I've been thinking of building an underground greenhouse (basically a greenhouse half buried to allow the earth to help regulate the temperature) to extent our limited growing season. The plan so far is dig a big hole and cover the opening with plastic. I would love to hear if people think my logic is sound.
"Beets, Blacksmithing, Bow hunting"
Look into making a bio mass heater, with the vents going along the perimeter of your green house. These heaters will keep a house warm all day with just 4 hrs of burn time. Extremely efficient, for they use less than 1/3 to 1/4 of the wood that is used in a conventional wood stove. There is/was a YOUTUBE video that showed someone doing exactly what your planning.
"We 'Prep.' to live after a downfall, Not just to survive."
I was thinking the same thing. A south facing slope would be best, line the north wall with rocks to absorb heat. I think glass would be far more effective at keeping heat in than plastic unless you tarp it at night.
Find a few glass/window installers in your area. They have a hell of a time getting rid of the old windows they swap out. Patio doors would probably be the best.
I'm thinking a long, narrow structure. 7ft by 10,20,or even 30ft. Paul Wheaton has a video on greenhouse construction + rocket mass heater how to tutorial - no need to re-invent the wheel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=qtFvdMk3eLM
Ranger do you know the link for the tubule video couldn't find it or maybe looking up wrong one
Preparedness is like a condom , I've rather have it and not need it, rather than need it and not have it
Definately glass or plexiglass-plastic shatters when cold enough and moved (by wind or whatever)
Sweet thanks
Preparedness is like a condom , I've rather have it and not need it, rather than need it and not have it
"We 'Prep.' to live after a downfall, Not just to survive."
Thanks for the good advice, I like the rocket mass heater idea maybe I could turn it into a boiler and pipe the hot water into the house for heat... Cause I'm pretty sure installing one of those in your house would void your insurance. Thanks for the good tip on free glass I was thinking of useing two layers of bubble wrap, but glass is better. Someone should create a topic on where to find free stuff like the glass idea.
"Beets, Blacksmithing, Bow hunting"
Try Kijiji or Craigslist for free patio doors. Both these sites have a free section and lots of people will offer windows and patio doors for free when they change them out, just to get rid of them.
There is also the freecycle org. where people give away things they don't want , but they didn't want to end up in a landfill. Windows seem to be plentiful.