Geothermal Greenhouse kits, are they worth it?
A geothermal greenhouse is a wonderful way to keep plants warm and grow produce year-round in climates that would otherwise be too cold or too hot for agriculture but before you decide whether or not to buy a geothermal greenhouse kit be sure to read this guide to see if it’s worth the investment.
What is a geothermal greenhouse?
A geothermal greenhouse is a type of greenhouse that uses heat from the soil right underneath your feet to keep plants warm
Using geothermal greenhouse kits are becoming more popular because they use less energy than traditional greenhouses, and they don’t require sunlight or direct exposure to the sun to function.
The main downside of geothermal greenhouse kits is that they can be expensive to purchase and install. Additionally, some people question the effectiveness of these greenhouses compared to traditional greenhouses.
How does a geothermal greenhouse work?
Geothermal greenhouses rely on plastic tubing buried under the soil. The general idea is that the temperatures a few feet underneath the ground are stable, and the tubing buried underneath will carry that temperature into the greenhouse through a medium. The process can be broken down:
1. Trenches that are up to 6 feet deep are dug in the ground where the geothermal greenhouse kits will be installed.
2. A network of tubes is buried in those trenches. These tubes can either contain air or a liquid, depending on how much you are willing to invest in your geothermal greenhouse.
3. The greenhouse is constructed on top of the network of pipes, and plants that grow well at underground temperatures are planted.
4. Either simple vents or a heat pump will be installed, depending on your geothermal greenhouse kit connected to the buried pipes.
5. You now have a functioning geothermal greenhouse. The temperature gradient between the ground above and the depth at which the pipes are buried will determine how warm your greenhouse will be.
Since a geothermal greenhouse’s functionality is determined by the temperature of the soil underneath the temperatures vary greatly between different states. Higher geothermal/volcanic activity points towards higher geothermal greenhouse temperatures.
The Rocky Mountain and West Coast states generally have access to warmer underground temperatures than others. The greenhouses built in these states are labeled “medium temperature greenhouses”.
It is important to choose the right plants for the conditions inside the greenhouse. Some plants that do well in low-medium temperature geothermal greenhouses include bromeliads, ferns, orchids, and succulents.
What are the benefits of using a geothermal greenhouse?
There are many benefits to using a geothermal greenhouse
some of which include
- It is energy efficient – using a geothermal greenhouse means that you are using an energy source that is more sustainable and environmentally friendly than using traditional heating methods.
- It is versatile – geothermal greenhouses can be used for a variety of plants, from vegetables to flowers.
- It functions nonstop – since geothermal greenhouses do not rely on the grid, they are immune to blackouts and power outages.
- It cuts your heating bills – this is a no-brainer. Geothermal greenhouses do not require electricity to heat your greenhouse.
What are the drawbacks of using a geothermal greenhouse?
In general, using a geothermal greenhouse is a great way to keep plants warm and comfortable in the winter. However, there are some potential drawbacks.
First, geothermal greenhouses can be expensive to set up and maintain.
Second, they may not be effective in areas with cold winters. Underground temperatures can only warm your greenhouse so effectively that they would be rendered useless if it gets much colder than usual.
Finally, they may not be as energy-efficient as other types of greenhouses, such as solar greenhouses.
If you’re concocting a geothermal greenhouse plan, weigh the benefits against the costs and decide whether it’s worth it for your particular situation.
Who is the best candidate for using geothermal greenhouse kits?
Geothermal greenhouses are becoming increasingly popular as a way to grow plants in climates not suitable for traditional gardening while the technology is relatively new but there are a few things you need to know before investing in geothermal greenhouse kits.
Here you go with them,
First, you should decide if using a geothermal greenhouse kit is right for you. Geothermal greenhouses work best in climates that have cold winters and hot summers. If your climate is too cold or too hot, a geothermal greenhouse kit may not be the best option for you.
If you want to grow vegetables or flowers, you’ll need a climate that’s between 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. If your climate varies more than that, geothermal greenhouse kits may not be the best option for you.
You should also consider what kind of plants you want to grow in your geothermal greenhouse kit. Most kits come with supplies to grow plants such as seeds and soil, but you’ll need to decide what kind of plants to include in your geothermal greenhouse plan.
Conclusion
There are a number of factors to consider before making the decision to install a geothermal greenhouse, such as cost, location, and the type of plants you wish to grow.
However, if you are looking to increase your yields or reduce your environmental impact, geothermal greenhouse kits could be the perfect solution for you. Oh, haven’t we mentioned it? You could save a lot of money in the long run, by eliminating greenhouse heating bills.
If you are planning to have a geothermal greenhouse installed, we recommend that you speak with an expert about your options to see if installing a kit is the best decision for you! After all, they are a costly investment.
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