Our polytunnel measures 10×6 meters and will serve multiple purposes. Naturally, it will be used as a greenhouse to start plants early in the season and to provide a place for more sensitive plants during the winter. We’ve also noticed that our worm farm does very well in the greenhouse when it’s cold, allowing these helpful creatures to continue their ‘work.’
Additionally, we plan to use the greenhouse as a communal space during the winter. Inside, we’ll create a small kitchen, a seating area, and install a rocket stove mass heater. This heater is highly efficient and retains heat for a long time, keeping the greenhouse warm even in winter.
We have already built the first raised bed inside the greenhouse. We also made a trellis for a kiwi and a passion fruit to grow over. To quickly cover the trellis, we’ve planted zucchini and pumpkin as well. The idea is to install a large door on the side of the trellis that can be opened in the summer to ventilate the entire greenhouse. Under the trellis, there will be a nice shaded area to sit.
On the side of the greenhouse, we created narrow garden beds. These help support the greenhouse and are planted with flowers and plants that attract insects to assist with pollination.
