Steve McZen

A growing number of people at least have one greenhouse

story to share.

The idea of growing food at controlled temperatures all year

round and extending the growing season have set fire to

people’s imaginations. No wonder the greenhouse building

industry has recorded phenomenal growth.

From construction plans to tools and accessories for

greenhouses, individuals are working on all fours to satisfy

the increasing demands of consumers who have made

building their own greenhouses top priority. This trend, which

started humbly in the 70’s, is now a full-fledged endeavor on

the part of greenhouse entrepreneurs and “homesteaders.”

One greenhouse story told by a woman was particularly

moving. Months before the spring, her husband bought the

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materials required for building a greenhouse. His plan was to

attach it to the house.

The woman had protested because he was at the same time

going through radiation and chemotherapy treatments for his

cancer. His wife said he should be resting instead of puttering

about with shelves and glass and plastic.

What he said broke her heart. He wanted to build and finish

the greenhouse while he still had some strength left, because

he knew for a long time that she had always wanted one in

their backyard. He said he wanted to see the joy in her face

when she started planting her tomatoes or gardenias or

whatever else she wanted to put there.

Greenhouses are an extension of our personalities. Most

especially, it mirrors our soul and what we want from life.

And what we want is a steady supply of home-grown healthy

food. During these precarious times when terrorist attacks

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and life-threatening calamities can cast us in the dark

indefinitely, we have one thing we can be sure of – the

tomatoes and cucumbers that are in the food basket in the

kitchen will tide us over should the country go on emergency

mode.

The sweet potatoes and carrots will be around, and there will

be more from the greenhouse to feed our families for a few

weeks before things return to normal.

Not that we believe that a shortage will ever happen, the

country has become much more prepared for any kind of

emergency, but just on the off chance…

If greenhouses can save our lives, we may, at some point in

time, consider the idea of building one soon, a first step

towards self-sufficiency.

It’s not just a constant supply of healthy food that concerns

individuals, but a greenhouse – and building it – can be

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sources of pure enjoyment and clean fun for everyone in the

family. Most greenhouse owners are familiar with the

advantages of growing their own plants and flowers,

prolonging the growing season and the possibility of heating

their home. And who knows? They could be selling fresh

produce in the communities they live in.

There are many greenhouse models to choose from. You can

go from affordable to very expensive. You can build a

greenhouse by using junk or a plastic film stretched over a

rudimentary structure, or purchase elaborate metal and glass

pre-manufactured sun-rooms.

Each of them serves the fundamental function of extending

the growing season. Even the question of irrigation can be

simple or complex, depending on your preferences.

Just want to make it a hobby? Why not? Homeowners attach

theirs to their homes. Even schools have greenhouses built

by elementary and high school students.

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Finally, the wholesome taste of a home-grown tomato!

Everyone knows there is a difference. But really, between

you and I, it goes beyond just tomatoes.

Perseverance, labor of love and the sweet anticipation of

“harvest time” are what truly matter.