Build A Greenhouse

A backyard greenhouse is a handy solution, but it can be an expensive one. Some gardeners tend to bite off more greenhouse than they can chew. The North Carolina Cooperative Extension publication "A Small Backyard Greenhouse for the Home Gardener" provides plans for building an inexpensive 12 X 14 foot "hoophouse" out of PVC pipe, electrical metallic tubing, plastic sheeting and pine lumber. The four page publication provides information on how to choose the best site along with step-by-step building instructions. Plans may be downloaded at: www.bae.ncsu.edu/programs/extension/publicat/postharv/green/small_greenhouse.pdf. Other helpful resources can be found at: http://clark.wsu.edu/volunteer/mg/gm_tips/hoophouses.html. Start thinking about building your greenhouse this year to usher tender plants through the winter outdoors or to get a jump on spring propagation.