Book Description
The fundamentals of assembling a greenhouse and custom designing it to the gardener's needs, from simple cold frames to large free-standing and attached-to-the-house structures.
Customer Reviews:
I built one of the Greenhouses from this book.......2007-01-12
This book was well written and offered many interesting greenhouse plans. I built a 22x40 foot model from the plans and have been very happy with the results.
Building Your Own Greenhouse (Greenhouse Basics).......2006-01-30
Pretty simple to follow instructions and drawings. Not the most exciting book of its kind I have read recently, but some good information and alternative building ideas.
The Least Expensive Way to Get Started.......2006-01-10
This is simply a magnificent book on how to construct your own hobby greenhouse as well as other gardening structures such as simple cold frames or installing a bay window with a nice ledge in your home. The main advantage of building your own greenhouse is cost-savings; manufactured greenhouses are very expensive to buy and even more expensive to have assembled. And you don't need to be a handyman to put one together - in most cases you'll be building a frame to hold plastic sheeting to keep out the cold and let in the sun's rays. So what if it's a little crooked here or there? Chances are neither you nor anyone else will notice, but the flowering assortment of vegetables, fruits, and specimen plants will grab everyone's attention!
The author, Mark Freeman, shares his own experiences as well as the experiences of others in building greenhouse structures. First he explains how greenhouses work. Then he shows you every step toward the completion of your own hobby greenhouse. The rest of the chapters are 'Site Selection and Laying a Foundation', 'Framing', 'Glazing', 'Ventilation' (a very important chapter because successful greenhouse gardening hinges on this), 'Supplemental Heating, Insulation, and Heat Sinks', 'Plumbing and Wiring', and 'Shutters and Shades'. Sources for suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors are also listed in appendices. In conclusion, he shares designs for eleven different DIY greenhouse structures including a hoop house. Another design is called Mary's Madhouse (an attached second-floor solar greenhouse built lean-to fashion over top of an adjoining shed) and Alwin's Plumber's Friend is a greenhouse made from PVC pipe. Mark Freeman's greenhouse is attached to his home and includes a hot tub nestled among his seedlings and houseplants.
In short, this is a great resource for the home gardener who has thought about building his or her first little greenhouse because you will no doubt experience success without too much fuss.
Just what we need to be self relient!.......2001-10-17
Fun and informative reading. Many ideas to increase you excitement while growing your own food and herbs all year and selling the extra, for a good profitable hobby. See also "Secrets to a Successful Greenhouse and Business"
Just what we need to be self relient!.......2001-10-17
Fun and informative reading. Many ideas to increase you excitement while growing your own food and herbs all year and selling the extra, for a good profitable hobby. See also "Secrets to a Successful Greenhouse and Business"
Book Description
Imagine savoring the taste of your own homegrown tomato, fresh from the vine, in February! How about harvesting fresh organic salad greens year-round, or stepping into a blossom-laden tropical paradise on the coldest of winter days? Today, greenhouses and sunrooms are real living spaces where gardeners spend as much time with a book and a cup of coffee as they do with a watering can and a pair of pruning shoes. In this fully revised edition of a best-selling classic, veteran gardener Shane Smith embraces this new lifestyle approach to greenhouse gardening.
Customer Reviews:
The best book for experienced gardeners new to greenhouses.......2007-09-16
Actually the title says it all. I wish I had time to read lots of books
about greenhouse gardening but I don't. An experienced gardener, I'm new to greenhouse gardening and struck gold when I bought this book. It isn't dumbed down and is fast and fun to read.
The book doesn't begin at square one but does explain the important differences between gardening in an outside
garden and a greenhouse. One example; the reason fans are needed during the day (while photo synthesis is taking place) is to prevent a CO2 deficient envelope from surrounding the leaves. Also, explaination of
how to pollinate in an environment with no birds or insects is helpful.
Varieties of vegetables and flowers are discussed and why certain ones are
better suited. Trouble shooting and "when things go wrong" chapters are
good. Also, I learned more than I thought was possible about light and the different qualities of light plants need. Again, advice on when a
less expensive alternative will work was very welcome.
I'm so happy I bought this book BEFORE our greenhouse is complete because
the chapters on design and environment have given me a master plan for the space we have. Also, throughout the book are money saving ideas and
words of warning from experience. This author knows his subject inside out, is very good at communicating and doesn't use 100 words when 50 will do. Buy the book-you won't be disappointed!
Great Buy.......2007-09-10
I purchased this book on previous recommendations listed and am very pleased that I did. Great book for those just starting to think about using a greenhouse or for someone who needs a few extra tips. Well written with good descriptions.
M. Guenard.......2007-08-26
This book is an absolute MUST for any Northern gardener!
Before I start raving about the different indispensible topics covered in this book, I will also mention that in the spring of 2006 I also bought "Gardening in Your Greenhouse, by Mark Freeman".
