Black & Decker The Complete Guide to DIY Greenhouses, Updated 2nd Edition: Build Your Own Greenhouses, Hoophouses, Cold Frames & Greenhouse Accessories

243 Pages·2017·66.64 MB·English

by  Editors of Cool Springs Press

BLACK+DECKER
The Complete Guide to DIY

GREENHOUSES
Updated 2nd Edition

Build Your Own Greenhouses, Hoophouses,
Cold Frames & Greenhouse Accessories

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
© 2017 Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc.

First edition published in 2011 as The Complete Guide to
Greenhouses and Garden Projects by Creative Publishing
international. This edition published 2017 by Cool Springs Press, an
imprint of Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc., 400 First Avenue North,
Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401 USA. Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

quartoknows.com
Visit our blogs at quartoknows.com

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any
form without written permission of the copyright owners. All images
in this book have been reproduced with the knowledge and prior
consent of the artists concerned, and no responsibility is accepted
by producer, publisher, or printer for any infringement of copyright
or otherwise, arising from the contents of this publication. Every
effort has been made to ensure that credits accurately comply with
information supplied. We apologize for any inaccuracies that may
have occurred and will resolve inaccurate or missing information in a
subsequent reprinting of the book.

ISBN: 978-1-59186-674-9

Digital edition: 978-0-76035-477-3
Softcover edition: 978-1-59186-674-9

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016962897

Acquiring Editor: Mark Johanson
Project Manager: Madeleine Vasaly
Art Director: Brad Springer
Layout: Danielle Smith-Boldt

Printed in China

Cool Springs Press titles are also available at discounts in bulk
quantity for industrial or sales-promotional use. For details contact
the Special Sales Manager at Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc.,
400 First Avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401 USA.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

BLACK+DECKER and the BLACK+DECKER logo are trademarks of The Black & Decker Corporation and are used under license. All rights reserved.

NOTICE TO READERS

For safety, use caution, care, and good judgment when following the procedures described in this book. The publisher and
BLACK+DECKER cannot assume responsibility for any damage to property or injury to persons as a result of misuse of the
information provided.
The techniques shown in this book are general techniques for various applications. In some instances, additional
techniques not shown in this book may be required. Always follow manufacturers’ instructions included with products,
since deviating from the directions may void warranties. The projects in this book vary widely as to skill levels required:
some may not be appropriate for all do-it-yourselfers, and some may require professional help.
Consult your local building department for information on building permits, codes, and other laws as they apply to
your project.
Contents

11

78

101

The Complete Guide to
DIY Greenhouses

Introduction 7
Greenhouses 9
Choosing a Greenhouse 10
Where to Site Your Greenhouse 16
Greenhouse Elements 18
Greenhouse Styles 48
Gallery of Greenhouses 54
Greenhouse Projects 67
Custom Victorian Greenhouse 68
DIY Gabled Greenhouse 88
Freestanding Kit Greenhouse 94
PVC Hoophouse 102
Shed-Style Greenhouse 108
Sun Porch Kit 122
Low-Maintenance Sunroom 140
Special Section: Upcycled Greenhouses & Cold Frames 149
Where to Start 150
The Materials 151
Upcycled Projects 154
182

Old-Window Greenhouse 156
Old-Window Portable Cold Frame 164
Tree Branch Hoophouse 168
Bamboo Trellis 172
Greenhouse Companion Projects 177
Cold Frame Box 178
Jumbo Cold Frame 182
Raised Planting Bed 188
Raised Planting Bed & Cover 192
Seed Starter Rack 198
Greenhouse Workbench 202
Built-In Potting Bench 206
Simple Potting Bench 210
High-Low Potting Bench 214
Lettuce Table 218
Trellis Planter 222
Planter with Hanging Trellis 226
Solar Produce Dryer 232
Resources/Photo Credits 235
Metric Conversion Charts 236
Index 238

192

210

232
Introduction

greenhouse may seem like a luxury, because that’s exactly what it is—an everyday
A luxury. It is an extraordinary structure that can, if used correctly, pay for itself. A
greenhouse allows you to grow exactly the ornamentals and edibles you want, rather
than settling for those that you find in local nurseries and home centers. More than that,
the right greenhouse in the right location is a gardener’s getaway, a tiny slice of tropical
paradise that makes bitter winter cold disappear (if only for an hour or so) and provides a
lush vacation spot steps from your back door.

Small home “hobby” greenhouses for the masses
are a relatively recent historical phenomenon; the
evolution of the greenhouse is grounded in the
whims of the wealthy. The first recorded use of
hotbeds and cold frames was ensuring Roman
emperors had cucumbers in winter. The English
greenhouse culture that is so pervasive in the
United Kingdom today began on the estates of the
landed gentry—aristocrats who wanted fresh citrus
and pineapples without the bother of importing
those delicacies.
Ultimately, however, the idea of growing crops
out of season or out of locality was far too appealing
to be confined to the rich. Home gardeners of more
modest means soon adopted simpler greenhouses
so that they could have fresh vegetables all year
round, or get a jump on flowers for their gardens,
and that promise is still what draws home gardeners
to greenhouses today.
Wonder if a greenhouse would be right for
you? Ask yourself a few basic questions: Are you
ready to start your own flower-bed showoffs rather
than buying flat after flat at the local nursery each
spring? Would you like the satisfaction and flavor
of growing your own super-healthy greens, fruits,
and vegetables? Would you like to experiment with
crops that normally would not grow in your zone,
including tropical plants like orchids, avocadoes, and

pineapples? If the answer to any of these is yes, it’s
time to consider which greenhouse is best for you.
Before taking the plunge, you’ll need to consider
the many factors and options that go into setting
up a greenhouse. No worries: we’ve covered all
those basics in the pages that follow, leading you to
choices based on what you want to grow and how
you want to grow it.
Fortunately, a greenhouse need not break
the bank. You can find an entire spectrum of
prefabricated types, from zip-up plastic covers over
hutch-sized metal frames all the way up to housesized “conservatories” that can dominate a large
property. The range of available prefabricated sizes,
materials, and technologies ensures that there is
a greenhouse for everyone—and if you can’t find
exactly what you want from a manufacturer, you
can build your own. You’ll find many wonderful
possibilities in the project section of this book.
A greenhouse is even more productive and
rewarding when coupled with features such as seed
starter racks, custom workbenches, and cost-saving
graywater systems. You can also supplement the
bounty of the greenhouse with structures such as
covered raised beds and portable cold frames that
help keep plants warm and protected in garden
beds. You’ll find a wealth of these “greenhouse
complements” in the projects section as well.

INTRODUCTION 7