CompuServe Thread

#greenhouses

2 messages in this thread
#850From: Bob BelasFeb 11, 1992 6:48 PM
I'm in the process of obtaining information from the various manufacturers of pre-fab greenhouses to build a lean-to greenhouse in the late Spring. There are so many builders and so many options that I'm a bit confused by all the hype in the advertisements. Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations on what to look for in these pre-fab kits? I've picked up several books on greenhouse design, but I sure would like a "consumer reports" style evaluation. Any information at all would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
#856From: Virginia D. BlakelockFeb 11, 1992 7:34 PM
Did you get the latest Ortho book on building greenhouses? It is pretty good (I helped a little on it). Fine Gardening had an article on home greenhouses last spring that covered some of the glazings, etc. The Hobby Greenhouse Association (a non-profit group of hobby greenhouse owners) publishes a Directory of Manufacturers ($1) which lists all the greenhouse companies, describes their products, prices, etc. Their address is HGA, 8 Glen Terrace, Bedford MA 01730 (Tel 617-275-0377). They also publish a wonderful quarterly magazine called Hobby Greenhouse. Dues are $12 a year. I was President of the HGA for a couple of years, and you are not alone in your problem. You just have to do a lot of homework, particularly with an eye to where you live, whether you want to heat it in the winter, and most important, how much money you want to spend. I wrote an article on planning for a home greenhouse (which Fine Gardening "borrowed" from in their article); if I can figure out how to upload it to one of the libraries here, I will. Or I will mail you a hard copy if you e-mail me your address. I do have a greenhouse and can answer any specific questions you have.