Today’s project Today’s project

The ultimate way for gardeners to extend the growing season, a greenhouse is perfect for young, delicate or out-of-season plants and seedlings.

With the proper climate-control equipment, an indoor garden will thrive year-round, even in cold weather. But even without heating or cooling systems, a greenhouse will hold heat and extend the growing season by weeks or even months.

Now do-it-yourselfers who garden (or vice versa) can exercise their green thumbs year-round with this practical and attractive greenhouse project. Built from standard cuts of redwood (other lumber, such as cedar or cypress, will also work), the project measures about 8 feet long by 5 feet wide by almost 7 feet tall (so there’s plenty of headroom). Both sides are lined with potting benches, and the structure is covered with heavy plastic sheeting stapled to the frame.

Cutting the notched and curved sections that join the rafters to the wall studs is the trickiest part of the project, but a full-size pattern makes it easy, and the rest of the cuts are straight. Although fairly challenging, assembly is straightforward and designed for nonexperts.

The Greenhouse plan, No. 557, is $9.95 and includes step-by-step instructions with photos, full-size traceable patterns, construction diagrams, a complete shopping list and cutting schedule and a toll-free help line for project questions.

A package of greenhouse plans, No. C102, is $20.95 and includes this project and two others. A catalog picturing hundreds of do-it-yourself projects is $2. Please include $4 for postage and handling (except catalog-only orders) and allow about two weeks for delivery.

To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Spokesman-Review, 15241 Stagg St., Van Nuys, CA 91405. To order by credit card, call (800) 828-2453. Visit U-Bild on the Web at u-bild.com.