Walipini This underground greenhouse was created for the cold regions of South America to maintain food production year round, but is now being adopted by gardeners […] Dec 4, 2024 · What is a Walipini Greenhouse? A Walipini greenhouse is a sunken structure built below ground level. Our mission is to empower farmers and communities around the globe with the tools and knowledge they need to create sustainable food systems. The underground structure absorbs the energy of the sunlight and also reflects some. A common design for these is often called an “Earth-Sheltered Greenhouse”, a term popularized by Mike Oehler An introduction to the Walipini, or rather, a modified Walipini. Follow the step-by-step guide, tips, and materials needed for this DIY project. Going a step beyond a walipini is a framed greenhouse built underground. Apr 4, 2024 · Key Takeaways An underground greenhouse allows for efficient, year-round gardening. It utilizes the earth’s natural insulation to maintain a stable temperature inside, which is crucial for protecting plants from cold winters or excessively hot summers. The term Walipini stems from a 1990s project during which members of the Benson Agriculture and Food Institute built underground greenhouses in Bolivia. 4 m underground, relying on the earth’s thermal temperatures to warm the interior. It is not very easy to control temperatures. How it Works We all learned in school that under the earth’s crust is magma which heats the entire Nov 27, 2024 · An underground greenhouse, also known as a walipini, is a sunken outdoor structure designed to keep plants alive year-round. Also called a geothermal- or pit greenhouse, the Walipini is common in South America. The Walipini Feb 7, 2018 · A Walipini greenhouse is a cellar-greenhouse hybrid that combines the constant temperature of the former and the ability of the latter to “extend the growing season. Walipini The interior of a walipini In . pit greenhouse (aka underground greenhouse). They often use cold In 2017, at our previous farm, we completed construction of our first walipini, a 540 sq. Learn essential tips, materials, and techniques to create a sustainable and efficient underground greenhouse. This isn’t necessarily a ‘how to’ build a green house, but rather the steps that I’m taking to build one incase you would like to replicate aspects of it… Sunken Greenhouse Part 1 – Getting Started / Working The Dirt… Aug 14, 2025 · Discover how a Walipini underground greenhouse uses the earth’s natural heat to keep temperatures stable. While this is definitely a good idea, one can only eat so much beef jerky and canned peaches before getting a hankering for some fresh produce. [1][2][3] It derives its name from the Aymaran languages. You can build it for less than $300!! Homesteaders, farmers, and backyard gardeners often use various methods to extend the growing season, especially in colder climates. We are focused on developing innovative AgTech solutions, such as the walipini, that increase yields, improve access, and reduce waste. Step-by-step guide, benefits, & common challenges. [4] It is similar in concept to the pineapple pit that was used, as the name implies, to cultivate pineapple and other exotic fruits in Victorian era Britain and in the cold plains of pre-revolution Russia. One ingenious solution is the Walipini greenhouse, also known as an underground or pit greenhouse. Sunlight is the main source of energy used by the Walipini and enters from the plastic-covered roof. Today, we're giving you an in-depth tour of our unique underground greenhouse. Aug 12, 2025 · Google “walipini” and you will likely see this image: A large walipini greenhouse dug into the ground and walled up along the sides. These structures will adhere to the open source botanical garden guidelines while demonstrating 4 distinctly different growing zones that will produce a combination of quality, volume, and food diversity that significantly exceeds what is available in most grocery stores. As reflected energy can’t go outside, it remains in the Walipini and makes the Walipini air warmer. Part of what should be on your survival food list […] May 15, 2024 · The word “Walipini” comes from the Aymara language of Bolivia and Peru; it means "place of warmth. The prototype discussed in this guide was a compilation of general gardening principles and engineering principles. The word ‟Walipini” comes from the Aymara Indian language of this area of the world and means ‟place of Mar 10, 2018 · – Build A $300 Underground Greenhouse “Walipini” That Grows Food Year Round: DIY