.
- The wooden frame is easy to assemble. However, it is unstable to various environmental factors.
Such a design has to be specially processed additionally, but this does not guarantee strength.
The advantage of wood is that it is a natural, environmentally friendly material.
- Steel structures are very durable, wear-resistant and strong. They can withstand high loads. By installing such a frame, you can not worry that the greenhouse will suffer from snow, wind or hail. Steel is the most popular greenhouse material. Very often, gardeners choose a galvanized steel profile.
The metal must be treated for corrosion protection.
Some gardeners believe that metal will negatively affect the growth of vegetables and other plants. However, the assumption that plants develop worse in steel greenhouses is nothing more than a myth.
- Polyvinyl chloride structures are environmentally friendly, durable, and safe. Their strength depends, however, on the strength and thickness of the profile. The advantage of this material is that it allows you to create sealed systems in which the microclimate is fully controlled by the owner. The disadvantage of PVC greenhouses is the relatively high cost. In PVC structures, winter gardens are often arranged, which serve as recreation areas for owners.
Before you build a greenhouse in the country, you must carefully select the material for the frame.
Greenhouse coating materials
To protect plants from adverse environmental conditions, it is necessary to choose a good cover for the greenhouse. Today on the market you can find several solutions to this issue. There are three main types of coatings: glass, several types of special films and PVC materials.
Glass as a coating is better to choose durable. For greenhouses, triplex or tempered glass is suitable. If it is not possible to install any of these types, then you will have to install several glasses. The best option is an unbreakable coating that can withstand the load from snow, hail, wind.
Glass transmits sunlight well, however, along with useful infrared radiation, ultraviolet also enters the greenhouse.
Film is the most popular material for building a greenhouse. It is strong, durable and can last for many years with proper care. Recently, several types of film have been produced specifically for greenhouses and greenhouses.
- Light-converting film is useful in that it converts ultraviolet radiation into infrared. This stimulates the growth of vegetation and allows you to get a good crop from greenhouses.
- Reinforced film has increased strength. In addition, it protects against frost. This is the type of coating that most owners of such structures choose.
Polyvinyl chloride materials have also found their supporters, monolithic and cellular polycarbonate, as well as transparent acrylic plastic, are widely used in the construction of greenhouses.
Cellular polycarbonate is especially in demand.
The plates of this material do not fade, look very aesthetically pleasing and serve for many years. Possessing excellent heat-insulating properties, cellular polycarbonate is resistant to all natural factors. He is not afraid of frost or heat.
It is necessary to use cellular polycarbonate depending on the thickness:
- 3.5 mm - used in the construction of greenhouses and greenhouses;
- 4 mm - used in the construction of greenhouses and sheds;
- 6 mm - for peaks, greenhouses and stained-glass windows;
- 8 mm - material of wide application.
The average price for cellular polycarbonate varies depending on the thickness: from 80 to 850 rubles. m 2
Choosing a place to install a greenhouse on the site
For the greenhouse, you need to choose the right location.
- It is better if the greenhouse is, at least one of the sides is located closer to the house. This will facilitate the conduction of electricity into the room. Light in the greenhouse is necessary, especially in the winter season. In addition, electricity will be needed to install other appliances in the greenhouse.
- It is necessary to decide whether the greenhouse will function in the winter. If you plan to use it all year round, then to provide the necessary conditions for plants, the structure is installed from west to east. The long sides of the structure will be located to the north and south, respectively.
- To install the greenhouse you need the right place. It should not be located in a lowland where moisture flows. The area under the greenhouse must be flat. Also, the place for the future greenhouse should not be located among the trees, in the shade. Plants will need a lot of light.
- The soil should not be clay. Ideally, it should be suitable for the type of crops that are planned to be grown.
Greenhouse types
Modern materials, especially PVC, allow you to create real masterpieces. Designs can take forms that were previously considered impossible.
Among the most common types are single-pitched, arched, gable, hipped greenhouses. Also, the design itself can be collapsible or non-collapsible. It is convenient to have a collapsible one when it is not planned to use the greenhouse all year round. For permanent, year-round use, it is better to install a non-separable one.
Depending on the operation, the type of foundation for the future greenhouse is also established.
