The Incredible Solar Greenhouse: A Tour of Year-round Urban Farming

🌱Passive solar design and window shades help maximize heat retention in the greenhouse.

🌞The solar greenhouse is heated solely by the sun and eliminates the need for a heating bill.

🍅The greenhouse allows for year-round growing of tomatoes, citrus fruits, avocados, and other tropical plants in Colorado's harsh climate.

🔋Photovoltaic cells provide backup power during outages, ensuring a continuous supply of electricity.

🏡The passive solar house adjacent to the greenhouse further enhances energy efficiency and reduces reliance on external heating sources.

How long has Jesse been growing tropical fruits in his greenhouse?

—Jesse has been growing tropical fruits for over 20 years in his greenhouse.

Do the olive trees in the greenhouse produce olives?

—The olive trees in the greenhouse haven't produced olives yet. It typically takes around 10 years for olive trees to start producing fruit.

How do pineapples propagate in the greenhouse?

—Pineapples in the greenhouse are propagated by cutting the top of a pineapple, planting it, and allowing it to grow into a new pineapple plant.

What types of vegetables can be grown year-round in the greenhouse?

—Cherry tomatoes, lettuce, Swiss chard, and various herbs can be grown year-round in the greenhouse.

What is the cost of building a solar greenhouse like Jesse's?

—Building a solar greenhouse similar to Jesse's can cost around $10,000, excluding labor costs. The main expense is the glazing, which typically costs around $5,000.

00:01Jesse offers a tour of his solar greenhouse in Colorado, where he grows tropical fruits and vegetables.

01:55Jesse explains how he uses passive solar design and window shades to maximize heat retention in the greenhouse.

02:43The solar greenhouse eliminates the need for a heating bill by utilizing the sun's energy.

03:57Jesse showcases the various plants in the greenhouse, including coffee, tomatoes, avocados, and olive trees.

05:31Jesse describes how pineapples are propagated by cutting the top off and planting it in the greenhouse.

08:59Jesse shares his thoughts on the cost-effectiveness of building a solar greenhouse and the benefits of passive solar design.

10:56Jesse demonstrates the functionality of the coolbot cooler, which helps preserve fruits and vegetables for longer durations.

12:59Jesse discusses the use of photovoltaic cells for backup power in the greenhouse and the adjacent passive solar house.