Christmas Greenhouse 2016

For any new readers, or forgetful older ones, I’m going to describe my greenhouse and its operation anew.  It was built in sections between 2010 and 2014 and totals about 600 sq.ft.   It is glazed (covered) with used window glass and twinwall polycarbonate.  The structure is partially sunken and heated with a wood stove.  Here’s a picture of it taken from above December 2016.

Since I worked in horticulture  (and its industry) for 45 years I came to realize what a horrible pollutant and killer sheet plastic is and have not purchased any for years.  I’ve covered the sunken cold frame in the bottom left of the photo with a large piece given me by a friend.  My polycarbonate will also become toxic for Nature.

The greenhouse is oriented to the east and behind it is a fencerow which shades the western sun and screens the northwesterly winds.  Here's a summer picture.

 In the summer windows open and panels come off.  The greenhouse is operated all year is never shaded and there are no fans.   A small amount of propane is burned on the coldest nights to support the woodstove.  Winter temperatures inside are maintained just above freezing and no fuel is used on winter nights when ambient temperatures don’t threaten a freeze inside.  The greenhouse has outstanding ventilation,  completely passive and completely dependent upon and responsive to the operator. 

                                             I've got a lot of firewood this year.