The foundation for the greenhouse: which one to choose and how to do it right
In order to install a temporary greenhouse, you do not need a particularly strong foundation. You can use plastic bottles for this. But for a permanent non-separable structure, a foundation is necessary. It will guarantee the strength of the structure and allow it to serve for many years in any conditions.
It is noted that a monolithic strip foundation would be ideal for such a case. The base of such a foundation should be located below the freezing level of the soil. The lower part is covered with rubble. The depth of the ditch is about 80 cm.
The base can be reinforced with rebar or reinforced mesh embedded in concrete.
The whole structure depends on the strength of the foundation. This is especially important for glass greenhouses: violations in the base can cause it to crack.
Installing the greenhouse frame on the foundation - basic rules
Greenhouses are often produced ready-made, it remains only to assemble them, having previously made the foundation.
It is noted that it is better to assemble galvanized steel structures using fasteners: nuts and bolts. Welds may corrode.
When installing a polycarbonate greenhouse, you should remember the peculiarity of this material. It expands at high temperatures and shrinks at cold temperatures. Therefore, in the work it is necessary to use sealants and silicone putties.
When installing polycarbonate sheets, you must always leave a small gap between them, a few millimeters.
In greenhouses, window openings are often installed. They are essential for ventilation. It is advisable to plan such design details in advance.
Modern greenhouses are very complex systems, they are equipped with various devices, the simplest of which is an automatic irrigation system. However, even such units can be installed independently.
Polygonal greenhouses typically contain eight faces. Such designs have several advantages at once.
- The polygonal design collects light rays well. At least one of its faces always faces the sun.
- Such greenhouses are very aesthetic. They are perfect for arranging a winter garden. The building decorates the site, and does not spoil it.
- The design is very stable and can withstand strong winds and even hail.
The only difficulty that the owner of such a structure may face is the glass. Glasses of a polygonal greenhouse will have to be ordered if necessary. Because they have a specific shape. Another disadvantage of the polyhedron is the difficulty with uniform heating of the air. However, by applying the latest technological systems, this problem can be easily solved.
Video: greenhouse construction
We bring to your attention a series of videos about the construction of a greenhouse.
And this video will tell you about the construction of a year-round greenhouse.
If you are looking for where to buy a greenhouse, we recommend that you look in specialized online stores, since prices in them are often lower than in ordinary stores and markets.
Building a greenhouse of the optimal shape and size, choosing high-quality durable building materials is only the first stage in growing greenhouse crops. The arrangement of the greenhouse inside is a very important process and requires close attention. Having studied the basic rules and recommendations, you can learn how to rationally use space, organize comfortable beds and create conditions for caring for plants.
Basic rules for arranging a greenhouse
The internal arrangement of a polycarbonate greenhouse can vary significantly in structures of various shapes and sizes and in those intended for growing various crops. The first thing you need to decide is how the planting will be done: in the ground or in pots on racks.
Types of internal arrangement of the greenhouse
The arrangement of the greenhouse implies such key points:
- irrigation system. For it, you need to prepare water intake points, of which there may be several for large-area structures. You can also connect drip irrigation to facilitate the care process;
- ventilation. In the greenhouse, you need to install several opening vents or windows. It is easy to make opening sections from polycarbonate, which will allow access to a large amount of fresh air. Airing serves as a preventive measure for many diseases that plants grown in greenhouse conditions are susceptible to;
- heating. Warming up the greenhouse can be carried out in several ways: electric heaters, water or electric underfloor heating, water heating, infrared equipment, heat pumps, air heating (potbelly stoves, buleryans). Almost all of the listed types warm up the air inside the greenhouse, and only a warm floor also warms up the soil.
In addition, it is worth considering how the planting will take place: in beds, in pots, etc. It is possible to combine two methods: arrange inside the beds and make several stationary shelves, for example, for growing seedlings. The subsequent arrangement is made on the basis of these parameters.
Important! Some crops, such as strawberries, can be grown on racks in earth-filled plastic bags. This not only saves space, but also facilitates maintenance, as there is no need for weeding.
Arrangement of beds and paths
If there are beds in the greenhouse, you need to complete one or more tracks. To do this, it is necessary to compare the dimensions of the structure and think over their most rational location. For a standard rectangular polycarbonate greenhouse of small size, for example, 2 * 6 m, it will be enough to have one path in the center from the entrance, and arrange beds on both sides of it. At the same time, the width of the latter should ideally be 80-100 cm, but no more, otherwise the care process will be difficult. The width of the track can be any, based on your own needs. Usually, on average, they adhere to a parameter of 40-50 cm, since a smaller size will create inconvenience, and with a larger one, the path will take up extra space, which is better to allocate for planting.
