Luis Hernandez, Author at Green Thumb Daily

If you're like me and want to grow your own food no matter the season, you may have thought about building an underground greenhouse. This type of greenhouse, also known as a walipini, lets you garden year-round, protecting your plants from the cold in winter and excessive heat in summer. Not just that, it's also cost-effective in terms of heating and cooling, which is great for both your wallet and the environment. An underground greenhouse works by taking advantage of the earth's constant subterranean temperature, creating an environment that's warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Building one might sound like a huge project, but with some planning and basic construction knowledge, it’s definitely achievable. Most importantly, it’s a sustainable way to ensure your family has fresh produce all year, and it’s pretty exciting to be able to pick a fresh salad right from your backyard even when it’s snowing outside! Key Takeaways An underground greenhouse allows for efficient, year-round gardening. It keeps plants warm in winter and cool in summer using the earth's stable temperatures. Building a walipini is a sustainable choice for home-grown food production. Understanding the Basics of an Underground Greenhouse https://www.youtube.com/embed/AMa9CeLis9Q Before digging into how to build one, let me explain what an underground greenhouse is and why it’s such a smart idea. Imagine having fresh veggies all year, even when it's snowing outside! What Is a Walipini? So, what's a walipini, you ask? It's a greenhouse sunken into the ground, using the earth's natural warmth to grow plants all year. The name comes from the Aymara Indian word for a "place of warmth." Think of it as a cozy underground home for your plants. By burying it, we tap into the thermal mass of the soil, which keeps the temperature inside steady. We want the front face to catch the sun’s rays, so pointing it towards the south is key. Benefits of Subterranean Cultivation Why go underground with your greenhouse? For starters, you save energy. You don't need as much heat since the earth insulates your plants like a snug blanket. Plus, you can defy the seasons and grow food even when it's frosty above ground. A walipini keeps the cold at bay, using the earth itself to build a barrier against the chill. It's a simple but effective way to extend your growing season without spending a bunch on your energy bills. Cool, right? Selecting the Ideal Location When I set out to build my underground greenhouse, I realized picking the right spot was critical. It's all about getting enough light and making sure the place stays warm, even when it's cold outside. Orientation and Light Exposure The first thing I did was to find a spot facing south. This way, my greenhouse gets plenty of sunlight throughout the year, especially the winter sun when days are short. I made sure there were no tall trees or buildings blocking the light. Sunlight is like food for plants, and a good dose of it helps create a stable environment for growing veggies year-round. Assessing Soil and Water Table Next, I checked the soil and drainage. You don't want water pooling up, right? So, I looked for a place where the water can run off easily when it rains. It's also smart to check how high the water table is. If it's too high, you might have trouble with too much moisture. That's not good for the plants or the structure itself. So I chose a location where the soil was just right and there wasn't a risk of flooding. Designing Your Underground Greenhouse When I set out to design my underground greenhouse, I knew I needed a solid plan and the right materials. It had to be cost-effective and energy-efficient, using elements like thermal mass and proper ventilation to grow food all year round. Creating a Detailed Plan First up, I had to draft a detailed plan. This meant deciding the size and shape of my greenhouse. I drew it out on paper, making sure to include where I'd place the entrance, the beds for my plants, and how I'd set up the ventilation. A good plan helps prevent costly mistakes during construction. Choosing the Right Materials for Construction Choosing materials was up next. I needed sturdy stuff that would last. I went with a combination of glass and plastic sheeting for the parts above ground. They let in lots of sunlight, which is crucial. For the parts underground, I used concrete and insulated blocks that help keep the warm in and the cold out. Incorporating Energy Efficient Features Energy efficiency is super important. For my roof, I chose a transparent material that's good at keeping heat. This, along with an insulating airspace, keeps my plants warm, even when it's snowing outside. And I built the greenhouse into the earth, creating a thermal mass that stays at a steady temperature. It saves me energy