By Kirstee Schutte
Nebraska Extension Master Gardener
April 29 – Ever wondered how far back greenhouses date? All the way back to 30 A.D. in Rome during the reign of Emperor Tiberius Julius Ceasar Augustus. Just what drove him to have greenhouses built? As the story goes, the ailing Emperor was instructed to eat cucumbers by royal physicians. And so, the first greenhouse was built with stone walls for insulation and a glass ceiling to let the light in.
April 30 – We know that the first greenhouse was built in Rome in 30 A.D. but when were they introduced in the United States?
In 1737, Andrew Faneuil, a Boston merchant, is credited as the builder of the first American greenhouse. The glass house was primarily used to grow fruit and was considered a luxury of the wealthy. George Washington even had a greenhouse built at his Mt. Vernon home so he could serve pineapple to guests.
May 1 – Have you ever heard the term “beneficial insects” and wondered what that meant?
Beneficial insects are insect species that are valued for pollination and pest control. They are especially useful in organic gardening, or enclosed areas that have little natural insect species such as greenhouses, and as biological control in integrated pest management. They are often sold by the key pest they target. Some of the most common beneficial insects include ladybugs, assassin bugs, green lacewings, and praying mantis.
May 2 – There is a neat type of greenhouse that is gaining attention called a geodesic dome greenhouse. It first originated in the 1960s and 70s from a futuristic designer named Buckminster Fuller. A geodesic dome greenhouse consists of small sections of triangular glazing cut out and fitted over a steel frame. Interestingly, the structure uses a thinner frame to achieve the same strength as a rectangular greenhouse.
May 3 – A Walipini greenhouse, often referred to as a “pit” greenhouse is a greenhouse that is basically an excavated pit in the ground with glazing over it. The name “Walipini” means place of warmth. This type of greenhouse originated in Bolivia and has been gaining popularity with modifications that make it suitable for use in North America. The pit greenhouse technique can be seen at the Greener Gardens greenhouse at the North Platte NRD in Scottsbluff.