plans, videos, infographic, and info about the Walipini, an underground greenhouse that lets you grow year round. Walipini A Walipini is an earth-sheltered cold frame. How do you stop an underground greenhouse from flooding? Before adding fertile soil for plants, add at least 30 Nov 15, 2022 · This winter greenhouse design is part walipini and part traditional greenhouse—and includes a convertible top so you can grow through all the seasons. ” Originally constructed in the 1990s by the Benson Agriculture and Food Institute for a site in La Paz, Bolivia, the walipini is a low-cost greenhouse, sunk into the earth, that’s designed to extend the growing season without relying on conventional heat sources. S Air Force Academy's engineering department and two 2 engineers by trade, as Apr 13, 2024 · A Walipini is a sunken greenhouse that can create a controlled microclimate and extend the growing season. It’s an innovative and potentially inexpensive way to grow food in our cold northern climate. Whe Feb 18, 2023 · Have built regular small greenhouses which, like a hot house, are great for things like lettuce when unheated. What do you Need to Build a Walipini Greenhouse? At its most basic, all that’s needed is (maybe) wooden support beams (2x4s or poles), greenhouse plastic or windows, and insulating materials – natural soil may be used for the walls if it’s structurally sound enough to hold up – such as clay or mud bricks, clay, straw bales, earth bags, concrete Wofati and Walipini: A Sustainable Eco-Vision Guided by Permaculture Principles Introduction In the realm of sustainable construction and permaculture principles, Wofati and Walipini emerge as revolutionary solutions that blend practical construction with environmental harmony. Aug 20, 2024 · The walipini (an Aymara Indian word for a "place of warmth"), also known as an underground or pit greenhouse, is a much more affordable and effective year-round option than the traditional glass Video first seen on Ben Green. [1][2][3] It derives its name from the Aymaran languages. It was expanded into the 1800’s to protect rare grape and fruit tree varieties and is thought […] Jul 31, 2023 · A Walipini is a special house for plants. The longest area of the rectangle faces the winter sun -- to the north in the Southern Hemisphere and to the south in the Northern Hemisphere. The structure is designed to trap heat during the day, which is then slowly released at night, keeping the environment warm enough to grow crops even during the winter months. A walipini is a sunken, earth-sheltered structure that uses passive solar heat and light to extend the growing season. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the advantages of Walipini… Consider an underground greenhouse or walipini greenhouse foundation to maintain more even temperatures in the colder months. They date back to the cold climate of early New England. Oct 24, 2024 · For many gardeners, the frustration of battling harsh winters or scorching summers can make year-round growing seem impossible. Frost kills delicate crops, while heat wilts your hard work. This project was the result of about 8 years of research and planning. ” But really, these greenhouses can provide a cool gardening haven, too. Then at night this allows for the energy to be released when Introduction: The Walipini (underground or pit greenhouse) in this bulletin is designed specifically for the area of La Paz, Bolivia. Learn what a walipini is, how it works, and what to consider before building one in your location. Not long ago, I came across a greenhouse idea on social media that seems to be gaining popularity, called a walipini. The term Walipini comes from the Amaraya Indian language and is translated to “place of warmth. This in-ground greenhouse allows farmers to grow despite harsh climate conditions and high winds Oct 2, 2023 · A relatively recent entry in the fight to defy the local weather is the walipini greenhouse aka the pit greenhouse aka the underground greenhouse aka the earth-sheltered greenhouse. In a quest to find a practical way to grow food year-round, one could find many different variations of ways that people are accomplishing just that. One of the earliest known earth sheltered greenhouses was built on the famous Lyman estate in Waltham Massachusetts in the 1798. It keeps plants warm in winter and cool in summer using the earth’s stable temperatures. Stays 60°F inside@-10°F outside, 100°F inside@20°F outsideBuilding a 10'x24' Walipini style greenhouse out of scrap and whatever I can get my hands on. Positioned about 6-8 feet underground, Walipinis