Protective Structures
Simple and effective systems for winter protection, passive solar growing, and seasonal crop resilience.
Design philosophy
I have built PVC framed greenhouses and passive solar structures for trees, tropical fruit, and winter crops. Some winter protection can be as simple as frost cloth or frost cloth plus Christmas lights, while more durable systems include insulated, passively heated greenhouses with proper ventilation and heat storage.
A passive solar greenhouse is insulated on the north, east, and west sides, with glazing primarily on the south. This approach captures sunlight while reducing heat loss, making it more efficient than many conventional hoop houses.
