Mini Greenhouse

Greenhouses are intended to extend the growing season. Greenhouses are passive solar devices; they capture solar radiation using the greenhouse effect, keeping the soil warmer in the late Fall, Winter, and Early Spring. However, many poorly designed greenhouses get too cold for most plants in the winter and way too hot in the summer. These poorly designed greenhouses require costly active heating and cooling systems to effectively grow through the winter and / or summer. 

This passive solar mini greenhouse is designed with the intention of year-round growing requiring minimal water resources and no supplemental heating or cooling. Year-round growing is made possible by a set of integrated covers that may be applied or removed to accommodate temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year. Because the greenhouse is "mini," these covers are easy to apply or remove by the gardener on a daily basis, when necessary. 

How are they made?

These greenhouses are re-purposed from the water tanks that we sell for rainwater harvesting. The metal cage and heavy duty HDPE plastic tank are cut to create a growing bed with a hinged lid. The growing bed can accommodate up to 18" depth of soil. 

We use an angle grinder with a metal cut-off wheel to cut the galvanized steel cage. We cut the plastic using a jig or sabre saw with a wood-cutting blade. The sides of the plastic tank are reinforced with oiled wood (1"x2" pine). We use Reflectix (aluminum-coated double-bubble wrap) as a radiant barrier for heat retention during the cold months and shade cloth for additional shading / cooling during the summer months.  

How does it work for year-round growing?

So far, we are very impressed with the performance of this system! We started growing in early spring of this year. (just added this page and still completing the write-up! check back soon for more). 

Pricing:

·     Make Your Own: $99 (Tank Only)

o     Food grade 275-gal pallet-tote tank, lightly used for canola oil transport

o     Includes delivery

·     Fully Assembled: $300

o     Oiled wood framing

o     Hinged lid

o     Reflectix roll-cover

o     Ready to fill with soil and plant

·     Custom Installation:

o     Fully Assembled price

o     $30/hr additional labor