Mother's Bioshelter Greenhouse

(Page 4 of 4)

July/August 1986
By the Mother Earth News editors 
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Exterior doors: We made the doors our selves. They're built up on a 1" X 3" lumber frame, insulated with 1" polystyrene board, and sheathed with 1/4" plywood inside and 1" rough-sawed boards out. A plexiglass window is fitted in the upper portion, and a swinging animal-access door is set into the bottom area.

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Plants First

Our greenhouse was designed first and foremost to grow plants as effectively as possible. To that end, some compromises had to be made in its ultimate energy efficiency. Overhead and east- and westwall glazing helps plants grow but is detrimental to overall solar heating in the crucial winter months. Furthermore, all the interior surfaces of the greenhouse are painted white to reflect light (not absorb it) and thereby reduce phototropism. We've accepted the fact that when it gets really cold out and a batch of compost doesn't happen to be at its peak (the bioheat does work in cycles that may not correspond to the weather), backup heat is needed. In fact, during a record cold spell, when the mercury dropped to -21°F, many plants died despite the kerosene heater we kept running day and night. Soil temperatures stayed at acceptable levels, but the air just plain got too cold.

For the most part, though, the greenhouse has made it possible to maintain substantial plant production through the winter in a 4,500 degree-day climate . . . and with minimal backup heat. In any event, the head start one gets on the growing season is sufficient to justify its construction.

EPILOGUE: Sadly, in October 1985, an improperly installed backup heater in the bioshelter ignited wall materials, resulting in the total destruction of the structure.

NOTE: Full-size construction blueprints for the bioshelter can be ordered for $10.

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  • Omer Vahle 9/6/2008 11:22:56 PM

    Another good source for tempered glass is your local glass shop. Standard size patio doors, (usually 34" x 76") will work great. When your local shop does a repair or replacement, they will have te opld units to dispose of.

    If you contact your local shop, they likely will save a few old units for you, since they will have to pay for disposal anyway. Sweeten the deal with some fresh produce and they will probably be happy to set some aside for you.

    You may have to cut the broken side off, or if you are lucky, it will be a failed unit and you will get two pieces!

    I own a glass shop, and would rather give an old unit away than throw it away. So as long as you don't make a nuisance of yourself, most shops would probably feel the same way.

    Just remember to use their services when you need new glazing.

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