It was in the Victorian Era where home greenhouses became a staple in many families' lives producing fresh fruits and vegetables year round. It was also a great time for plant experimentation because they could now grow tropical plants as well as species native to their own areas.

There were large "conservatory" greenhouses in the large homes of the rich back then but you don't necessarily need a large space to grow enough food for you and your family. There are mini and small greenhouses that fit on porches, balconies and decks that will allow you to grow lettuce, tomatoes and some herbs for great salads. A small to medium green house is large enough to produce enough food for a family of four if planned properly.

It's amazing what you can grow in a small greenhouse if you put your mind to it. I know a lady that is retired that supplies flowers and fresh produce to her family year round. She calls it a hobby but I would describe her as a greenhouse enthusiast. She keeps the environment in her greenhouse just right by using a heater in the winter and venting and cooling in the hottest months of the years.

It's possible to actually grow your own food year round in a green house and I think it is probably one of the best uses for a home greenhouse. Once the greenhouse is set up all it takes is learning a bit about starting plants and the rest is easy. You can control the type of soil you use, the water supply, the temperature, the humidity, the plant food you use, everything really. This guarantees you are not going to be eating food covered with pesticides.

For the average family, growing salad vegetables is a good way to start. You can plan on beginning by planting pots of lettuce, radishes, spinach, carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers and spring onions. All of those are easy to grow and can easily be made into a salad or salsa. Once you become more accustomed to growing your own food, you can start plants that take a little more care, and take up more space like squash, cucumbers and egg plant.

After you have tasted the produce that you have grown yourself, you will not only comment on how much better it tastes, but be proud that you are helping to save the planet by not consuming produce that has been picked way to early, sprayed with who knows what, crated, stored and shipped many miles away. Having a backyard greenhouse is a great way of going green and staying green. It just makes since to save the environment, eat better and healthier and do it no matter what season you're in.