The Story of Building my GEOTHERMAL Greenhouse
In this video, I share the process of building my geothermal greenhouse. I start by explaining why I decided to build a geothermal greenhouse, and then I walk you through the steps I took to make it happen. I also share some tips for building your own geothermal greenhouse.
00:00 The story of my geothermal greenhouse
01:25 Why I built a geothermal greenhouse
01:53 MAJOR obstacle to building it
02:22 The miniature class
02:58 Jack-hammering the mountainside
03:51 HUGE obstacle to geothermal
05:19 Work begins on geothermal system
05:23 Thermal mass (+Solar) is the name of the game
06:00 Why I used gabions for the raised bed
06:45 Raised bed and floor details
07:34 How I saved MONEY
09:00 The Compost heater idea
09:39 The structure is born
10:35 Tree work
10:50 The structure goes up
11:20 Making pallet wood shingles
11:30 Insulating the walls
12:00 Water system
12:15 Strawberry wall
12:46 The vestibule
13:20 How well does it work in the winter?
13:47 How well does it work in the summer?
Here are some of the products I use in this video:
Palram Greenhouse: amzn.to/39GF8I6
Immersion Heaters: amzn.to/3xo3F1p
Thermostat: amzn.to/3oZHE2C
Water Barrels: amzn.to/3sBeXuZ
Bug screen: amzn.to/43iIJqf
Heated hose: amzn.to/3ILO2pY
The inline G.A.H.T. fan: amzn.to/3BkI0YR
The air circulation fan: amzn.to/3qFhnsG
AC Infinity controler: amzn.to/3rLbieQ
Here is a link to the pallet wood shingle playlist: bit.ly/4cDZ4Le
Here are some of the key features of my geothermal greenhouse:
It uses a buried pipe to collect heat from the ground.
It has a raised beds made of gabions inside the greenhouse to act as a thermal mass.
It is made of wood and glass, and it is insulated with styrofoam and weed barrier.
It has a workbench, a water storage tank, and a drip irrigation system.
It can stay 55 degrees warmer than the outside temperature on a cold winter day.
If you are interested in building a geothermal greenhouse, this video is for you! I share everything I learned along the way, so you can avoid the mistakes I made.
Credits:
Drone in D by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
#greenhouse #diy #greenhousefarming #diyprojects #inspiration #motivation
I'm blown away by the positive response to my greenhouse project! THANK YOU EVERYONE VERY MUCH!. I'll be posting some videos about what's growing in it very soon!
came for the greenhouse, stayed for the epic display of CAD (Cardboard Aided Design)
Carboard aided design is the peak of human innovation. Everything else is just showing off.
I’m stealing that one. Love it
LOL! I was like... Did he? Then saw the rest of the comment. I actually loved how low-key it was. The spray painting job was on point 👌
This comment wins the internet 😁
I became 10x more impressed as the video went along and I saw how much work you did yourself and how resourceful you were in building this thing. I wasn’t expecting to watch the whole thing. But it was showing one cool thing after another. I think I’m going to try and follow a similar strategy when I finally tackle building by our own greenhouse. Thanks for the inspiration.
My dad installed geo-thermal in his home. Watching him do it was amazing. Now we own the home and we love having it. I can't imagine ever going back.
Smart man
My god… I’ve never been more motivated. I’m currently going to an electrician trade school to earn a fantastic living, but to also learn how to wire up a system like this. My goal is to create similar content, but in the Northern Californian foothills, so I’m going to focus more on water retention and summer cooling (love the idea is positioning around deciduous trees)but I just love how practical and resourceful your design was. I want to give everyone a huge tip. Most residential housing developments have massive amounts of 2x4 waste, and there is a high amount of new developments right now, so hunt around the large 40 yard dumpsters and you will find unlimited quality lumber with minor defects. Follow for future content
Great tip!
I love the sheer aesthetic beauty and timeless solidity of your rocky hillside domain. Man did not come here to the Earth to serve money and corporations, we are here to create a Paradise Garden, just like you are doing.
You nailed it Melissa
I live in Alberta Canada and it’s always the issue of the Cost of keeping a greenhouse warm enough in the winter Heat from the earth and sun is the key. Thank you for posting your vid.
