UM (University of Montana) builds passive solar greenhouse to grow fresh veggies year-round.

We are so happy to have received this article from Bad Goat Forest Products a greenhouse builder in Missoula  MT. They are using bags filled with dirt as a passive heating system to keep greenhouses from freezing during the night.

Summary: University of Montana’s passive greenhouse program

Matt Braverman, a subcontractor with Bad Goat Forest Products, is nearing completion of what is believed to be Missoula’s first passive solar greenhouse. This innovative greenhouse, constructed with sustainable Montana wood products, earth bags, and twin-wall Solexx greenhouse panels, aims to extend the growing season and boost yields for the university’s campus garden.

The project originated when the university’s Farm to College program wanted a greenhouse but lacked the funds to cover the expenses. The Senior Class Gift campaign for UM’s 2012 graduating class stepped in, with over 150 seniors contributing $20.12 each. The combined funds, along with matching contributions from the Farm to College program, covered the $6,000 cost of building the greenhouse.

The greenhouse’s unique design features walls made of sandbags filled with dirt and a south-facing roof with transparent Solexx greenhouse panels that trap sunlight and heat the earth bags. This passive solar design is expected to provide enough heat during the winter to grow cold-climate crops like kale, lettuce, and spinach for the university’s dining services. It will also serve as a seedling nursery for the campus garden, enabling year-round cultivation and early-season growth.

The greenhouse’s potential use may expand in the future, as UM’s master gardeners seek additional space on campus for growing edible products, while the greenhouse continues to support the cultivation of various crops, even during the summer months.

To read the full story about the University of Montana Solexx covered greenhouse.