“A subcontractor with Bad Goat Forest Products, Braverman was just hours away from finishing what many believe will be the first passive solar greenhouse in Missoula.
“The idea is, the sun will hit the earth bags all day long and during the night, they’ll radiate back the heat and maintain a more even temperature,” said Braverman. “They’re thinking they’ll be able to use this all winter.”
“Steven Schwen of Earthen Path Organic Farm (Lake City, Minnesota) has built an innovative greenhouse that allows him to extend his growing season while reducing energy costs. SARE’s Farmer-Rancher Grants program provided critical assistance for Schwen in the beginning phases of his project.”
“The Zero Energy Thermal Mass Greenhouse solves the problem of freezing weather and a short season climate when you need to grow food. There is no grid connection for heat. It will work anywhere. The two big things that it does best is to allow you to grow transplants to extend your growing season, and reduce the plant maturity days of each crop that you grow. You can also grow summer foods in the winter. It can also be used as a work space to dry vegetables, process honey from your hives, etc.”