Quick comment to acknowledge the quality of this video and its content!
Thank you so much!
same!
Yes, indeed!! i would like to see separate, in-depth discussions on the various parts of the build. A separate vid on just the geotherm part, for instance. A single vid for the whole is simply not adequate to dissect the complexity of the parts. What thinkest thou? 😊
Yes. I too would love to see a more detailed explanation on the construction of the geothermal part of this. Also, what you would do different now. Thanks!
I’m in love with how much pride and excitement he has for his work - as he should!
I never considered using a radiator to extract compost heat, makes sense. I am having ideas for using it to boost a geothermal setup in the winter but like you said solar+geothermal is likely enough.
I was also really interested in the radiator compost heap plan! I'd never considered transferring compost heat to an indoor water reservoir but it makes a lot of sense and would be a great energy source if the solar heat and ground insulation wasn't enough. Next step, build a big enough water reservoir for raising fish! Fish poop water for fertilizer, and the occasional renewable meat harvest of tilapia/trout/etc.
The filming and editing are excellent for such a small channel. I hope you continue to upload quality videos and grow on the platform.
Thank you so much!
Yeah, I was actually admiring his excellent speaking skills.
The usage of space is amazing. Everything looks very well integrated into the natural environment despite the difficult terrain. The use of different natural materials, the design of the structures as well as the snaking way the pathways are constructed create protected spaces. Your property looks like it has been taken right out of an adventure game like Myst. Well done.
Thank you very much for stopping by and saying that!
How did I only find this channel now?! What an excellent video! Very professionally done as well 😀
Thank you very much!
I’m the 11th finisher! 🤦♂️🤭😇. One of my first summer jobs 78/79 was was a draftsman field hand for my next door surveyor neighbor who taught me how to draft out all his projects for the state of Maine. One of his project involved a passive solar log home. Looked like your greenhouse with black barrels mid floors, south facing wall of daylight cellar. Massive tiled floor and Stone Russian fireplace thermal heat masses. Your plan brought so many correct techniques. I had even painted a south facing back wall dark brown for the solar heat benefit., I saw benefits from some envelope homes being built into north side ground too. Great video and thank you for the excellent content. I’m a new fan.
Thank you and you are way too humble Imo. The forethought and years of being able to test on what works for your property season by season and all the random thought processes, problem solving and reaching out for reliable info and resources that really went into this projects success, is truly amazing. I also won't leave out your super supportive family and friends that made it all possible. What I really admire is how well grounded you are with the sourcing of free or near free materials and how well you balanced the overwhelming financial needs of this against your desire to complete your Greenhouse.
Thanks for coming by...AND for saying that. You made my MONTH. I'm out here doing this by myself...and then a thoughtful person like you comes along and keeps me encouraged to keep going!
This was a very well-intentioned and thoughtful comment. I agree with it.
Dude your incredible, such clear explanation on such a long and well thought out, one man journey. Blows my mind you were able to do all that from your own hands
You are very kind! Thanks for saying that!
Wow what a well thought-out design. love to see people putting tought and work into growing their own food
What a truly beautiful process of building you've shared with us! Like some others, it was my first time seeing any of your videos, and I found myself pulled along by one fabulous piece after another as you shared your thoughts and the what the act of building this structure - on your land - required. One of the things I most love about the art, and act, of building is that it brings one such exquisite problems to solve, and for the thoughtful person, represents such an exercise in creativity. Needless to say, I think you nailed it. Very much appreciated the "cool wife sighting" - as well as your wife's able handling of the jackhammer! One last thought - I so appreciated how you walked us through your property, especially as you were coming up the stairs by the raised beds and stopped for a moment. I pointed out to my husband, unlike most folks, who endeavor to fence the deer "out," instead you'd taken the approach of fencing the food "in." It makes my day to see that sort of thoughtfulness in action! Good on you for all your very hard work, and I look forward to watching more of your videos!
What a kind comment! Thank you for taking the time to say that…incredibly generous of you.
