Useful plans but hard to read. 

Typically I’m a big fan of Atlantic Publishing books. In this case however, if you want a book that lives up to its mission to tell you everything you need to know in an understandable manner, this isn’t the book for you. This is perhaps influenced by the writer whose background doesn’t seem to include specific credentials or experience regarding greenhouses. The author clearly researched the needs or greenhouses and owners. 

Unfortunately the information for a first-time greenhouse owner is hard to mine from this source. Lengthy sentences and a pedantic tone reduce the pleasure in reading and learning about your new hobby. Most beginners, for whom this series is designed, will be better served by finding books that area easier to read, faster to absorb and simply more entertaining.  Perhaps future editions will benefit from some additional editing. In addition, it would be helpful to have illustrations from a variety of sources rather than primarily from one provider. 

You may still find this book to be a great resource. For those who want to construct their own greenhouse, the plans, equipment lists and other details are perfect. Each plan is presented in perfect detail—you even get a detailed shopping list that makes getting all the supplies you need simple. The instructions are clear, step-wise and easy to follow. What the prose in this book lacks, the blue-print part of this book makes up. The middle of the book and resources at the end offer an extensive selection of plans for free-standing, attached to a structure, and even a window-box extensive plan. 

Each reader needs to decide what matters to them: for those seeking plans this could be a great investment. The plans range from small greenhouses just a few feet square up to   those appropriate for individuals with a bit of acreage for placement. Persons who learn by reading will be better served by other choices. 

Reviewed on 11/28/2011 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Heidi Roth

Starting a garden in spring at our newly bought house, my husband and I decided we would get a head start on growng some of the plants by planting them inside first. If it took off, we were thinking of doing that full time with a green house.

Before reading this book I would only be assuming I had an idea of how a green house was built. As i began reading I was a very intrigued by how many different methods and plans  Craig Baird offered the readers! It is an outstanding refference to have! So many options to choose from, for different kinds of plants. I would have not had the knowledge to construct my own correctly before reading this book.

Reviewed on 02/28/2011 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Michelle Lichtenfels

Reflecting back to my childhood and remembering the tree houses of that era I realize that those in this book are very different than using a bunch of scrap lumber, sheet metal, and cardboard from the neighborhood.  This book gives detailed information and plans for a structure that will continue to stay in the tree regardless if there is a wind or rain storm.

One of the most important facts covered in this book is who is going to use the tree house.  Consideration must be taken for the safety, size, and construction materials.  If the house is for children it has different requirements than if the house is to be used by adults.

Building a sturdy platform is also important.  The author gives detailed information  for this fundamental piece of construction because it not only has to be strong but must fit in the tree/s.  Particulars are given for supports and anchors in much detail.  In fact, this whole book is about detail.  From what I can see nothing has been missed.

I specifically liked seeing the insert of colored photographs of tree houses.  Tree houses aren't only for children's play but for adult getaway.  Can you imagine a retreat in a tree house nestled in the tops of huge trees; complete with a comfy bed, high-intensity heat toilet, and running water?   Yes, it is possible to have one of your own.  This book tells you how to create one.

Okay...now I'm on to the dream world of creating my own tree house.  I hope you will do the same. This book is the source of our beginning!

Reviewed on 02/26/2011 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Irene Watson

“The Complete Guide to Building Your Own Greenhouse” is a comprehensive look at the myriad of considerations that must be addressed in order to build and maintain a successful greenhouse.  Items such as location, typical climate, surrounding structures, amount of time and money to be allocated, building materials, types of plants to be raised, and much more are only some of the items author Craig Baird says need to be decided on before a single tool is picked up.  He provides an enormous wealth of information as well as lessons learned and advice from the experts so that even the simplest and least expensive greenhouses can be efficient and flourish.  Once he details some greenhouse history and the various pre-construction considerations, he walks the reader step-by-step through plans that range from easy to expert. 

One of the drawbacks of the book is that the author does not include pictures with each of his plans; many of the plans note only descriptions of the required steps which make it difficult to imagine what exactly the author’s intended end result is suppose to look like.  Further, there are some minor ‘holes’ in his step descriptions – minor in that it may not make a difference in the overall construction but still mildly irritating.  For example, page 263 discusses replacing a hinge and calls for ‘golf tees (optional)’ in his supply list.  However, as he goes through the steps of taking off an old hinge and putting on a new one, he never once mentions why or how the golf tees are used. 

“The Complete Guide to Building Your Own Greenhouse” is a fantastic read for both beginning and expert gardeners looking to extend their plants’ growing season.  The book gives plenty for the would-be greenhouse gardener to think about so that they can go into a construction project or kit purchase and hopefully avoid any negative or progress-halting surprises.  Written with a clear, simplistic, and enthusiastic style, even a novice can quickly learn the basic concepts and start planning a project immediately.  “The Complete Guide to Building Your Own Greenhouse” is a quick and easy read and leaves you with the motivation and inspiration to get started right away!

Reviewed on 01/14/2011 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Vicki Landes