Library Journal

This companion volume to Freeman's Building Your Own Greenhouse (Stackpole, 1997) explains how to raise plants in a home greenhouse. Freeman, who designed and built his own greenhouse, begins with chapters on types of greenhouses, equipment, soil, air, water, heat, light, pests, and diseases. The rest of the book covers growing seedlings for transplanting into the outdoor garden and raising vegetables and herbs in the greenhouse. Freeman lists vegetable, flower, and herb species suitable for growing to maturity in a greenhouse. He also touches on growing houseplants and cut flowers, but specialty plants like orchids and African violets are beyond the scope of the book. Although Freeman refers readers to his earlier book for further information in a few places, this practical introduction to greenhouse gardening is recommended for public and botanical libraries whether or not they own his previous book.--Sue O'Brien, Downers Grove P.L., IL