I bought one of those Harbor Freight greenhouses and never really utilized it. I did make a large cinderblock insulated foundation with the idea of burying pipe like you did but never finished it. You could also use a shade cloth during in the summer to reduce the heat. I bought one from Griffin greenhouse supply in Tewksbury. Looks like a nice greenhouse for citrus trees to over winter in.
wow! Incredible. I just bought a greenhouse and currently prepping the site where it will go. I am blown away by your design and success! I live in southern NH and limited on physical ability and funds to accomplish what you did but so impressed. Will try a few things you described that I can manage and definitely check out your merch! Thank you for sharing your inspiring video!
Awesome! Thank you!
You know, with your experience building your greenhouse and the geography of your property, have you ever considered building a passive solar heated and cooled home? Warning: It would mean much more jackhammering. You'd pretty much have to bury the living space of your house inside your hill. Also, the structure would be like a thermos: The living space would be inside outer walls, with about a foot or so between the outer wall of the structure (in contact with the earth and stone of the hill) and the outer wall of the living space. Basically, you'd have a house inside a house, but with NO insulation between the outer walls. This would include space between the floor of the living space and the floor of the outer structure, as well as space between the ceiling of the living space and the roof of the outer structure (the roof of the outer structure would have earth atop it). Again, with NO insulation between to living space and the outer structure. By "burying" your house in the side of your hill, you will be counting on the earth as insulation. From the middle of the back wall of the outer structure, you would run a pipe about a hundred yards back, and then straight up to emerge from the earth. The end of the pipe would have to be capped to prevent rain from entering, but the cap would have to extend well beyond the edges of the end of the pipe. That's because there would have to be holes near the end of the pipe to allow air in (but screened to keep bugs out). This is part of your passive solar air conditioning. The front of your house would be a greenhouse, built as part of the outer structure, but not buried like the rest of the house. The floor of the greenhouse would be like a standard deck, built of wooden slats with enough space between the slats to allow air flow (this "deck" would sit above the floor of the outer structure). The front wall of the living space would be thermal mass to soak up heat. Your bottom of your planters would also be thermal mass. Here's how it works: --- AC: During Summer, you would open the greenhouse panels on the roof at the back of the greenhouse, right above the thermal mass of the front wall of the living space (you'd have screens here to keep out bugs). The sun would heat up the air in the greenhouse house. The hot air would rise, leaving through the open panels. That natural air flow would draw in air through the pipe. The pipe, being buried, would cool the air it draws in, which will flow into the space between the outer structure and the living space, cooling off the living space (which should already cooled some by being buried in the hill). --- Heating: During Winter, you close the greenhouse panels and a valve in the buried pipe (closing it off, too). During the day, the thermal mass heats up from the sun (the greenhouse should be on the south side of the house). At night, the thermal mass will give up its heat to keep the house warm. Being buried in the side of the hill will provide great insulation for the house. If you are worried that your earth insulation and thermal mass will not be enough to keep you warm enough in Winter, when you build the house you could install a woodstove just inside the front wall of the living space. The thermal mass built into that wall will soak up heat from the woodstove, too, ensuring a warm night and day. I plan on building such a house in the future.
... but you would pay taxes on that extra wall around your living area, as a living space, no? And why not suck out warmer air from the depths of the stone hill in the winter, to aid in warming?
This is amazing. Your place is killer beautiful (house and greenhouse, stone stairs and greenery). Everything works and has a purpose.
Really nice of you to say that!
What a lot of work. Very interesting. Live in the northwest. A lot of rain and cold weather in the winter.
Thank you, I'm starting my geothermal greenhouse, great tips
When I saw your property (south facing slope...or was it not south facing?) I started salivating for a walipini (sunken/partialy buried) style Greenhouse. Granted you have such rocky soil, but you had to do a lot of digging anyway and all the spoils could have added to your walls to slightly reduce digging. Based on how you present yourself, you probably saw and discarded this idea. Why, please? Hot air powered thermal mass was still an option.
I considered it, but didn't have the energy for the considerably higher amount of jack hammering it involved. I also wanted to complete the project within a year, and my specific location would have required a lot more time to complete a Walipini.
@@WineberryHill Thanks. The other thing I wondered was why you rejected making it an attached greenhouse...north end attached to your house.
The location is the optimal spot for best winter sun alignment (my house isn't).
First thing I thought too.
