The Benefits of Having a Greenhouse Essay -- Essays Papers

The Benefits of Having a Greenhouse There are many benefits of having a greenhouse or growing space attached to the average family home. A well-built greenhouse can utilize solar power in such a way that it becomes a positive addition to the household in every way. Greenhouses present an opportunity for everyone to be able to grow some of their own food, save electricity, gain practical experience, and soothe their mind and body. Throughout history gardens have served as a food source for families. Collecting and preserving the summer harvest provided a large part of the food for families all over the world. The nutrients contained in vegetables and fruit are very important for good health, and can enrich financially limited diets. During World War Two the American Government encouraged citizens to grow â€Å"Victory Gardens† in their backyard. These gardens would be full of vegetables to help families through financially difficult times. Not only do gardens provide fruits, vegetables, spices and flowers for people in time of need, but they have been proven to help relieve stress. Many emotional care facilities have gardens where the patients can work in the soil, water, and help take care of the plants. The simple mindless effort that goes into caring for plants is soothing, and allows people to relax their mind while using their body. Patients in physical therapy are also encouraged to work in gardens. There are many activities in gardening that can be done with little strength or flexibility. Many retirement communities have also started gardens on their property to encourage their residents to spend time caring for the plants. In areas such as Vermont the growing season is so short that the benefits of simp... ...ds the local lumberyard, and the local nursery. The reduction in petrochemical savings is important, for both financial and environmental reasons. Eating food fresh from a personal garden; grown, cared for, picked and eaten by the same person is an enormously satisfying experience. The benefits to having a solar greenhouse are numerous, and varied. The financial, health, emotional, and environmental benefits are great, and more than enough reason to build a personal greenhouse. Bibliography Energy Saving Urban Greenhouses for Canada. Research Branch. Agriculture Canada. Printed by Ministry of Supply and Services. Publication 1814-E. 1987. Yanda, Bill and Rick Fisher. The Food and Heat Producing Solar Greenhouse. John Muir Publications, Inc. USA. 1976 â€Å"A Brief History of Solar Energy.† April 5 1999. www.uccs.edu/~energy/courses/160lectures/solhist.htm.