Greenhouse garden planning
A larger greenhouse may have three or more parallel beds, between which passages are left. If the greenhouse is square or other non-standard shape, which can be easily made from polycarbonate, you can arrange the beds over the walls. From the entrance, you will need to lead a path to the center and a slightly smaller one deep into the beds.
- sprinkle with gravel, rubble;
- lay out with stone, brick;
- cement;
- lay out paving slabs, etc.
The beds are usually located at a height from the level of the tracks (up to 30 cm). So that the earth does not wake up on the latter, the beds need to be fenced off. The easiest way is to lay boards. This can be done in any way. For example, you can make a small indentation, insert a board sideways and dig it in. Another method is done like this:
1. Drive in small but strong pegs along the path;
2. Insert the board so that it rests on the pegs;
3. Install additional spacers on the other side of the board.
Arrangement of beds in the greenhouse
In any case, the tree must first be treated with antibacterial and antifungal agents to reduce the likelihood of rotting. The sides can also be laid out of brick, curbs or other more reliable floors can be laid.
The arrangement of the beds directly takes place in several stages. The initial layer should be made of drainage, which will help retain moisture. It is sometimes covered with a film layer, which creates an additional barrier and helps to retain heat and moisture in the soil. Soil is poured into the drainage. Usually, fertile, saturated soil is chosen, which will need to be additionally fertilized with mineral or natural substances. For some plants, turf is better, for others, sandy loam soil, so you need to lay the soil that is best suited for a particular crop.
Important! If a warm floor is to be installed in the greenhouse, it must be laid under all layers of the bed, including drainage. Under the pipes of the warm floor, it is necessary to lay a layer of thermal insulation, which can be polystyrene foam or foil film. They help to retain heat inside the soil, not passing it deep into.
How to equip a rack greenhouse
Often, plants are grown on racks in polycarbonate greenhouses. This allows you to significantly save space by placing several tiers, and increase productivity from 1 sq.m. In this case, the arrangement of the greenhouse inside will be significantly different. First of all, you should prepare the floor. The main requirements for it: able to withstand significant weight, be smooth and durable. Therefore, it can be laid out with tiles or bricks, poured with concrete, etc. At the same time, if the racks are massive and located over the entire width of the greenhouse, their legs can be cemented into the floor to give the structures greater strength. If there are several small racks in the greenhouse, for example, for seedlings, this will be superfluous.
Greenhouses equipped with shelving
Racks can be built from wood, pre-impregnated with special solutions, metal corners or profiles. Height and width are selected according to individual needs. They depend on the height of the caregiver and the characteristics of the crops grown. Doing a lot of shelves is not recommended, otherwise plants located at lower levels will receive less light. The uppermost shelf should be placed no higher than the level of a person’s eyes, but rather a little lower, so that without a ladder or stand it would be possible to reach the opposite edge of the shelf. Sometimes the top shelf is made higher in order to store inventory or some improvised materials on it. On average, for a greenhouse with a height of 2 m, it is recommended to make structures with 3-4 shelves, depending on the height of the crop being grown. The seedling rack can have 5-6 shelves.
Shelf for growing seedlings in a greenhouse
It is better to place racks along the walls so that the plants get as much light as possible. Leave space between rows of shelving. Its width should be 40-50 cm. If you make it yourself or buy ready-made racks on wheels, you can move them inside the greenhouse. You can also turn them upside down to a transparent polycarbonate wall so that the seedlings grow more evenly and receive the same amount of light.
An arched greenhouse is often made of polycarbonate. Arrangement inside it occurs in the same way as described above, depending on the placement of plants.
For a large greenhouse, especially a heated one, it is recommended to equip a kind of vestibule. It will serve as an obstacle to the entry of cold air into the greenhouse, and also perform a practical function: you can store tools, inventory, fertilizers, and pest control products in it.
Greenhouses equipped with vestibules
Properly equipped inside the greenhouse is the key to a good harvest and the functional use of its internal space.
When arranging, it is important to understand that greenhouse racks play the same important role in the construction as a covering or frame.
