This interview conducted by Mr. Thomas in May 2007 ©JHThomas

 Bringing the Eastern Gardening Experience to the Southwest

This report features information from an interview with David Rudakewich, owner of a new standalone greenhouse that is going to be used year around in Northern Arizona, downtown Flagstaff. At my first observation of this commercial greenhouse I felt it was overglazed for this region and that the owner was inviting overheating problems. It was with this in mind that I sought out David for this report. I learned that David is well aware of this issue and is already using strategies to handle it. The following information is from this interview.

Structure

This greenhouse is freestanding several feet from the home in full sun. David has built up nice stone terraces to create a level place for its location. Drainage is no issue in this location. It is approximately 10' x 12'. It is owner constructed from a commercial kit. The foundation is a series of beams made from recycled old automobiles, a popular new item available today. They are perfect for Flagstaff, Arizona's climate. They are heavy and the greenhouse is bolted to them as a unit to limit wind damage. Inside, the floor is stone and brick on the ground to take advantage of the ambient soil properties. The growing beds are raised eight to sixteen inches only. The greenhouse is new at the time of this interview, having been constructed in February 2007. It is glazed with translucent lexan, panels are opaque and insulated on the north side. The cost to purchase and build can be estimated at about three thousand dollars.

Comments

The greenhouse is 100% passive. No heat source is provided so far. As winter approaches David will need to deal with how to keep daily heat gain inside overnight. Perhaps we can do a follow up report.

On the day of this visit plants growing inside this unit included tomatoes, green beans, basil, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce and flowers. There also were starter plants designated to find their permanent home outside in the larger garden nearby. Summer growing season is about 90 days, so these season extenders are mandatory and not considered a luxury around here.

Regarding the overglazing issue that stimulated this report, as this may be the first unit like this in northern Arizona that will be successful, thanks to David's awareness and attention to detail, I'm pleased to share the following:

David purchased a unit that included both above and below automatic air vents as indicated in these photos. He can control the tension causing them to open sooner on warm days and if it clouds over they close automatically. The left photo shows that the northern wall and roof are opaque material that is insulated. The integrity of the design is good for a passive greenhouse. On the day I was there the inside of the unit was quite warm but not uncomfortable nor damaging for the plants. I witnessed no wilt nor plant stress. Everything looked healthy and vigorous.

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One of the most impressive features about David's management of his greenhouse is this wireless weather station unit he has installed. The remote readout panel is in the house. This gives him intimate knowledge about the environment of his growing space, anytime. If things are becoming too humid or too hot he can tend to it immediately. This technology also gives him the means to keep records regarding high and low temperature and humidity every day.

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My thanks to David for his hospitality during my visit. If you have questions about his project contact him here: cubeofd@AOL.com

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