I`ve waited a year - virtually two growing seasons - and I'm ready to give my review(s). This is my first and only review so far on this site.
A year ago this spring, I had just ordered my 6 ml. polyethylene steel frame greenhouse & I read Freeman's book first. I was so discouraged I almost cancelled the order. When you live in Northeastern Vermont, the climate is jokingly referred to as "10 months of winter & 2 months bad skiing" (zone 4/sometimes 3 depending on the year). The whole point of having a greenhouse is to extend the seasons but Freeman's view on this subject seems to be; "Don't bother! When it gets cold it gets cold and unless you want to spend a fortune, you'll just have to live with it."(Not a direct quote but that's the gist you get from his book).
"The Greenhouse Gardener's Companion" on the other hand gives you all the tools you need to beat back the elements and enjoy the fruits of your labor when everything outside that flimsy sheet of plastic has long since died.
Shane Smith goes into extensive detail on how to build "Thermal Mass" in your greenhouse - the natural, non-electric heat sinks that will keep your greenhouse warm; barrels of water, jugs of water, brick, stone, gravel, etc. He also tells you exactly how to calculate just how much water (or other materials) you'll need to keep your greenhouse above acceptable growing temperatures using the square footage and the thickness of the glazing and of course your growing zone. He also gives spectacular examples of his research; sub-zero conditions and the actual temperatures inside greenhouses using appropriate thermal mass; e.g. a solar greenhouse in Wyoming on a night with -30F temps. with a 15mph wind & the temp inside the greenhouse at 32F heated only by thermal mass.
In the summer there's the opposite problem - how to keep the greenhouse cool. Smith describes the science of airflow & how to calculate the size and position of your lower and upper air vents to naturally siphon the heat through the space and create a natural cooling system (without fans!).
Unfortunately, I had set up my greenhouse before I read Smith's book, or I would have done a lot of things differently (at that point I had only read Freeman's book and was working on dogged determination and not much else). If I had read the "Greenhouse Gardener's Companion" I would have also put insulation around my 3-foot deep gravel base for instance. I had installed 6 vents near the bottom, which didn't seem to do anything to disperse the heat - but once I put in new vents according to Smith's calculations, the greenhouse virtually cooled itself. I do run one household fan near the upper vent but today I forgot; the outside temperature was 85F & the greenhouse temperature was only 92F. Need I say more!
Smith's book also covers all the essentials of greenhouse gardening including the unique problems of pollinating in a closed space and recommends self-pollinating varieties & other tricks to get things growing robustly. One of the other reviewers has suggested that no one would actually read this cover to cover, well I did, and it was a worthwhile read.
But the proof is in the pudding isn't it? In my zone, planting frost tender plants isn't recommended until the first or second week of June, with frost still possible. Well, I had almost all my seedlings in flats in my greenhouse by late April (this being my first spring I held back a little - I did keep my frost tender seedlings inside). On the other end of the scale, last fall we had tomatoes from the greenhouse in late October, and salad greens in November. This year I've added more thermal mass so who knows?
My conclusion: if you're a gardener who wants to keep growing when the nay sayers say you can't - buy The Greenhouse Gardener's Companion.
A "Must Have" Book.......2007-05-07
We just built a Growing Dome and needed a few books on greenhouse growing. This is the first one we grab for answers. Shane Smith is so complete, and he can relate to the extremes in our Western weather, affecting the greenhouse. Love this book. A great purchase.
Start here for Help, greenhouse?.......2007-03-25
5 Stars, to me that means read on my friend. Depending on your level of skill, I have none, but the desire was there. Ok, I got the Greenhouse when I moved in 14x14 freestanding, baseboard heat and plumbed, the owner was dead and nothing was hooked up or working. What do I do with it. what was it worth, should I tear it down or restore it. No one wants someone elses, headache or was it soon to be my white elephant. I needed help! I fixed the automatic ventilation, but how do I decide whats next and what's not. This book came recommended for getting my head on straight and not looking to far and checking first things first. Hey was the right kind of light getting through the 30 yr old fiberglass? What if the thing is all wrong... This book eased my mind into the basics and still has plenty to offer. Good reading if your planning or have adopted as I did. I'd loan you mine, but of course I am keeping it. I think you could save time and money.
Book Description
For avid gardeners, the biggest downside of the hobby is the limited growing season in much of the country. Gardening during the winter is often reduced to tending houseplants and browsing seed catalogs for next summer’s tomato choices.
Master Gardener and builder Roger Marshall enthusiastically presents his case for home greenhouses with a thorough examination of everything the potential builder needs to know. Marshall’s coverage of the subject begins with a careful consideration of the various purposes served by greenhouses. Will the structure be used as a damp, warm hothouse for rare orchids? A tropical paradise for banana and citrus trees? A friendlier environment in which to get a jump on a summer vegetable garden is the goal for many gardeners, while an inviting setting for a year-round hot tub surrounded by lush greenery has an undeniable appeal. Whatever its eventual use will be, Marshall helps the reader examine every option and make an informed choice.