If someone believes that the frame and cover are the greenhouse itself, he is deeply mistaken.
- A greenhouse is called the whole complex of materials and assemblies, correctly selected and correctly arranged.
- Otherwise, you will end up with an unknown structure that looks like a transparent hangar or a house.
And in this case, you should not be perplexed about a poor harvest or too high a cost of the final product.
Growing method matters
The large spread, in recent times, of polycarbonate coating cannot but give rise to the question - how to equip a polycarbonate greenhouse inside? (Cm. )
In today's article, we will tell you how to properly and most effectively equip a greenhouse or greenhouse of various shapes and purposes.
Our regular readers already know how greenhouses differ from greenhouses and that greenhouses are divided into certain categories. Some are used seasonally while others are used all year round.
You need to start arranging a country greenhouse with a decision on how you are going to grow plants. They will be grown in pots, special boxes located on the shelves, or you will break the beds.
Interior arrangement - basic rules
There are beds - you need a path
- If you plan to break the beds, and your structure is small, you need to lay a path exactly in the middle.
- Thus, the beds will be located on both sides of the path.
- The path must be at least 500 mm Of course, you can arrange a track with a greater or lesser width.
- In the first option, most of the internal space will be occupied, which will negatively affect the number of plants grown, (See) and in the second it will not be very convenient for you to care for the plants.
- Understanding this shows that the size in 500 mm is the most optimal.
Size and Quantity
- When arranging a path, it is worth remembering that the moisture level in the greenhouse is very high, so the path must be covered with a material that provides minimal slip. You can lay brick or pour fine gravel
- When the task is to equip a much larger greenhouse in this way, in this case we mean a larger width, the best option would be to arrange several tracks arranged in parallel. The beds in this case will be located between the tracks.
It all depends on the size of the structure, the main condition is the convenience of caring for the grown crops, you must freely reach any of them without leaving the path.
Fencing paths - how to do it right
So that the earth from the beds does not crumble onto the paths, the beds must be fenced. You can use boards for this.
- Before laying, treat the boards with a protective agent against rotting and fungi.
- The height of the side of the bed should be above the level of the soil no more than 20 - 30 mm. This is enough to protect the path from the ground and will not cause you trouble when caring for plants.
Soil - quality, an important factor
- The soil used for cultivation should have moderate moisture and good air permeability.
- The soil for the beds, before backfilling, must be cleaned of weeds and disinfected with special agents from microbes.
- Immediately add nutrients to the soil and move carefully.
- On sale there is a wide choice of finished soil, which meets all of the above requirements.
We prepare the soil ourselves
If you decide to prepare the soil yourself, we offer you two options for preparing it.
The first option consists of:
- Fine sand 1 part
- Earth 1 part
- Humus 3 parts
- Peat 5 parts
Our advice is to add lime to the resulting mixture. The proportions are as follows: three kilograms of lime are added to each m3 of the mixture.
Option #2:
- Finely chopped straw 1 part
- Peat 2 parts
- Dung (cow) 1 part
Minerals must be added to the resulting mixture. For one m3 of the mixture is added:
- Urea 300 g
- Sodium chloride 2 kg
- Superphosphate 3 kg
Our advice is that the laid soil will eventually settle down to 1/5 of the original height. Keep this in mind when constructing the sides.
South wall - color matters
Another important addition to such a greenhouse will be the construction of the southern wall.
- To make better use of the sun's rays, paint the south wall on the inside black.
Our advice - If your greenhouse has a transparent south side, you can install a protective, opaque screen painted black in front of it.
All the benefits of shelving
If you plan to grow seedlings for their further planting in open ground, the best option would be when the seedlings are grown on racks.
By arranging them, you will simultaneously receive a number of additional qualities:
- Ease of crop care
- Increasing the sown area
- Savings on heating
Considering all of the above in more detail, we get the following list:
- Crops grown on racks are very easy to care for.
- At the same time, several tiers of placement of cultivated crops allow growing much more seedlings per square meter of the greenhouse's internal space.
- It is no secret that warm air rises, and if you heat it, do not heat the greenhouse, without forced heating, it is very difficult to heat the soil to the required temperature.
- Plants placed on racks are perfectly heated, while using much less heat energy.
The quarantine zone is an important necessity
It is also important to note that the arrangement of the greenhouse inside and the presence of shelving allows you to create a so-called quarantine zone in it.
