Hobby Greenhouses and Other Gardening Structures (NE 77)
The opportunity to accelerate or control plant growth is both exciting and useful. However, the choice of structure and equipment used can be confusing. Everything from cold frames to greenhouses is available. Before making a choice you should decide what type of gardening you want to do. If you are a plant lover with very little time for gardening, an area or room in the home can become an aesthetic, low cost greenhouse for indoor plants. Many gardeners find that fluorescent light fixtures are an inexpensive addition that can be used to light indoor plants or to start seedlings. A cold frame may be a good choice if you want to start a few seedlings in the spring. Heating cable can be added to the cold frame for better control of the plant environment. Another option some people prefer is an inexpensive plastic covered greenhouse to shelter seedlings, in part because it is pleasant to be inside protected from the blustery, rainy days of spring. A heater and ventilation fan makes this same greenhouse useful for a longer season and for a greater variety of plants. The plastic covered greenhouse in kit form or owner designed also provides a moderately priced way to learn how to greenhouse garden and if you like it. But, for many gardeners, only the glass greenhouse is acceptable. Certainly the glass greenhouse can be a permanent, attractive addition to the home landscape. Inside, the clear glass gives a feeling of open space and makes greenhouse gardening a pleasant experience. On the other hand, a glass greenhouse and its associated equipment does cost several thousand dollars, which is too expensive for many people. This booklet can help you choose a plant growing structure to fit your gardening needs. A number of plans for plant growing structures and equipment are also included. Information on plant culture is not included, but can be obtained by contacting your state's land grant university or your local cooperative extension office..