Greenhouses Make it Springtime All Year

Fall foliage is breathtaking, but it's fairly short-lived, and every once in a while you may long for the flowers and fresh vegetables of spring and summer. Maybe it's time to consider building a greenhouse in your backyard.

The ancient Romans were the first to house plants under slabs of rock on top of heated pits. By the 18th century, explorers began to create glasshouses. But it was not until 1800 that gardeners realized light was important to a plant's health. In 1851, Sir Joseph Paxton, a horticulturist for a British duke and the leading landscaper of his generation, erected London's Crystal Palace, a structure of iron and glass - the first of its kind in the world. Paxton's creation set the stage for future greenhouse design.

But the greatest achievements for home greenhouses have come in the last 40 years. Today, about 1,500 people are members of the Hobby Greenhouse Association, a group that provides enthusiasts with advice on the upkeep of home greenhouses.

If you are thinking about constructing and maintaining a greenhouse in your own backyard - whether it be to have vegetables all year or simply because gardening is your passion - here are some things to consider:

TYPES

A hot greenhouse should be at least 65 F, ideal for tropical or exotic plants. The temperature remains about 55 F in a warm greenhouse, which is good for growing sunflowers or lettuce, which are normally planted outdoors. This type of greenhouse is suited for those who want to protect their outdoor gardens in the winter months.

In a cold greenhouse, the temperature should be between 40 and 45 F. This climate is best for growing seedlings, which rarely require lots of heat, and it is a great place to get a jump-start on summer gardens, including tomatoes, a plant that is often hard to grow.

BUILDING YOUR GREENHOUSE

After you have decided what type of greenhouse you want, start planning its location. Pay attention to the parts of your backyard that get maximum amounts of sunlight during the day. Greenhouses should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight a day, but you can supplement light with lamps if necessary, especially during winter's shorter days. Check with experts at a nursery, garden center or commercial greenhouse for advice on what type of supplemental light will serve your needs. (It varies, depending on the types of plants you are growing.)

Also, consider the design of your greenhouse. For example, if you live in a snowy climate, you will have to build a house with an arched, rounded roof that forces the precipitation to the ground. Mounds of snow piled on top of the greenhouse could cause structural damage and reduce the temperature inside. You also have to decide if you want a greenhouse that is separate from your home or one that is attached. It is all up to you.

MAINTENANCE

The fun begins once your greenhouse is up and running. The key to success is paying attention to your plants. Keep the temperature constant, and water and fertilize plants as directed. Remember, as a greenhouse keeper, green is now your signature color. Wear it well.

Local Resources

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