because the earth does a lot of the heating and cooling for me. Constructing the Greenhouse https://www.youtube.com/embed/mobajU3F5zY When I started to build my underground greenhouse, I made sure to focus on a few important steps. It's all about preparing the ground, building a tough frame, and putting on a roof that will last. Excavation and Earthwork First thing I did was to get the digging started. I marked the area for my greenhouse with stakes and string and began excavating. The hole needed to be about 6 to 8 feet deep to make the most of the earth’s insulation. For my earth-sheltered greenhouse, I needed to keep it snug against the cold, so that meant the back wall was where a lot of the earth was piled up. Building the Structure After the hole was ready, I built the walls. The front wall was faced to catch the sunny side because that's where the plants get their light. I used rammed earth for the walls at the back to keep everything sturdy. Rammed earth is just really tightly packed soil – it makes the walls strong and helps keep the temperature steady inside the greenhouse. Installing the Roof and Waterproofing Last step was the roof. I made sure the slope was right so the rain could run off and not leak inside. Then, I covered the whole thing with a strong waterproof layer. This helps to protect my plants inside from too much dampness. Keeping everything dry under there is essential because no one wants a soggy garden, right? Climate Control and Maintenance https://www.youtube.com/embed/ddVC6QHqnyo When I'm growing food year-round in an underground greenhouse, keeping tabs on temperature and water is a must. It's all about making sure my plants get what they need no matter if it's hot like July or chilly like January. Managing Temperature My plants don't like getting too hot or too cold, so I watch the thermometer closely. During summer, when it can get really baked outside, I make sure my greenhouse stays cool. How? I use ventilation and insulation. I open vents to let hot air out and sometimes, I even have fans to help keep the air moving. Now in winter, it's the opposite. I need to trap heat to stop my plants from freezing. Sometimes, I use a bit of heating to help out. This way, I keep the temperature just right, and my growing season never ends! Water and Humidity Control Water's a big deal for plants - they can't live without it. But too much makes them unhappy, and not enough does the same. I've got a system to check how water moves around my underground greenhouse. It's important, especially when it's hot or dry. I keep the earth moist but not soggy, and it's a balance, let me tell you. Humidity is another thing. If the air's too dry, my plants get thirsty. Too wet, and they might rot. So, I use tools to measure the moisture in the air. This way, my plants stay happy and I don't worry about them. Growing Food Year-Round https://www.youtube.com/embed/YkJLy2s2jeM I love digging into gardening, especially when it lets me munch on fresh veggies any time of the year. With an underground greenhouse, I can keep my garden going even when it's snowing outside. Let's chat about the best crops to pick and how to make them thrive, no matter the season. Selecting Suitable Crops When I think about what to plant, I stick to veggies and herbs that love staying cozy during the winter. Some of my top picks for year-round munching include: Vegetables: tomatoes, lettuces, and spinach keep my salads fresh. Herbs: basil and parsley add a punch to my dishes. Peppers: they spice things up and love the warmth. I choose these because they can handle the cooler times and still give me a good harvest. Maximizing Plant Growth To make sure my plants grow big and strong all year, I keep two things in check: Light: I use solar panels to catch sun rays and a few grow lights to give plants extra shine. Heat: My underground greenhouse holds onto warmth, so my veggies stay snug as bugs. I get super results this way, with tomatoes that blush red and peppers that really pack heat. By keeping things just right in my cozy greenhouse, my green pals don't even know it's winter outside. Enhancements and Alternatives https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qvk7Sszh6fg When it comes to growing food all year round, I know it's not just about digging a hole and putting plants in the ground. We've got to be smart about using technology and considering other ways to grow when an underground greenhouse isn't perfect for our needs. Incorporating Technology and Automation I've found that underground greenhouses can really benefit from a tech boost. By adding temperature sensors and automatic watering systems, we can keep plants happy without checking on them every five minutes. Imagine pumps that turn on when the soil's dry, or fans that kick in if it's getting too hot down there. Plus, using things like geothermal