Customer Reviews

Greenhouse Gardener's Companion, Revised: Growing Food & Flowers in Your Greenhouse or Sunspace

5 star:		(40)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is really a reference book. I can't imagine anyone reading it cover to cover. For me, the first 90 pages on green house design and operation were exactly what I needed. In the middle, there are 170 pages of commentary, organized by plant, in which the author makes witty and pointed comments on the utility of growing the specific plant in a green house. For example, on Avocados, he writes: "Before you get excited about homegrown guacamole fresh from your greenhouse, I need to tell you that avocados are difficult to get to produce fruit in a greenhouse." On banana, he states: "Bananas are worth growing solely for the tropical look they bring to a sunspace, and you can also get a harvest from your banana."

Throughout the other 200 pages, Smith offers guidance (and opinions) on just about everything you might want to know regarding green house gardening. For example, he has his own favorite composting technique and cannot get excited about hydroponics. He is excited about manual pollination techniques, though. He likes to have fun in his greenhouse, and his enthusiasm is contagious.

(...)

I have a lot of greenhouse books- the Ortho greenhouse book and the "Expert Greenhouse" book and others. This book is by far the best. I bought the first release and then upgraded to the (2000) "revised edition." What a pleasant surprise! It covers all the bases from setting up your greenhouse to growing specific crops. Now I'm eating fresh salads and home grown greenhouse tomatoes. If you want to too- get this book! It even explains organic - chemical free pest controls!

I love this book and am having such fun reading it. Shane Smith shares himself in such a way that although I've never met the man, I now think of him as a friend! His writing style is easy going and often very funny and personal and the information he imparts is useful, and obviously comes from years of real experience. Running even a hobby greenhouse can be expensive with all the gadgets, yet he gives good and practical advice for those who don't necessarily have the means to buy the biggest and best of everything the manufactures would like to sell you! He tells you what you really need to have and know, and what's just "fluff." I would recommend that anyone with a hobby greenhouse invest in this book.

This book is like having a good neighbor with a greenhouse or mentor always at your disposal. I really liked how the glazings (what covers the structure)are explained and the new developments in technology that are now available. Benefits and drawbacks of each type of glazing are explored. Great examples about getting the maximum use out of greenhouse space (both in how/what to grow and simple tricks-of-the-trade that only comes with a lot of experience. The information is presented in a detailed but easy to understand manner and is very well organized. You gain experience of the pitfalls other people have gone through like which types of wood preservatives kill plants, without loosing the money. There are good sections on propagation, veggies, flowers (including basic orchid culture) natural insect controls, pruning for best production, etc. I liked all the Appendices expecially all the greehouse supply sources with toll free numbers and web sites all listed. This is a very updated book with lots of goodies. You can tell that the author is someone who really "walks the walk".

This is the most comprehensive text on greenhouse growing that I have found to date. If you're like me and want to build/buy a greenhouse, this is the book for you. It covers construction (kits or homemade) in excellent detail. It isn't a construction "how to" book...it just gives you everything you need to know about the nuances of a greenhouse. It then goes into even further detail on how to operate it. I also found these sections very useful in learning how I want to build the greenhouse itself.

It is very well written and easy to read, including some injected humor. It's a big book and will answer most any question the fledgling greenhouse grower could imagine.

Actually the title says it all. I wish I had time to read lots of books
about greenhouse gardening but I don't. An experienced gardener, I'm new to greenhouse gardening and struck gold when I bought this book. It isn't dumbed down and is fast and fun to read.

The book doesn't begin at square one but does explain the important differences between gardening in an outside
garden and a greenhouse. One example; the reason fans are needed during the day (while photo synthesis is taking place) is to prevent a CO2 deficient envelope from surrounding the leaves. Also, explaination of
how to pollinate in an environment with no birds or insects is helpful.
Varieties of vegetables and flowers are discussed and why certain ones are
better suited. Trouble shooting and "when things go wrong" chapters are
good. Also, I learned more than I thought was possible about light and the different qualities of light plants need. Again, advice on when a
less expensive alternative will work was very welcome.


I'm so happy I bought this book BEFORE our greenhouse is complete because
the chapters on design and environment have given me a master plan for the space we have. Also, throughout the book are money saving ideas and
words of warning from experience. This author knows his subject inside out, is very good at communicating and doesn't use 100 words when 50 will do. Buy the book-you won't be disappointed!

I built a greenhouse last summer. Without this book I would still be struggling to get things right. Whenever I was confused or frustrated, this book was there to help out. If you are considering a greenhouse, GET THIS BOOK. If you already own a greenhouse, GET THIS BOOK. Everything you could want to know is covered. It is amusing and written in plain old garden speak. You will recognise in the author, a fellow gardener with dirty fingernails, just like yours!!!

This revised and expanded version of a great reference book is packed with information that will be especially helpful to anyone thinking of acquiring a greenhouse. There is also plenty of new information to inspire and educate the seasoned greenhouse gardener

I found Shane Smith's book very, very helpful. I have just started gardening in my greenhouse and use his book as my greenhouse gardening bible. It is an excellent guide to all aspects of greenhouse gardening. I've followed his methods for seed starting, polinating and propagating as well as watering, moisture control, soil mixes and more. I started tomatoes by seed in October and now in January have tons (well, almmost) of green fruit on leafy, luxurious plants. And I live in northern Idaho!

Shane does repeat himself many times for which I am thankful. I need repetition in order to remember a little of what I am reading/studying. How else would one remember tomato mosaic disease suffered by tomatoes and pepper at the hands of smokers or that by overwatering you can suffocate your plant's roots and kill them. Did you know that plants benefit from carbon dioxide; a substance lacking in the greenhouse? Thank you for repetition, Shane!

This is a must-have guide for greenhouse/cold frame, sunroom gardeners. Oh yes, don't forget to peak at his photo in the back. You'll get a sense for the man's character!

I loved this book! As a beginner at greenhouses, this book was helpful and understandable. It is easy and fun to read. The many pictures, drawings and charts make the book come alive. It is comprehensive for an advanced gardener as well. If you can only buy one book, this is the one! Enjoy!