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As most folks are well aware, an attempt to achieve a more self-reliant lifestyle often involves a good bit of problem solving . . . and much of the time, there just doesn't seem to be a ready supply of answers to the questions that come up. We're pleased to present, then, the following column . . . in which a number of well-known individuals from various areas of expertise (such as gardening, alternative building methods, hydroponics, water toxicity, and wood heating, to name a few) have agreed to act as "consultants" for you.

If a question concerning some aspect of selfreliant living has you stumped, send it to Ask Our Experts, THE MOTHER EARTH NEWS ® 105 Stoney Mountain Road, Hendersonville, North Carolina 28791. Please don't expect personal replies, though. The most frequently asked questions will be answered here — and here only — so that we can all benefit from what these folks have to say.

I have some questions concerning solar greenhouse construction and operation. My sunspace is framed with 2 X 6's and has 6" of fiberglass insulation in the walls, five large double-paned windows gracing its south side, and five more double-paned portals on the sloped top. Particleboard lines the interior of the structure. My question concerns the amount of moisture that collects on the inner walls. Can you advise me as to the best way to protect the particleboard against moisture?

I could also use some input as to heatstorage techniques. I don't have the room needed to accommodate barrels of water, and I'm finding it difficult to obtain smaller vessels for storing the liquid. Do you have any suggestions?

A good preservative for protecting particleboard in a humid greenhouse environment is clear Cuprinol. This product won't harm plants or fish, but it is a light-duty coating and will have to be reapplied annually. (The heavier Cuprinol preservative contains copper naphthenate, which is detrimental to the health of plants and fish and thus is not suitable for greenhouse use.) Another option is to plug the pores of the particleboard with a sealer and then brush on a "porch and deck" enamel. When dry, this coating will not harm plants or fish.