After determining the type and style of the structure, Marshall progresses, chapter by chapter, through the construction elements of the greenhouse — from choosing a site, to laying the foundation and determining which glazing material will work best. Plumbing, heating, supplemental lighting, misting, and automatic venting systems are also covered for the truly committed reader/gardener.
The final section of the book includes detailed plans for nine actual greenhouses, from a simple cold frame to an elaborately detailed framed, detached structure. Whatever the greenhouse goal, Marshall opens the way to longer growing seasons, abundant organically grown fruits and vegetables, and many more happy months playing in the dirt!
Customer Reviews:
HOW TO BUILD YOUR OWN GREENHOUSE covers it all.......2007-05-12
Any who would build a greenhouse will find HOW TO BUILD YOUR OWN GREENHOUSE: DESIGNS AND PLANS TO MEET YOUR GROWING NEEDS offers up the hope of year-round gardening as it explores a range of greenhouse designs and options, from simple cold frames to elaborate freestanding tropical constructions. Chapters cover basic freestanding and extension designs for greenhouses, include lean-tos and garden shed blends, and discuss not only construction of independent structures, but how to incorporate them into an existing home. From floor to ceiling options, HOW TO BUILD YOUR OWN GREENHOUSE covers it all, includes design tips and basic plans, and is a pick for any library strong in homeowner's or gardener's construction references.
The info I was looking for!.......2007-02-19
I am always looking for ways to improve my gardening and this book offers excellent instructions on building several different types of greenhouses.
Book Description
In Your Greenhouse is a basic easy-to-read guide for the novice greenhouse gardener. The helpful information, illustrations and color photographs answer the many questions people have about year-round gardening in a greenhouse
Customer Reviews:
limited information.......2004-09-30
Good basic beginners book. Limited number of pages of information that could have been more detailed. I am just exploring building a greenhouse and was seeking advice from this book. I did increase my knowledge to some degree and was not overly disappointed considering the low price but I will need to keep searching for a "better" book.
A handy little how to........1999-04-20
This little book was all I needed to start out and finish my year round greenhouse gardening plan. From its year round gardening callender to its helpfull tips the author shows tremendous knowledge in the area of greenhouse gardening, in a very practical way. For anyone who would like to start, or anyone looking for fresh ideas I recomend reading this book. Thank you Greta!
Book Description
& 98 drawings & 6 x 9. Tips on gardening year-round & Useful for all types of greenhouses How to raise plants in the home greenhouse, with information on selecting equipment, preparing the soil, watering, regulating heat and light, starting seeds, fighting pests, transplanting, and hardening off--all presented in a lively, down-to-earth manner. Helpful hints on growing vegetables and herbs, flowering and nonflowering houseplants, and flowers that can be harvested in quantity. Mark Freeman, author of Building Your Own Greenhouse and The Solar Home lives in East Greenwich, New York, in a solar home he designed and built. He gardens in an attached greenhouse, which he also designed and built.
Customer Reviews:
Good Content/Very Helpful.......2000-06-14
Most books on Greenhouse Gardening focus on the building of the greenhouse itself and don't spend enough time talking about the gardening process. This is a great book for a person who moves into a new home and already has a greenhouse. This book is an excellent education in greenhouse gardening.
Book Description
Home Solar Gardening, has provided readers with expert advice on every aspect of solar growing. Now updated for the 90's, this step-by-step guide will appeal to both seasoned solar gardeners and novice alike.
Customer Reviews:
An amazing book.......1999-01-17
I have the older-unupdated version of this book and I am really happy that it is still available. It has everything in it from how to garden in your home (as is) to building a variety of solar structures (from outdoor "boxes" to solar pits and free standing greenhouses). Also there are recipes for soaps, teas and things like that which can be made from greenhouse-grown items. This book is really comprehensive and easy to read-- and emphasizes economically viable ways of doing things, and also variations for northern climates, which I really appreciate.
Recommended whole-heartedly!
Much happiness with your solar gardening, tonya
Customer Reviews:
Does this book even need another 5-star review?.......2007-10-06
Even if you don't want to garden year round (if you do this is the only book you need), it's a fascinating and fact-filled read. He tells how to garden more efficiently, how to compost and rejuvenate soil with crop rotation and "green manure" and which direction to plant rows for optimal time in the sun. There are formulas throughout such as how high a retaining wall to build to protect plants from cold (the wall heats up during the day and radiates warmth back during the night), or how many degrees to slant a bed to maximize sun and minimize cold wind damage. He tells how to plan succession planting to have vegetables year round, rather than one humungous crop all at once. His tone is congenial, never talking down or above his target audience. It's fascinating--if you buy you won't be sorry!
