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 full fledged endeavor on the part of greenhouse entrepreneurs and “homesteaders.”

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 sametime 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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction…………………………………….. 4

Chapter 1: a Peek into a Greenhouse: a Primer9
What is a greenhouse?………………………….. 9
How does a greenhouse capture heat? ………. 9

Chapter 2: Types of Greenhouses……………. 16
Hot Greenhouse ………………………………… 19
Warm Greenhouse……………………………… 20
Cool Greenhouse……………………………….. 20
Lean-To ………………………………………….. 22
Detached…………………………………………. 22
Ridge/Furrow……………………………………. 23
Glass ……………………………………………… 26
Fiberglass………………………………………… 27
Plastic…………………………………………….. 28
Polythylene………………………………………. 29
PVC ……………………………………………….. 29

Chapter 3: Tools and Materials for Your
Greenhouse ……………………………………….. 30
Greenhouse tables, shelving and plant holders………… 35
Greenhouse garden coil indoor/outdoor watering wand …… 36

Chapter 4: Tips for Your Greenhouse ……….. 38

Chapter 5: Greenhouse Resources
References for Hobbyists ……………………… 42
Your Wonderland…………………………………. 47
Conclusion…………………………………………. 56