What is it and why?
- This space is necessary for the temporary isolation of some cultures from others.
- Suppose you are growing seedlings in pots.
- At some point, you acquire a new seedling and place it among the growing seedlings.
- In this case, there is no guarantee, even if you made a purchase in a specialized store, that the purchased crop does not suffer from a certain disease at an early stage or the soil is not infected with harmful bacteria.
- The infection can quickly spread to all plants closest to the "newcomer".
- The best means of combating such phenomena will be the presence of a quarantine zone.
- A new plant is placed there for a certain time and in its normal state, it is placed with those already adapted and accustomed.
Our reference - The optimal period for keeping a plant in a quarantine zone is from 10 to 15 days.
Device "quarantine"
- The quarantine zone has a relatively small size, sufficient to accommodate 2 - 4 pots with seedlings.
- For efficiency, this space must be protected from the main room on all sides with glass.
- The best option would be to use an aquarium with flat walls. It becomes clear that it is best to place the aquarium on a rack.
Our reference - you can use an aquarium or a home-made box with glass walls to set up a quarantine zone. In both cases, the presence of a tight cover is required.
The size of the racks is the main factor in convenience
When arranging shelving, there is no specific size for their height. In this case, each gardener arranges racks based on their own growth. Care and maintenance of plants should be convenient and not cause trouble.
With regards to the width of the racks, they are divided into central and wall. Their names speak for themselves and do not require further explanation.
Of course, you can arrange the shelving as you wish, but we recommend that you set the following shelving widths:
- For centrally located, central, access to which is available from two sides, the width should not be more than 1500 mm.
- For racks located along the walls, wall-mounted, the width should not exceed 950 mm.
Our reference - racks and shelves of a wider size are inconvenient because they make it difficult to care for distant plants.
The choice of material for shelving
We will not give exact schemes and drawings for the arrangement of shelving, but we will give small recommendations.
- When the polycarbonate greenhouse is arranged inside, shelving can be arranged, both from metal and from wood.
- When choosing a material for their device, you should be aware that each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Wood - advantages and disadvantages
Many gardeners, when arranging greenhouses or greenhouses, prefer to install wooden shelving.
- The tree itself is warm and plants feel good next to it.
- Therefore, if your structure has insufficient thermal protection or you grow heat-loving crops, then a tree is the best option.
- The disadvantage of this material is its fragility.
- Processing wooden racks with protective equipment in this case is mandatory.
- During operation, such a structure should be periodically tinted.
Another disadvantage is the weight and bulkiness.
After considering these issues, you can understand that if your greenhouse is small, arranging wooden racks in it, you will significantly reduce the usable area.
Metal to metal strife
It is easier to heat a small space, therefore, in this case, it would be preferable to install metal racks, they are lighter and much more compact than wooden ones with the same strength.
- Metal coasters are much more durable and do not require constant attention.
- Of course, such a design needs external protection, but the paint on well-cleaned metal is much stronger, and the use of special paint allows the structure to be operated without modifications for a long time.
- If you want to have stands that will give you the least amount of hassle, you should use aluminum in their construction.
- There is a large number of various aluminum profiles on sale and it will not be difficult to assemble racks with it.
- In this case, you will get a durable, unpretentious, lightweight design, which, despite being relatively compact, will also be very durable.
- Racks made of profiled aluminum have good rigidity with a small cross section.
- The minimum section creates a minimum of shade, and for plants this is important.
- For a small structure, this material is ideal for the manufacture of supporting structures.
It should be borne in mind that if you use an automatic system for watering plants, in this case it is best for you to use structures made of waterproof material.
Planning is paramount
When arranging a greenhouse or greenhouse and choosing a material for this, carefully plan all your actions, take into account all additional equipment, types of plants grown, the heating system, the light transmission of the coating and the calendar period for using your structure.
One space, different cultures – what to do?
Many people wonder if it is possible to grow cucumbers and tomatoes together?
For beginners, this question may seem strange, but experienced gardeners know that these crops have completely different microclimate requirements.
- If you take cucumbers, they love moist air.
- In tomatoes, due to high humidity, pollen sticks together, as a result of a low yield.
But after all, it is not always possible to have several facilities for growing individual crops on one site at once, but if you really want to?
Many gardeners have been growing these crops together for many years, putting up with the possible loss of some vegetables in favor of others.
