The Forest Garden Greenhouse

Synopsis

Now with a revolutionary new "Climate Battery" design for near-net-zero heating and cooling

"Jerome Osentowski is a master of simple, elegantly frugal, eminently practical indoor gardens."-Amory Lovins

In this groundbreaking book, Jerome Osentowski, one of North America's most accomplished permaculture designers, presents a wholly new approach to a very old horticultural subject. In The Forest Garden Greenhouse, he shows how bringing the forest garden indoors is not only possible, but doable on unlikely terrain and in cold climates, using near-net-zero technology. Different from other books on greenhouse design and management, this book advocates for an indoor agriculture using permaculture design concepts-integration, multi-functions, perennials, and polycultures-that take season extension into new and important territory.

Chapters Include:

• Expanding the Possible with Season Extension

•  The History and Mechanics of the Climate Battery

•  Considerations for Building Your Own Greenhouse

•  Several Off-site Case Studies

• And much more! 

Osentowski, director and founder of Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute (CRMPI) incorporates deep, holistic permaculture design with practical common sense. His greenhouse designs, which can range from the backyard homesteader to commercial greenhouses, are completely ecological and use a simple design that traps hot and cold air and regulates it for best possible use.

With detailed design drawings, photos, and profiles of successful greenhouse projects on all scales, this inspirational manual will considerably change the conversation about greenhouse design.

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Summary

Chapter 1: What is a Forest Garden Greenhouse?

* Defines a forest garden greenhouse as a closed ecosystem that imitates a natural forest environment inside a greenhouse structure.
* Discusses the benefits of forest garden greenhouses, including increased food production, reduced water usage, and improved air quality.

Example: A forest garden greenhouse at the University of California, Santa Cruz, features a variety of plants, including bananas, citrus trees, and various herbs, all growing in a closed system.

Chapter 2: Planning Your Forest Garden Greenhouse

* Provides guidance on selecting a site, designing the layout, and choosing the right greenhouse structure.
* Emphasizes the importance of considering factors such as sunlight exposure, ventilation, and water availability.

Example: A homeowner in the Pacific Northwest designs a forest garden greenhouse that takes advantage of a sunny south-facing slope and has a large rainwater catchment system.

Chapter 3: Building Your Forest Garden Greenhouse

* Includes step-by-step instructions for constructing a greenhouse structure using various materials, such as polycarbonate panels, glass, or shade cloth.
* Provides tips for weatherproofing, ventilation, and insulation.

Example: A group of volunteers builds a forest garden greenhouse in a community park using recycled wood and polycarbonate panels.

Chapter 4: Establishing a Forest Garden Ecosystem

* Outlines the principles of forest gardening, including plant selection, soil preparation, and mulching.
* Discusses the importance of creating a diverse ecosystem with plants of different heights and growth habits.

Example: A forest garden greenhouse in Hawaii features a mix of fruit trees, vegetables, and nitrogen-fixing plants, all contributing to a balanced ecosystem.

Chapter 5: Growing Food in a Forest Garden Greenhouse

* Provides practical guidance on growing various fruits, vegetables, and herbs in a forest garden environment.
* Includes tips on planting, watering, fertilizing, and pest control.

Example: A family in the Midwest grows tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce in their forest garden greenhouse, using companion planting techniques to maximize yields.

Chapter 6: Maintaining Your Forest Garden Greenhouse

* Discusses the importance of ongoing maintenance tasks, such as pruning, weeding, and pest monitoring.
* Provides guidance on harvesting and storing produce from the greenhouse.

Example: A local nursery maintains a forest garden greenhouse as a living demonstration for customers, regularly pruning and watering the plants and harvesting produce for sale.