heating can help keep the temperature just right without hiking up the electricity bill. Exploring Greenhouse Alternatives Now, maybe you're thinking the underground part is a bit much for you. No problem! I've seen folks use hoop houses and cold frames which are like mini-greenhouses you can set up right on top of the ground. Hoop houses are these neat tunnels made with metal hoops and covered in plastic. Cold frames? They're like little sun-soaked boxes with a clear top. And if you're able to invest more, glass greenhouses can be a fancy alternative. These guys make the most of solar radiation, trapping the warmth from the sunshine to keep your green buddies growing strong. Operational Considerations When I build my underground greenhouse, I pay close attention to a couple of key areas: keeping those pesky bugs out and making sure my plants are happy throughout the year. Dealing with Pests and Diseases First, I keep an eye out for any bugs or diseases that can harm my vegetables. I create barriers to stop critters from getting in. I also check my plants often. If I spot any bugs or sick plants, I deal with them right away. This keeps my garden productive and my veggies growing strong. Seasonal Adjustments and Plant Care Another thing I take care of is the changing seasons. As summer turns to fall, I notice the sunlight gets a bit shorter each day. This is when I adjust how I care for my plants. I make sure they're warm enough, especially when that first fall frost comes. Things like extra blankets or adjusting the vents can help. This way, I get the most out of my underground greenhouse all year! Final Thoughts on Sustainable Food Production Building an underground greenhouse has changed my game in growing food all year. It's like having a secret weapon against the cold. The Role of Underground Greenhouses in Global Food Security I’ve seen how my little underground greenhouse helps me grow food even when it’s freezing outside. Imagine lots of us doing this all over the world. We could grow loads of food even when the weather says no. This could mean fewer people worrying about their next meal. It's a way to help make sure everyone has enough to eat, and that's pretty big! Sharing Your Success with the Community Once I got the hang of growing food year-round in my greenhouse, I just had to tell my neighbors. I showed them how to build their own greenhouses! Now, we swap veggies and chat about our latest harvests. It's awesome to help other avid gardeners get into this. We're like a sustainable community, always learning and growing together. It's not just about my food; it's about us, and what we can share. Frequently Asked Questions I get a bunch of questions about making an underground greenhouse, so let's dig into some answers that'll help you get growing. What are the essential steps to constructing a small underground greenhouse? To build a small underground greenhouse, you need to start by digging a big hole, making sure it faces the winter sun for maximum light. Then, you'll want to shore up the walls and roof to keep the whole thing sturdy. Oh, and let's not forget to add a good door to keep the warmth in and the cold out. Can you offer advice on how to prevent flooding in a subterranean greenhouse? To keep your underground greenhouse dry, you've gotta make sure there's good drainage. Think about sloping the floor a bit, and you might wanna put in some drains or a sump pump. Also, consider how rainwater flows on your land and try to direct it away from your greenhouse. What's the ideal depth for an underground greenhouse to ensure optimal growing conditions? The magic number for depth is usually around 10 feet below ground. That way, you get enough stable underground temperature to grow plants, but it's not so deep that it's like digging to China. Could you share some effective designs or plans for building a Walipini style greenhouse? Sure can! A Walipini is basic but brilliant: it's like a sunken pit greenhouse that uses the earth's warmth to keep your plants toasty. Look for designs that include a transparent roof and thick, insulated walls for retaining heat. What temperature can I expect inside an underground greenhouse during different seasons? Underground greenhouses are pretty neat because the earth around them keeps the temperature more steady. Expect it to be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter compared to outside. But remember, the actual temps will depend on your local climate and greenhouse design. How can I make sure my sunken greenhouse allows for plant growth throughout the entire year? To keep plants happy year-round, think about the angle of sunlight during different seasons. You can also use thermal mass—like water barrels or concrete—to store heat. And it's a good idea to pick plant varieties that can handle the cooler temps during your local winter.