Proper division of space
Carrying out the arrangement of greenhouses, you can do the following, simply isolate one crop from another.
- This can be done using plastic wrap.
- In this case, tomatoes, as a more thermophilic crop, are located on the sunny side.
- Thus, artificially high humidity can be created on the side of the cucumbers.
A small but important note
Using this method, you should be aware that you should not plant the same crops in the same place every year, you need to alternate.
- One year, tomatoes are planted in the same soil, and the next year they are interchanged with cucumbers.
- It would be nice if you change the topsoil once a year.
One of the main factors influencing the great and unchanging popularity of gambling is their huge number and variety. Even people who are not at all interested in gambling will certainly recognize that some of the games - even the old and noble roulette - are attractive. In turn, a user who is just starting his adventure with online gambling should be aware of the wide variety of games so that he can choose the best one for himself.
In every casino, whether online or just, we can meet the well-known roulette, baccarat, blacks or one-armed bandits. However, the huge development of entertainment on the Internet has caused individual casinos to outdo each other in developing new games that should provide users with great emotions and entertainment. However, as a general rule, we can divide the huge collection of casino games into five types. Various groups: board games, card games, slot machines, video games and other games that cannot be classified in the previous categories. Let's discuss each of these types in turn.
Board games
The most popular form of casino games is undoubtedly table games and this is probably due to the huge popularity of this type of gameplay dating back to a time when no one knew about online casinos. The noblest of these games is roulette, which enjoys great recognition all over the world, and even those who have not tried this game know its rules well. Other table games include card games such as baccarat, blackjack, or variations of probably the most popular card game, poker. Speaking of card games, it's worth playing poker. This is a game that was automatically associated with the casino for many years, but recently poker rooms have become very popular, in which players of individual games have the opportunity to participate in the game with many opponents, and beginners have the opportunity to get acquainted with the specifics of the game in special free tournaments. . This has led to an increase in the popularity of specific varieties of poker, such as Texas Hold "em No Limit. There are more varieties of poker in the casino, so it is extremely important to check the rules of the specific games in which we participate.
Slot games
Slots are always equally popular. We often find them in different stores or bars. The name of this type of game comes from the simple fact that in order to play them you have to "flip" a coin. In English, this type of game is usually referred to as "slot-games" and slot means "slot". The online version of "slots" means, of course, that you need to invest a certain amount of money accumulated in a virtual account. The most popular game of this kind is the one-armed bandit, in which you need to knock out a certain sequence of symbols to win. In our casino http://vulkanclubonline.net/ you can fully enjoy the many varieties of slot games and get great pleasure playing them.
video games
Video games are becoming more and more popular among gamers who are targeting the younger generation brought up on computer games. Video games are usually a type of slot machine in which the individual puzzle pieces that the player must arrange to win are combined into a specific story. Its guiding thread could be the title of a game like Mystery at the Mansion, referring to detective adventure games set in old residences or great American blockbusters like Gladiator, Hulk, X-Men or Rocky. Most often these are 5-roll games, much more complex than the classic three-roll slot machines.
Other games
The last type of gambling includes even the most popular bingo, which is usually considered to be entertainment for the elderly, which we often see in American films. In this game, in addition to happiness, you need to have a reflex, because the fastest participant wins. At this point, you should also mention the increasingly popular Keno as well as other digital games.
Speaking of gambling, we most often remember poker, roulette or slot machines. But in the world there are such types of gambling entertainment that you don’t even know about. For us, they are exotic, although, say, for the average Australian - betting on the outcome of the race ... sea crabs, is quite commonplace.
These games are often illegal and are played around existing government bans. Let's take a closer look at the world of exotic gambling entertainment.
Slot machines
Pachinko
Pachinko is a kind of gaming machine, reminiscent of a mixture of the well-known "one-armed bandit" and vertical pinball. The game takes place as follows: metal balls are poured into the apparatus from above, and the player, using a lever, controls the speed of shooting them onto the playing field. The balls roll down the labyrinth and most of them go to waste, but at least one of them hits the target and brings a win (a certain number of the same balls).
Officially, it is impossible to receive the cash equivalent of winnings. The balls are used to continue the game or are exchanged for prizes (a lighter, a bottle of perfume, etc.). However, shops (controlled by the yakuza) are often opened near the pachinko halls, where gifts are exchanged for money.