provide a stable microclimate for plants. The underground greenhouse is This week, we tour the walipini, or pit greenhouse here at Red Gate Farm. What is a walipini greenhouse? A walipini (or underground) green house is a greenhouse that is dug into the ground, typically Aug 3, 2021 · Curious about walipini and geodesic greenhouses? Discover why they may not be the most versatile choice for all climates and explore your other options with Ceres. Enter the Walipini greenhouse, an underground haven that shields your plants from extreme weather, allowing you Open source and free-shared Walipini, Aquapini, and Zen Aquapini planting and harvesting details. Oct 15, 2025 · Learn tips and customize your walipini construction to ensure a durable, long-lasting, and productive walipini style greenhouse. High Times recently showed you Dragonfly Earth Medicine’s 15-foot plants in British Columbia; now check out how they did it! A subterranean greenhouse is a great way to have continuous This is the first of a series of videos that will chronicle my construction of building a sunken greenhouse, otherwise known as a Walipini or Pit Green house. com) With a Walipini greenhouse, anyone can cultivate plants year-round. Why Know the Walipini Greenhouse advantages and disadvantages? It's good to know what's Feb 6, 2021 · Conclusion The Walipini greenhouse concept has interesting advantages allowing Bolivian farmers to produce vegetables and fruits in an arid (dry air) and cold sterile environment (at first glance)… In addition, it is easier in mountainous regions “to play” with the slopes to enjoy a good slope with the sun high (proximity to the equator). A walipini is a sunken greenhouse that uses the earth's heat and solar radiation to create a controlled microclimate for year-round plant growth. Originating from Bolivia, the name means 'place of warmth' in the Aymara language. This innovative, sustainable building technique makes it possible for In the quest for sustainable living and food security, the concept of underground greenhouses, known as Walipinis, has gained significant attention. Understanding the Basics of an Underground Greenhouse Oct 23, 2024 · In a world where climate unpredictability and seasonal changes can impact food production, finding sustainable ways to grow crops year-round is becoming increasingly essential. Grow fresh produce year-round with guidance from Charley’s and a custom Cross Country Greenhouse Walipini. Nov 14, 2025 · The walipini is a greenhouse that is 1. This greenhouse allows for year-round food production, even in cold climates, by using passive solar Extend your growing season with this DIY plan for a walipini, a greenhouse you can build (or, actually, dig) in your backyard. We used it and footings under my house, which helps This video is an introduction to a series that will show my DIY sunken greenhouse from build to advantages, problems, and solutions of this type of greenhouse also called a walipini Next in this We believe in a world where everyone has access to nutritious food. However, this is simply not true. Cedar Built Greenhouses combines quality with custom options to ensure your greenhouse performs optimally year-round. Mar 7, 2017 · The word Walipini, derived from the Aymaran language and an indigenous Bolivian tribe, is translated as “a place of warmth” and is an earth sheltered cold frame or transparent-roofed enclosure. It is an adaptation of the idea of passive annual heat storage (PAHS) to the Mar 21, 2014 · How would you like to have fresh vegetables and fruit year round? Sounds pretty good right? Having an underground greenhouse will keep the temperatures hot in the winter and help prevent overheating in the summer; making it possible to grow your garden vegetables through the cold winter months. [4] A greenhouse can be built by digging a hole in the ground and covering it with glass. Inspired by the genius of Mike Oehler, these innovations offer a unique perspective on sustainable living and Feb 17, 2025 · Learn how to build a Walipini greenhouse to grow food year-round! This step-by-step guide covers everything from design to maintenance for a sustainable, energy-efficient garden. How to build and maintain aquaponics and in-ground walipini combination structures. The absorbed energy is used to heat the ground portion as well as be stored. Unlike a traditional, above ground greenhouse, the walipini uses passive-solar design and geothermal properties to stabilize temperatures and increase the growing season. Discover the step-by-step process of building a walipini greenhouse