GH365 Greenhouse Production through Severe Winter.

The winter of 2013-2014 has been a real challenge for many of us. In this region of Northwestern Ontario, we've had record low temperatures frequently in the minus 30s for a period of well over three months (December, January, February and early March). To compound the problem with my GH365 Greenhouse, we went through periods of little sunshine and yet consistently low temperatures especially at night. Nonetheless, the greenhouse has shown excellent heat retention values and most of the vegetables and herbs survived although in some cases slow in germination and growth. The following photos were taken on Friday March 7th. At that time of morning the outside temperatures were around minus -21 Celsius and the inside temperatures were at + 5.4 Celsius increasing to +9.5 Celsius by mid-afternoon. From top to bottom are -- Lettuce, Broccoli, Peas, Tomato, Oregano, Rosemary and Wheatgrass.

Fort Frances GH365 Presentation

On Tuesday May 21st, I gave a PowerPoint presentation on my GH365 greenhouse project in the conference room of the very impressive, new Fort Frances Public Library - Technology Centre. I've given variations of it many times before but felt this was one of the better ones. About 25 or so people attended, many from the FF Horticultural Society. This is with an eye to a possible community greenhouse based on my concept. Beside me in the second photo is Paul Olsen who spearheaded the event and Anne Ostby, the president of the FF Horicultural Society, who arranged it.

Cherryvale Greenhouse

Traude's Eco-Greenhouse- Greener and greener!

Traude Karia GH365 Eco-Greenhouse Part Six

I had a chance to visit the Traude Karia GH365 Greenhouse recently and was pleased to see that it was beginning to sprout some greenery. Traude's grandson Nathan showed me some of the initial seedlings at various stages. Although still a bit sparse, it's the start of what will be a 365 days a year process. Nathan also noted that they would begin by planting in stages to allow maturation to occur at reasonable intervals. There was a variety of tomatoes including one that was not only blossoming but also had several small green tomatoes coming along. Additionally, Traude had a range of her herbs getting started including oregano and rosemary. In that their greenhouse has a much larger growing area (18'x24') than my initial prototype (14' x 18') they will eventually be able to have a veritable bounty of fresh vegetables and herbs. Also with the 16 foot glazing span, they have the opportunity to hang baskets and troughs for additional produce taking advantage of the increased vertical space.

My own greenhouse is jam-packed at the moment with some 30 or so primarily beefsteak tomatoes in large pots just beginning to blossom as well as at least 36 or so tomato starters for sale in small 4" starter pots in about two weeks time. These are all primarily Borghese plum tomatoes. Also my wheatgrass business is booming at the moment. I grow it, harvest it at it's prime, juice it using a special electric juicer with a wheatgrass auger, pour it into 1 oz. lidded cups and freeze it. My customers are primarily nutrition centres and health (organic) food outlets. Further to that I have plenty of tender Buttercrunch lettuce and spinach for salads, broccoli and green peppers just either germinating or as small sprouts as well as herbs such as parsley, oregano, rosemary and sage.

Traude Karia GH365 Eco-Greenhouse - Part Five

Traude's GH365 greenhouse is now ready for planting. The circulation pumps have been installed and the circulation systems have been tested. The planter tables are 'good to go' with the sand, root-zone tubing, landscape fabric etc. installed.

This has been a warmer than usual winter, however, as I can attest with the continuing operation of my original prototype, it has nonetheless been a bit of a challenge. We have had much less full sunny days than normal. As I've often said, as far as the greenhouse is concerned, I'd prefer 25 below celsius and sunny to 15 below and cloudy.

The January issue of 'Northern Ontario Business' has a feature 'Green Report" article on my GH365 greenhouse project on pages 31 and 32. Check it out. I've had several calls and a number of emails as a result of the article written by Ian Ross when he visited me back in October. Rick Prior of the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre brought my project to his attention.

Stay tuned for the last 'blog' posting on Traude's greenhouse when I will also post photos of a generous flourish of green, which of course was the object of the exercise.

Traude Karia's GH365 Eco-Greenhouse - Part Four

Despite a few delays waiting for electrical inspections and such, we are now nearing the final stages of installations. The electrical and most of the plumbing components are completed. We are now preparing to install planter tables with the root-zone heat tubing. Once these are in place, the heat-retention wall, radiant floor and root-zone tubing will be connected to the pumps and other heated water circulation components.

The first full test is always a bit intense. A GH365 greenhouse is much like a living organism. All the systems must function smoothly and be compatible. We have been creating a unique facility i.e. one that allows living plants to grow and flourish whether it's frosty white with snow outside or scorching under the heat of the summer sun.

Soon the lighting fixtures, ceiling fans and other finishing touches will be in place. Then for Traude, her grandson Nathan and his wife Susan, the fun begins. Growing things!