In Japan, the game is incredibly popular, since classic gambling is banned (this explains the lack of cash winnings). Pachinko gambling halls in the land of the rising sun can be found on every corner, and device manufacturers take pride of place in the lists of the richest people on the planet according to Forbes.
Board games
Fang Tian
Fang Tian is an ancient Chinese game with simple rules: the host takes a handful of coins and covers them with something. The square-shaped playing field is divided by diagonals into four triangles. Participants place bets on one of the sectors: 1,2,3 or 4. Next, the dealer opens the coins and begins to separate four pieces with a special long stick, without touching them with his hands.
If as a result of division there is 1 piece, then number 1 wins, 2 - No. 2, 3 - No. 3, 4 - No. 4.
The Chinese play fan tian right on the streets, often using any small objects at hand (beans or buttons) instead of coins. Regular police raids cannot eradicate this gambling entertainment, as money is transferred from hand to hand.
Race
Racing attracts gambling people all over the world. Betting on the outcome of the race is the privilege of aristocrats, and betting on the donkey race is a traditional pastime of Pakistanis. We have selected the most unusual types of racing that can only be found in the world.
- cockroach race
For racing, giant Madagascar cockroaches 6-10 cm long are usually used. They are considered one of the fastest not only among their species, but among all insects. 
The greatest popularity of cockroach racing won in Australia. It is believed that entertainment originated in the small town of Brisbane, where local students organized insect races. This game has become so popular that today cockroach competitions are broadcast on national Australian television, and annually on January 26, the Australian Day of the Cockroach Race is celebrated.
There are several options for holding competitions. The most common is trail running. For such a race, 5-7 grooves about 1.5 m long are organized, in each of which an “athlete” is placed. In order for the cockroaches to start moving to the opposite end of the track, a bright light is turned on at the start (insects are afraid of light and instinctively run to a dark place). The owners are allowed to drive the ward with chopsticks, blow or highlight the path with a flashlight (the main limitation is not to overdo it so as not to cripple the insect). 
Another method does not require a "hippodrome" or other difficulties in conducting. The race is organized on any flat free space where a circle is drawn, and cockroaches are placed in the center. Usually Australians have fun in the yard near the house or on the beach, so insects are covered with any handy object (for example, a saucepan). On a signal, the pan rises, and the cockroaches crawl in different directions. The winner is the one who first crossed the border of the circle.
- Crab and goat races
Crab racing and goat racing is a traditional entertainment for the inhabitants of Trinidad and Tobago (an island state in the southern Caribbean), which is held annually at Easter and attracts many tourists. Despite the funny participants, these competitions are a lucrative business for the island of Tobago.
The entourage of the competition is akin to horse racing - goats are neatly combed, jockeys are present, bets are accepted, commentators announce favorites. Animals need to run a track 100 m long, drovers (local boys play this role) do not saddle animals, but simply run alongside and push them with kicks. The athlete who crosses the finish line first wins.
The blue crabs race is not as dynamic, but no less exciting. Anyone can be a driver. Participants are driven with twigs and set the desired direction of movement. The first one to reach the finish line wins. However, unlike the owner, who will receive the prize, the fate of the crab is not so rosy ... according to tradition, all "athletes" (winner and losers) will have one fate - a pot of boiling water.
Crab races also entertain tourists in the Maldives and Sydney. The Australians have made this fun part of the nightlife. Competitions are held right in the pubs. Participants are numbered and placed in the center of a regular table. Excited vacationers place their bets, and the crustacean that reaches the edge of the table first wins. Prizes are most often beer or branded T-shirts.
- Guinea pig race
Guinea pig races are a wild street activity in Colombia. The rules are as simple as possible: numbered houses are set up on the ground and everyone who wants to bet on which of them the animal will run into. The attraction is designed primarily for tourists, for whom the competition of pigs is a curiosity.
- racing pigeons
Taiwan is considered the birthplace of feathered competitions, where such competitions have been held for several centuries. Local residents organize about 500 races every week, and in total, 2-3 million sports birds are kept on the island. They start training pigeons at two and a half months, and by four they can already participate in competitions.
The main sporting event is the Championship of the Five Races, which, with increasing popularity, began to be held several times a year. Animal activists are protesting against such violence against pigeons, as successful "athletes" are forced to fly up to five thousand kilometers in total per championship.
