Our Partially Underground Greenhouse Project
For years, I’ve dreamed of having a partially underground greenhouse, and now it’s finally happening! This project has been in the planning stages for a long time, and watching it come to life beside our garden feels incredibly rewarding.
We chose to build the greenhouse partially underground to help regulate temperature naturally, keeping it cooler in summer and warmer during the cold months—a huge advantage for off-grid living and year-round growing.
The start
Breaking Ground
It all began with digging the hole. The greenhouse is being built right next to the garden, and once it’s complete, there will be a door connecting the garden to the greenhouse, making it easy to move between the two spaces.
We’re also planning to include the grapevine that currently runs along our garden fence inside the greenhouse once the wall on that side goes up. Our cooler northern climate has slowed its growth, but we’re hoping that the extra warmth will help it thrive and produce abundantly in the years ahead.
Building the Frame and Roof
As you can see in the early construction photos, the walls and roof started going up just before the snow arrived. Getting the roof on before winter was a priority so we could work comfortably on installing the windows and interior rock beds throughout the colder months.
The greenhouse measures about 16′ x 40′, offering plenty of space for growing a variety of plants. I’ll be using raised rock beds, garden boxes, and potted plants to make the most of every inch. Scott’s already planning a small water feature at one end, and we’ll definitely include a cozy spot to sit back and enjoy a cup of coffee—or maybe something stronger—after a long day in the garden.
From Fall to Winter
By late fall, we’d made great progress, and thanks to the wood stove we installed, we were able to stay warm while putting in the last of the windows and laying gravel. It’s been fun imagining how lush and green this space will be once it’s full of life.
One friend jokingly suggested adding a hot tub in the corner—but we’ll stick to tomatoes, herbs, and hanging baskets for now!
Reusing and Repurposing Materials
This project is truly a reflection of our off-grid lifestyle and commitment to reusing materials. The wood stove came from our cabin after we replaced it with a smaller one, and the concrete mantel above it was poured using metal salvaged from a C-can (shipping container).
We even reused the door panel cut out from the C-can as part of the build. The windows were generously donated by a neighbor who replaced his, and most of the wood was milled from cedar logs I received in trade for bookkeeping work.
We only had to purchase a few essentials—insulated stove pipe, gravel, and roofing material—proving that a sustainable, affordable greenhouse is possible with a bit of creativity and resourcefulness.
I did order two large solar grow lights, which will be placed over a shelf that will be built for starting plants. Pictures will be posted on the website and or face book page once I have them up.
The gravel is in and our helper is having a nap. Stay posted for more pictures and info as I get this greenhouse planted.
Lighting and Future Plans
I’ve ordered two large solar grow lights that will hang above a shelf for starting seedlings in early spring. Once they’re set up, I’ll share photos here and on the Facebook page.
The ceiling beams, made from thick milled cedar, are strong enough to hold hanging baskets, which I plan to start in spring. For now, the gravel floor is in, the wood stove is burning, and our furry helper is happily napping after a day’s work.
Stay tuned for updates as we plant and grow in this new greenhouse—I can’t wait to see how it evolves through the seasons.
This is the solar grow light I ordered. I will post more pictures when it arrives and let you know how it works. It arrived and this light has been a game changer. It is way brighter than I thought it would be. It is inexpensive and worked so well I ordered another one. I now have one at each end the the greenhouse. Heres the link Full Spectrum Solar Grow Lights
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It’s amazing to see how much thought and creativity went into building your underground greenhouse! I love how you’ve repurposed so many materials, from the windows to the metal from the C-can and even the cedar logs from bookkeeping work. It not only keeps costs down but also gives the project a unique, sustainable touch. I imagine the warmth of the wood stove will make it a cozy retreat during the colder months too. I’d love to hear more about how the grapevine thrives once it’s inside the greenhouse—it sounds like a great way to extend your growing season!
Hi Jonelle, yes this was our first year. I was able to grow canteloupe and watermelon when normally our growing season is not long enough. Our grandkids planted some beans when they were visiting in Aug and low and behold we have little beans starting. It’s a work in progress, but I’m sure it will help with the grocery bill 🙂