How to Build Your Own Greenhouse: Designs and Plans to Meet Your Growing Needs

by Roger Marshall

Unlock new growing opportunities and increase your property value with an outdoor conservatory. In this illustrated guide, Roger Marshall shows you how to build our own greenhouse using simple, easy-to-follow techniques. Covering everything from selecting a site to glazing glass, Marshall includes tips on laying a foundation, construction materials, ventilation, and much more. Whether your goal is to stretch the growing season or create a lush space for a year-round hot tub, you can build the greenhouse of your dreams. 
 

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Construction

264 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first few chapters of the book, then decided this is too big of a project to take on right now! I skimmed the rest of the book and intend to come back to it when a greenhouse is more realistic.

The book is very complete. The author includes pros and cons of different designs and materials, tips for select a size and shape, charts for figuring out the cost, etc. Then, he goes on to give specific building instructions for a number of different greenhouses - including electrical wiring, laying the foundations, lighting and more. The book even includes information on details such as getting permits and hydroponics. Very comprehensive.

[Guy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly covers the things you should consider regarding greenhouse design features, as well as the ramifications and benefits of the various choices you might make. Would recommend to interested folks. Purchase-worthy. Diagrams and explanations are high quality. No photos of greenhouses. A small few items would have been better served with a diagram where there was none. Fell short in coverage of available technologies, like mineral wool insulation as an alternative to fiberglass, or LEDS as a grow light technology, which should have been included considering the year of publication.

[Laurla2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very helpful book for making plans to build my greenhouse. lots of good info on construction of many different types of greenhouses. also good info on heating and venting, which is what i'm after right now. my notes:
shade cloth by shade rite or acf greenhouses. needs to be tied down against the wind.
vents should be 25% of glazed area, or 10-25% of floor area. if the vents are screened, need to be bigger to counter air resistance.
internal air circulation fans for the days when there is no wind.
nicro-marine solar vent. 7 inch fan runs on solar power. sold at charleysgreenhouse.com
(wall area + roof area) x (inside temp - outside temp) x 1.1 = how much BTU's needed to heat greenhouse.
riddle or screen sieve for screening potting soil.
lots of good resources and links listed in the back.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very thorough and detailed. Explains absolutely every step, process, option. Great illustrations.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has a lot of general information that is important when planning for a greenhouse. Lots of good references

[Ariadna73 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much money needed :-(

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a lot of details for building any kind of greenhouse a person would want to build! Diagrams and practical suggestions, easy to follow instructions and advice.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

very down to earth and easy to approach guide to DIY hot houses