My North Dakota Cistern-Fed, Solar-Heated Greenhouse

(Page 4 of 4)

November/December 1977
By Michael F. Beck, D.D.S. 
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In more southerly parts of the U.S., it may not be necessary to build an "insulating planter" of this kind: A couple of rows of baled hay around the greenhouse might work just as well, although the bales would have to be replaced every year. Remember, though, that hay not only retains heat but can retain a nice mouse population, too. Make sure your greenhouse is rodent-proof before you line its perimeter with hay, or you may have to share your produce with some little furry critters!

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IT PAYS FOR ITSELF IN FOOD

Thanks to the extended growing season made possible by my combination cistern/ greenhouse, I've been ableover the past several years- to grow and enjoy a number of vegetables that I might not otherwise have been able to harvest. I've even grown fruit, to a limited extent. While in Arizona a couple of winters ago, I bought two Bonanza peach trees and a nectarine tree (all dwarfs) ... and I now have peaches and nectarines on those trees inside the greenhouse. (Since the trees are only 5-1/2' tall when mature, they can stay inside the greenhouse-in pots or boxesIndefinitely.)

During warm weather, of course, I do have to open the greenhouse's vent and door so that the fruit trees (and other goodies) don't get cooked. Otherwise, the little conservatory has been very easy to care for ... and It's paid for itself many times over in fresh edibles.

Now I'm planning a swimming pool which will be enclosed in a greenhouselike building. Who knows? Next year at this time I may have a solar-heated, swim-in greenhouse. If so, I'll let you know!

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