Greenhouse Construction for Private Estates 



By A. A. Macdonald, Head Gardener, Duke's Farm, Somerville, N. J. 



In planning greenhouses for private use, the first con- 

 sideration for an intelHgent scheme is to find out from 

 your empIo\er what his requirements are as a basis to 

 work on. Should he want ilowers, fruit and vegetables, 

 decide as to the quantity of each wanted ; these details 

 should be gone into fully, as every experienced grower 

 should know approximately how much can be expected 

 from a given space for the class of plants, trees and vines 

 grown. Don"t let your enthusiasm get the better of you, 

 but give conservative figures, as it will save you consider- 

 able worry in the future. 



After this phase has been thoroughly understood, pro- 

 ceed to make a ground plan. Fig. 1 shows the layout 

 here, the aim being a practical growing plant. As far 

 as circumstances will allow, arrange the various houses 

 in such a way that those requiring the most heat will be 

 nearest the heating apparatus. 



possible, face south, and grapes, orchids, vegetables and 

 stove plant houses face east and west. I have in mind 

 even spar houses for all of these, preferably twenty-five 

 feet or more in width. Houses of less width for roses 

 would be better to have the long span to the south. 



Whenever location will permit, I believe the center line 

 is better a point or two east of south. This arrangement 

 will have the advantage of the early sunlight, which is 

 very important in the short, dark days of winter, as you 

 can shut otif the fires, also get at the watering and syring- 

 ing earlier. 



Before proceeding further, we will digress a moment 

 to take up the matter of cost of construction and upkeep. 

 When you have had your ground plan approved, submit 

 it to the builders, and should it be found expedient to re- 

 duce on account of cost being beyond what your employer 

 wishes to spend, don't begin by cutting down the size of 



\ lEW LOnKIXG DOWN CKXTRE 01" (IRAXGF.RV. 



MELONS GROWN IN POTS. 



By studying this plan it will be noticed this idea has 

 been carried out, with two exceptions, notably the Ameri- 

 can Beauty rose house and Gardenia house. These were 

 given the best position as regards sunlight, the reason 

 for which is obvious. The melon houses are located to 

 the west of the large houses in the center, as they get the 

 sun earlier in the morning than if placed at the opposite 

 side. This may seem unimportant to some, but those 

 who understand what short days in mid-winter means in 

 growing melons will see the advantage. 



Rose, peach and gardenia houses should, as far as 



the different houses ; just cut out those that are of the 

 least importance. There is no satisfaction in trying to 

 grow everything and not much of anything, also bear in 

 mind that the larger the house — within reasonable limits 

 — the better quality _\ou can produce. 



^^'e are living in an age of specialization, and the time 

 is ])ast when second rate products will satisfy your em- 

 ployer. 



When he sees top grade at the florist's and fruiterer's 

 shops you will very likely know about it, so that you will 

 have vour work cut out for vou. 