ORGANIC HOME GARDENER.......2007-08-04
This book is loaded with dynamite information. I have enjoyed reading it and will certainly make use of the info therein in the future!
Four-Season Harvest: Organic Vegetables from Your Home Garden All Year Long.......2007-07-15
Eliot Coleman has combined how-to text with drawings that inform and inspire. Highly recommended reading!
Helpful info.......2007-06-28
I am very excited about becoming self-sufficient in feeding my family of six. This book has extremely helpful ideas that are very cost effective. Highly recommend this book.
The bible of 4-season gardening.......2007-04-18
There is nothing like the satisfaction of talking to another seasoned gardener and having them say "isn't it too early for snap-peas?" and responding "nope, mine are doing great". This book gave me the confidence and knowledge to plant a month and a half earlier than I have ever planted before, without protection for the plants even!
It lays out in simple terms variety selection, location, timing and all the information you need to be harvesting vegetables literally all year round all the way down to zone 3!!
Customer Reviews:
Too little time to do it all.......2006-11-22
Continually get inspired by the awesome ideas presented in this book. I should reorder a new book as mine is really getting a little ragged from use. Definitely recommend this book. Ideas abound.
Feast for the Eye, Food for the Soul..........1998-05-28
The Decorated Garden Room is an inspirational foray through the beauties of the old, worn and commonplace brought together in beautiful harmony and mingled with flowers. It is food for the spirit, a lovely adventure in masterful photography. The project ideas presented are anywhere from simple to moderately labor-intensive, but in my opinion the main value of the book lies in its inspirational value. It is a real motivator for those who wish to live surrounded by beauty, but lack the vast sums necessary to create palatial gardens. The style is whimsical and eclectic, appealing to children as well as adults. I highly recommend this book as a starting point for gathering decorating ideas, both for the interior and the garden. Those with an interest in English, cottage and country gardens, and those who enjoy unusual outdoor family projects will enjoy this book.
Average customer rating:
- Excellent Book
- Just what I was looking for!
|
The 12-Month Gardener: Simple Strategies for Extending Your Growing Season
Jeff Ashton
Manufacturer: Lark Books
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ASIN: 157990193X |
Amazon.com
For vegetable gardeners who dread winter and grocery store produce aisles, Jeff Ashton has an answer, and it's this: don't allow the cold to come. Cover your plants like you would a child in a crib. The 12 Month Gardener is a book about defying the tyranny of seasons by building contraptions that control the plant's environment. It's a clearly written, detailed guide to constructing row covers, tunnels, and greenhouses.
A personal and anecdotal introduction is followed by teacherly, informative chapters on topics such as "Materials, Tools, and Construction Hints," "Vegetables for Cold Weather Gardens," and "The Ultimate Greenhouse." Specific building processes are explained in clear prose, although some knowledge of carpentry is required to fully understand the directions.
This is a book very much for gardeners who've become addicted to the taste of a fresh-picked tomato's sugars or the delicate texture of raw homegrown spinach. Beyond that, it also shows you how to be imaginative and proactive about the environment of your garden. With a bit of work, you don't have to say farewell to the growing season if you aren't ready to. --Emily White
Book Description
“A solid guide to creating contraptions that can help you start gardening earlier and keep going longer.”—Chicago Tribune. “Beautifully produced...focuses on ways to inexpensively protect crops from low temperatures....Includes many full-color photographs showing apparatus used to protect crops....A tremendous pleasure to read.”—HortIdeas.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Book.......2003-10-22
This book has a wealth of wonderful ideas for the serious gardener who wants to extend her/his season. Although I do not intend to go to the lengths that the author does, I have gleened numerous ideas, many of which I have already put to use in the short time I have owned the book. If you are serious about extending your season, this is the book to buy!!
Just what I was looking for!.......2001-12-30
I love this book, and will refer to it often.
Mr. Ashton has provided the reader with clear photos and excellent instructions for a large variety of season extenders. He also explains WHY he prefers certain materials over others.
Reading this book, written by someone more experienced will be a big help to those of us just starting out.
I can't wait to get started!
Customer Reviews:
Very basic stuff .......2007-01-30
This book won't be of much use except to the very novice.
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- Creating Your Own Japanese Garden
- Creating Your Own Japanese Garden
- Creating Your Own Japanese Garden
- Creative Cloth Doll Faces: Using Paints, Pastels, Fibers, Beading, Collage, and Sculpting Techniques
- Designing with Succulents
- Designing with Succulents
Books Index
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Greenhouse Gardener's Companion: Growing Food and Flowers in Your Greenhouse or Sunspace
Gardening in Your Greenhouse (Greenhouse Basics , No 2)
Greenhouses