Can you please clarify which direction it’s facing. Awesome and very detailed work
You've given me a lot to think on. We are about to embark on our "Greenhouse" build next spring. Thank you.
Such a great investment.. I'm enjoying your videos, and learning a great deal from them as I plan my own greenhouse. The design is brilliant..keep up the great work and post some of the plants growing in the winter.
Beautiful!!! Brilliant!!! Thank you for sharing
Made it to the end and am inspired to add some geothermal capabilities to my greenhouse plans. Thank you
So amazing! Thanks for sharing.
This is incredible as a video and your project, can't wait to see more.
That is so beautiful!! So inspiring and encouraging living up on Ontario. As it's getting colder this is such a joy to see!
Glad you enjoyed it!
What an inspiration you are. Lots of ideas to try in our small 8x8 cattle panel greenhouse. Thank you for sharing.
You bet...and thanks for saying that!
This is amazing, thanks for the info!
Love how you planned and improvised to get this job done. You also live in a great community whereby i am sure help is reciprocated. Thank you for sharing the ideas and build of this project.
WOOOOWWWWW it is soooooo BEAUTIFUL there, the house and surroundings. Just gorgeous
Fantastic! I really appreciate that you reused materials. Thanks for sharing! 💯
Okay, I did not think about a radiator in a compost pile before, but it is a really good idea. I mean previously I was mostly concerned about the thing not combusting (during summer), never thought about such a cheap way to harvest that heat.
makes you wonder how it would affect the composting
Perfect vlog. What I was searching for, thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I think it’s amazing that you went through all that to have a great greenhouse I want to people aren’t as dedicated or interested with. You obviously know the value and I wish more people felt that way graph really cool I love the idea of geothermal not sure if passive solar would be enough, but I have seen projects in New York that have an above ground greenhouse no geothermal to my knowledge who have placed their compost within the structure and what that has done is provided heat I thought was brilliant because obviously if you’re going to use compost you’re gonna need it in the greenhouse, so yeah I love it. I love it all. I guess it depends on your wallet size what you can afford where you can start and then graduate like you did, something bigger and better I think greenhouses are invaluable. I also love the idea of Walla peonies, which is a South American underground greenhouse. Those are particularly good in inclement weather because you can grow food all year round. I still haven’t seen anyone do a fantastic job on it. I think that there could be more ingenuity but everybody’s different, so perhaps they’ll be some people who have the courage to do things in a way that hasn’t been quite done yet . I love watching my shows they’re very educational. Thank you very much for sharing.
Very cool project! I think you made the best of what your land allows you to build on. The new greenhouse will be a great addition.
I loved this video it was cool to see how one is put together and how you resourced your materials
Kudos to you for all your hard work, labor and research and design! But for me, it was gratifying to see someone dealing with what I have; a steep hill of nothing but rock. Seeing what you have done gives me hope!
Such an epic and pretty build! Thank you for sharing this. I'm inspired!
Awesome! Thank you!
Amazing greenhouse, inspiring build!! I’ll be checking out all your content, top notch😁
oh boy! I LOVE IT! going to share this with all of my gardening friends. wonderful design, and construction!
Awesome! Thank you!
Wow that was amazing to watch. Absolutely stunning results from your incredible hard work.
Thank you very much!
Exceedingly well done! Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Thanks for watching!
Love your shirt 'Keep calm and pull weeds' - When I felt like a serious get away, just a relief from the current situation, nothing like visiting the garden and seeing what you can do to collect your thought. Enjoyed the video, awesome.
Agreed!
This was a masterfully done video and I so very appreciate the scale model.
Super easy to make to the end! Thanks for sharing your awesome place!
Thanks for watching!
Absolutely an amazing project!! Love it!!
Thanks so much!
Lots and lots of thought. A great greenhouse!
Incredible well thought build and I like how the structure compliments your landscape. Geothermal is a simple and consistent temperature solution for a greenhouse!
Thank you very much!
I love this! Based on what you said we have the perfect spot to build a small version of this.
Beautiful greenhouse!! Thank you for the inspiration and information, much appreciated!
Glad it was helpful!
Such a beautiful and tastfuly built structure!
