WisconsinGardener
Loony Member
Starting this thread because I'm a little overwhelmed by all the choices and possibilities. I want to build a greenhouse that heats itself as much as possible - with perhaps the potential of adding a rocket stove.
Here's what I've thought of so far -
1. I hit clay/rocks at about 18" to 24" down, depending on exactly where I might put this. I'm thinking of digging down that far for sure - with the possibility of digging (it would be hard work, for sure) one part even further down, to be a cold sink.
2. So, right now, rather than a hoop house, I'm thinking of a steeply sloped south wall, perpendicular to the winter sun angle.
3. I'm considering the idea of digging more than the footprint of the greenhouse, but also to the north, and laying in 4" drainage pipe - curving back and forth - with each end opening into the actual greenhouse. Then, as I dig, I would cover that north side with the soil I remove from the rest of it. Is that stupid? I'm trying to get a little geothermal heat going. There would have to be two fans - probably run by batteries/solar panels for pushing & sucking to get a circular air flow going through the pipes.
4. I've considered the idea of somehow incorporating a compost/manure pile also. Maybe instead of piling soil on the north side??????? I also saw a video of a greenhouse in the Yukon, which used manure in a big raised "pit" in the center of the greenhouse. They had a lot of animals, though. I have access to horse manure from my friend, but otherwise, just plant materials.
5. My hubby has been learning about rocket stoves, so perhaps we would incorporate something like that - but I wouldn't want to give up TOO much room for that.
6. As for actual structure of the thing - just no idea. Old windows from Habitat Restore? Wood frame covered with polycarbonate? Wood frame covered by two layers of plastic sheeting (with air in between?)
There is too much information, and I'm getting overwhelmed to the point of not knowing where to start. If you were starting from scratch, what would you do? Or, if you could remake some aspect of the greenhouse you already have, what would you do?
Here's what I've thought of so far -
1. I hit clay/rocks at about 18" to 24" down, depending on exactly where I might put this. I'm thinking of digging down that far for sure - with the possibility of digging (it would be hard work, for sure) one part even further down, to be a cold sink.
2. So, right now, rather than a hoop house, I'm thinking of a steeply sloped south wall, perpendicular to the winter sun angle.
3. I'm considering the idea of digging more than the footprint of the greenhouse, but also to the north, and laying in 4" drainage pipe - curving back and forth - with each end opening into the actual greenhouse. Then, as I dig, I would cover that north side with the soil I remove from the rest of it. Is that stupid? I'm trying to get a little geothermal heat going. There would have to be two fans - probably run by batteries/solar panels for pushing & sucking to get a circular air flow going through the pipes.
4. I've considered the idea of somehow incorporating a compost/manure pile also. Maybe instead of piling soil on the north side??????? I also saw a video of a greenhouse in the Yukon, which used manure in a big raised "pit" in the center of the greenhouse. They had a lot of animals, though. I have access to horse manure from my friend, but otherwise, just plant materials.
5. My hubby has been learning about rocket stoves, so perhaps we would incorporate something like that - but I wouldn't want to give up TOO much room for that.
6. As for actual structure of the thing - just no idea. Old windows from Habitat Restore? Wood frame covered with polycarbonate? Wood frame covered by two layers of plastic sheeting (with air in between?)
There is too much information, and I'm getting overwhelmed to the point of not knowing where to start. If you were starting from scratch, what would you do? Or, if you could remake some aspect of the greenhouse you already have, what would you do?
