All About Greenhouse Growing!

Table of Contents:

Introduction...3
Chapter 1: a Peek into a Greenhouse: a Primer...8
What is a greenhouse?...8
How does a greenhouse capture heat?...8
Chapter 2: Types of Greenhouses...15
Hot Greenhouse...18
Warm Greenhouse...19
Cool Greenhouse...19
Lean-To...21
Detached...21
Ridge/Furrow...22
Glass...25
Fiberglass...26
Plastic...27
Polythylene...28
PVC...28
Chapter 3: Tools and Materials for Your Greenhouse...29
Greenhouse tables, shelving and plant holders...34
Greenhouse garden coil indoor/outdoor watering wand...35
Chapter 4: Tips for Your Greenhouse...37
Chapter 5: Greenhouse Resources / References for Hobbyists...41
Your Wonderland...46
Conclusion...55


Introduction
A growing number of people at least have one
greenhouse story to share.
The idea of growing food at controlled temperatures all
year round and extending the growing season have set
fire to people’s imaginations. No wonder the
greenhouse building industry has recorded phenomenal
growth.
From construction plans to tools and accessories for
greenhouses, individuals are working on all fours to
satisfy the increasing demands of consumers who have
made building their own greenhouses top priority. This
trend, which started humbly in the 70’s, is now a fullfledged
endeavor on the part of greenhouse
entrepreneurs and “homesteaders.”
5
One greenhouse story told by a woman was particularly
moving. Months before the spring, her husband bought
the materials required for building a greenhouse. His
plan was to attach it to the house.
The woman had protested because he was at the same
time going through radiation and chemotherapy
treatments for his cancer. His wife said he should be
resting instead of puttering about with shelves and
glass and plastic.
What he said broke her heart. He wanted to build and
finish the greenhouse while he still had some strength
left, because he knew for a long time that she had
always wanted one in their backyard. He said he
wanted to see the joy in her face when she started
planting her tomatoes or gardenias or whatever else
she wanted to put there.
6
Greenhouses are an extension of our personalities.
Most especially, it mirrors our soul and what we want
from life.
And what we want is a steady supply of home-grown
healthy food. During these precarious times when
terrorist attacks and life-threatening calamities can cast
us in the dark indefinitely, we have one thing we can
be sure of – the tomatoes and cucumbers that are in
the food basket in the kitchen will tide us over should
the country go on emergency mode.
The sweet potatoes and carrots will be around, and
there will be more from the greenhouse to feed our
families for a few weeks before things return to normal.
Not that we believe that a shortage will ever happen,
the country has become much more prepared for any
kind of emergency, but just on the off chance…
7
If greenhouses can save our lives, we may, at some
point in time, consider the idea of building one soon, a
first step towards self-sufficiency.
It’s not just a constant supply of healthy food that
concerns individuals, but a greenhouse – and building it
– can be sources of pure enjoyment and clean fun for
everyone in the family. Most greenhouse owners are
familiar with the advantages of growing their own
plants and flowers, prolonging the growing season and
the possibility of heating their home. And who knows?
They could be selling fresh produce in the communities
they live in.
There are many greenhouse models to choose from.
You can go from affordable to very expensive. You can
build a greenhouse by using junk or a plastic film
stretched over a rudimentary structure, or purchase
elaborate metal and glass pre-manufactured sunrooms.
8
Each of them serves the fundamental function of
extending the growing season. Even the question of
irrigation can be simple or complex, depending on your
preferences.
Just want to make it a hobby? Why not? Homeowners
attach theirs to their homes. Even schools have
greenhouses built by elementary and high school
students.
Finally, the wholesome taste of a home-grown tomato!
Everyone knows there is a difference. But really,
between you and I, it goes beyond just tomatoes.
Perseverance, labor of love and the sweet anticipation
of “harvest time” are what truly matter.
9
Chapter 1: a Peek into a Greenhouse: a Primer
What is a greenhouse?
A greenhouse is also called a glasshouse or a hothouse.
It is a structure where plants – fruits, vegetables,
flowers...