A Close Look At Our Multifunctional Passive Solar Greenhouse

Summary

This video highlights the construction and multifunctional use of a passive solar greenhouse, built three and a half years ago as the heart of a thriving permaculture garden. The greenhouse features innovative elements like clay insulation, water collection systems, and efficient ventilation, ensuring year-round plant growth. It also serves as a tool shed, water reservoir, and provides warmth in winter with the help of a reflecting pond. Ideal for cold climates, this greenhouse is a sustainable and versatile space, offering multiple benefits beyond plant cultivation, making it a key asset to the garden.

Takeaways

• 😀 The greenhouse was built using a combination of concrete, timber, and light clay insulation, with polycarbonate glazing on the south side for maximum sunlight.
• 😀 Ventilation in the greenhouse is managed through doors, small flaps, and panels, which help regulate the temperature year-round.
• 😀 The roof of the greenhouse collects rainwater, which is filtered and stored for use throughout the year, providing a reliable water source.
• 😀 The water collected in the greenhouse tank is essential during winter when external water sources freeze, ensuring plants and animals are cared for.
• 😀 A hand pump is used to raise water from the tank to an outdoor sink, and wastewater is filtered through a reed bed before flowing into a pond.
• 😀 The pond in front of the greenhouse serves a dual purpose by reflecting sunlight into the greenhouse and storing heat during the winter months.
• 😀 The integrated tool shed in the greenhouse allows for storage of tools, building materials, and feed for animals, adding convenience and efficiency.
• 😀 The greenhouse is home to a variety of plants, including citrus trees like kumquats and lemons, which ripen in the winter using only solar energy.
• 😀 Seedlings are started inside the greenhouse, benefiting from the constant warmth, light, and humidity, helping them grow effectively.
• 😀 A passive solar greenhouse is an ideal choice for cold climates, as it stores warmth for longer periods, protecting plants during long, harsh winters.
• 😀 While a passive solar greenhouse is perfect for colder climates, a polytunnel may be a better choice for milder winters or specific growing needs.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of the passive solar greenhouse described in the video?

The primary purpose of the passive solar greenhouse is to serve as a multifunctional center for a permaculture garden, offering a space for growing plants, water collection, seedling starting, and providing warmth and light during winter.

How is the structure of the greenhouse built?

The greenhouse is built with a concrete foundation, timber and light clay insulation for the east, west, and north walls, and a 25mm thick polycarbonate glazing on the south side. Inside, the clay walls are painted white to reflect more light.

What is the significance of the white-painted clay walls inside the greenhouse?

The white-painted clay walls help reflect more light inside the greenhouse, ensuring that the plants receive light from all directions, which promotes their growth.

How does the greenhouse maintain optimal ventilation during the warmer months?

The greenhouse has doors on the west and east sides, which can be opened in summer to keep the space cool. Additionally, small flaps on the top and bottom of the greenhouse allow for controlled ventilation, especially in spring.

What role does the roof of the greenhouse play in the property’s water management system?

The roof of the greenhouse collects rainwater, which is then stored in a tank inside the greenhouse. This water supplies the property with clean water throughout the year, especially during freezing conditions when other water sources are unavailable.

How is the rainwater filtered and protected in the greenhouse?

Before entering the tank, the rainwater is filtered using a fine nylon filter to ensure its quality. Additionally, the tank is covered with a plastic cover to protect the water from sunlight and prevent algae growth.

What happens when the rainwater tank becomes full?

When the tank becomes full, the excess water overflows into a pond located in front of the greenhouse. This pond also serves to reflect sunlight into the greenhouse, contributing to its warmth during winter.

How is the water from the tank used outside the greenhouse?

The water from the tank is used for an outdoor sink attached to the outside of the greenhouse. Due to low water pressure, the water is first pumped into a bucket using a hand pump before being directed through a garden hose to the sink.

What types of plants are grown inside the greenhouse?

Inside the greenhouse, various plants are grown, including kumquats, lemons, oranges, figs, ginger, and laurel. These plants benefit from the constant warmth, light, and humidity provided by the greenhouse.

Why is a passive solar greenhouse preferred for cold and long winters?

A passive solar greenhouse is ideal for cold and long winters because it stores warmth for longer periods. This helps protect vegetables from harsh temperatures and extends the growing season.