However, money matters... competition winnings can be as high as a billion Taiwanese dollars.
Exotic fights are more brutal and usually illegal. But this does not prevent them from collecting crowds of eager observers and fans, as well as solid banks of winnings.
- Dambe
Dambe is a deadly martial art, common in West Africa among the representatives of the Hausa people. To participate in the fight, the fighter wraps one hand with a cloth and ties it with a solid cord on top. It looks like a boxing glove. Sometimes, in order to make the fight more brutal, the Hausa wrap the kicking leg with a chain or even jagged metal.
Initially, only representatives of the butcher caste could deal with the dam. They traveled between the villages and staged demonstrations, after which they slaughtered cattle and treated the fans. Today, this peculiar kind of kickboxing no longer has a caste selection, however, it requires excellent physical fitness from athletes.
There are no weight categories in the dam, and suitable opponents are selected by eye. Fights are accompanied by active bets, so “mistakes” are not uncommon (sometimes an outright heavyweight is put up against a slender athlete). The fight lasts three rounds, which are not limited in time.
Young people tend to engage in damming and train hard in boxing gyms. Today, this scuffle has turned into a serious business, and the income of a promising athlete can reach $1-2 thousand per fight.
- Cock-fights
Cockfights were held in ancient India, China and Persia. Later, this type of gambling entertainment conquered Europe and the colonies of North America. Today, cockfights are most popular in Central and South America and Asia.
Fights are held on a round area approximately 6 m in diameter, surrounded by a curb. Roosters fight one on one or all at once (the so-called Royal battle). In the second case, the bird that remains alive or is able to continue the fight wins.
Fighting chickens at the age of six months have their comb removed, as its injury threatens with extensive blood loss. Birds enter the ring at 1-2 years old. Often, roosters are provided with metal or bone spurs 4-6.5 cm long, which cause more damage to the opponent. If the participant refuses to fight, then defeat is counted to him. Bets are accepted before or during the fight.
As a rule, a rooster participates in only one battle, since even the winner dies within a few weeks from his injuries ... In the vast majority of states, cockfights are completely or partially banned.
- dog fighting
Dog fights have been known since ancient Rome. In England, the lower strata of society amused themselves by launching dozens of rats into the dog pit. Spectators placed bets on how many dogs could strangle in a certain period of time. They even crossed two of the most frisky breeds (Terrier and English Bulldog) to get the perfect rat-killer (Bull and Terrier). Later, fights began to be arranged between dogs of different breeds.
Today, this entertainment attracts a narrow circle of dog owners (they arrange competitions and are spectators), and is also a test of the working qualities of the dog.
Dog fights are not as cruel and bloody as cock fights. The goal of the fight is to overwhelm the opponent and pin them to the ground without causing serious injury. Dogs of fighting breeds have always been valued, so the dogs are trained in such a way that even in the hottest heat, she does not tear her opponent and never shows aggression towards a person. According to the rules of some fights, the owner of a dog that cripples or kills an opponent loses his winnings and, in addition, pays compensation to the loser.
Dog fighting is illegal in most countries. They are prohibited by gambling legislation or regulations aimed at protecting animals.
- cricket fights
Cricket fights have been held in China for thousands of years. Insect battles were entertained by ancient emperors, and today it is fun for any Chinese and numerous tourists of the Middle Kingdom.
Crickets are sold all over the place. The most valued specimens come from the province of Shandong. It is believed that they have the best fighting qualities, and the price of an insect with a pedigree (yes, they have a pedigree!) can reach up to $ 5 thousand.
Spending is more than paid off on underground sweepstakes. In China, gambling is prohibited by law (including bets on cricket fights), with the exception of Macau. However, the turnover of the shadow betting business in Shanghai alone is estimated at $63 million.
Before the fight, crickets are weighed on electronic scales and divided into categories. Opponents are placed in a transparent container with a partition. Owners try to piss off the insects by poking them with sticks or brushing their whiskers. As soon as the "athletes" show aggression, the partition is removed and the fight begins. The fight lasts no more than a minute. The one who forced the enemy to retreat wins.
It is believed that the losing cricket will no longer be able to fight, so he is released into the wild or left to live out his due date as a pet. The Chinese treat insects with respect and some even bury crickets that died of old age in the backyard...