Thank you for this! Enjoyed the journey immensely!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for sharing... really ba e enjoyed watching your build. Blessings ❤
You even made a 3D model 🐐 Keep up the great content!
Great detail on this video! My husband and I will definitely use this information for our build. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome build!
That place is amazing, mate. You've got a talent. I would love more of a tour around
I commend you for all your hard work and persistent in research to complete your greenhouse. You are amazing person! Thank you for your video. It is an encouragement to me and others.
So nice of you
Amazing job, thank you for sharing 🪴
Good timing thank you. This is encouraging. I am planning to build a greenhouse next spring and this design is amazing for my climate which is a little further north. Great video. Great explanation. I just subscribed.
Glad it was helpful!
Beautiful! Nice work.
Fantastic work👍👍👍
Awesome effort & result!! I’m in Texas and love your ingenuity! Thank you for sharing!!
Awesome! Thank you!
I used to live in Rockaway, NJ, so I 100% understand what you are talking about. I was one of The Ten who stayed until the end. I think you really under sold the about of skull sweat you invested into this project. Love the idea, be well!!
Thanks so much!
Great design and build.
I really enjoyed the transitions you did in this video as well as the overall production value of it! I thought the content was really informational. Have a great day :)
Awesome, thank you!
Good job, very resourceful
Thank you for the video. I'm looking to move to Wisconsin and this will be helpful in thinking about a green house
Absolutely beautiful ❤️
Amazing video, I was so surprised to see your channel only has 28k subs, seeing how well put together, informational and easy to watch this video was, I was expecting you to have at least a million subs. I wish the algorithm would pick this video up, you deserve a lot more reach for videos like these, they're so informational and also just relaxing to watch. I wish I had the room to put together builds like these, so much fun and use to be had with these builds and growing in general.
Much appreciated!
I am so impressed with your tenacity! God bless 😊
Wow, thank you!
I'm not very particular, but I know when someone take the time to make a professional finished project... as I am only half way through the actual video.. I have to say the time you take to describe and explain--the visual aids... this is a very nice professional video. However, I listen to podcasts at 1.7x speed. For a high focus, so long as you keep my attention type--you could speak a bit faster. Visually though, I love this video. Also, the nuance guitar soft bluegrass is at perfect volume for the video (and quite lovely)--thank you for not trying to scream over your background noise. Than you for sharing this idea and project.
Thank you for the great information, I’m sending to my hubby!
You have a nice property and your house fits it well. Great job using the rock for Fabian walls!
backyard goals and friends who help you with projects. lucky guy!
Agreed!
Great job!! Excellent video!! Thanks
Glad you liked it!
Absolutely amazing! Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I really appreciated the effort that went into this video. From the articulation in tandem with the storytelling, the models in aid of said storytelling, the editing. It was all awesome but what I think I appreciated most about those elements was the sense of inspiration & motivation to achieve similar results because, like the rock on your property, you broke down otherwise complicated ideas into easier forms. :)
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for the great video.
This is a greenhouse, but it really stimulated my thinking about the next house I want to build.
I'm about to construct a greenhouse on an odd-shaped piece of property. Thank you for the idea to utilize the shape. Your architect friend helped me as well. I do have a lifetime of construction experience, but that doesn't necessarily lend itself to the variety of ideas needed when working with different mediums.
Thanks for sharing. I had planned to build a greenhouse this year but got swamped in other projects. Hoping to have time next year for the project.
You can do it!
Great video. Thanks
This is a very impressive project. I'm planning on building another raised bed in the spring.
Amazing work !!! Admiring you from France. Very inspiring, so much hard work. Thank you for sharing
Thank you so much 😀
Really cool project!
Wow wow wow!!! Impressive & full of knowledge. Thx!! Loved this video. Rock Star job
Glad you liked it!
Loved the video and how you put it together.
Thanks so much!
Great approach to life
❤great greenhousr!!! I have always wanted one. Moving the next year so maybe I will get one or build one at that time. Thank you so much!!! I am very impressed!!!
Wow, this is so well done.
Thank you so much!
Wow! Just seen your video. Really impressive! I'm planning to build something similar next year so it's a great help in organising and arranging stuff needed. Thank you😊
Glad it was helpful!
Cool video, great ideas 🎉🎉🎉