and maximize your gardening potential. It is built in the ground. Here’s a detailed guide to help you build your own Walipini, from planning to planting. Contributers to the original plan included cadets from the U. ” The greenhouse uses soil as walls, which allows for the solar energy to be absorbed during the day. The struggle to maintain a garden in fluctuating climates leaves many searching for a solution. Feb 1, 2013 · I. PLEASE Nov 13, 2024 · Building Your Walipini with Cedar Built Greenhouses Walipinis are unique investments that require careful planning. The walls are typically earthen, and the structure is covered with one or more layers of polyethylene glazing. Apr 4, 2022 · Underground Walipini Pit Greenhouse Construction So, just what is a Walipini underground greenhouse? In short, it is a pit greenhouse carved out of the ground and laid over with glazing. [4] It is similar in concept to the pineapple pit that was used, as the name implies, to cultivate pineapple and other exotic fruits in Victorian era Britain and in the cold plains of pre-revolution Russia. We enjoyed Oct 28, 2014 · An interview with Mike Oehler, author of “The Earth Sheltered Solar Greenhouse Book” We’ve talked about walipini’s: underground pit-style greenhouses that don’t have a foundation wall or frame. This takes advantage of the heat stored in the earth during the cold season (warmth in winter, cooling in summer). Mar 8, 2024 · To prepare for a natural or man-made disaster, many survivalists are busy stocking up on shelf-stable food and water. How the Walipini Works The Walipini, in simplest terms, is a rectangular hole in the ground 6 ‛ to 8’ deep covered by plastic sheeting. Start your journey to year-round gardening success with our comprehensive guide on how to build a walipini greenhouse! Aug 9, 2022 · All about the Wallapini Sunken Greenhouse with sunken greenhouse benefits, what to plant in an earth shelter greenhouse, steps to build a Wallapini, and more. Unlike traditional greenhouses, which rely on artificial heating, the Walipini is a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative Jun 26, 2025 · Here's what to know about building and maintaining a walipini greenhouse and if it's worth adding one to your garden. The Walipini, a concept originally developed in Bolivia, allows you to harness the earth’s natural warmth and Dec 17, 2024 · A Walipini greenhouse, often called an “earth-sheltered greenhouse,” is built partially underground to harness the earth’s thermal mass. It is built into the ground and uses a transparent or translucent roof to absorb sunlight and heat. 8–2. For more general Hey everyone! Welcome to our first long-format video on the homestead channel. This underground greenhouse uses the earth’s natural insulation and passive solar energy to maintain warm temperatures, reducing energy costs and extending your growing season. “Walipini” means, “place of warmth” and comes from the indigenous Aymara people in the Altiplano regions of Peru and Bolivia. May 29, 2025 · A Walipini greenhouse is an innovative way to grow fresh food year-round, even in colder climates. How does a walipini greenhouse work? A walipini is a 6′-8′ hole dug in the ground that is covered with a single or double layer of polyethylene glazing. Learn how to build, design, and use a walipini to grow plants in cold or temperate climates. When I checked out the pinterest photo though, I noticed some major flaws in Aquapini and Walipini open source building, planting, maintenance, and evolution portal. In the Northern hemisphere in the United States Sep 10, 2022 · This practical guide is designed to help you budget, plan, design, and construct an efficient and successful walipini, or earth greenhouse. However, the principles explained in the bulletin make it possible to build the Walipini in a wide variety of other geographic and climatic conditions. The answer was simple: a walipini is an underground passive solar style greenhouse. Oct 23, 2024 · Learn how to construct a Walipini greenhouse, an underground structure that regulates temperature and grows crops year-round. Call BC Greenhouses today! Sep 5, 2024 · Subterranean greenhouse, underground greenhouse, deep winter greenhouse, or Walipini. The idea is this: think of a traditional greenhouse, but instead of flooring that is level to or raised up from the surface of the ground, the foundation is dug down several feet. These pit gardens pioneered year-round vegetable farming Discover how to build a Walipini greenhouse for year-round, energy-efficient cultivation. ” (h/t to Survivopedia. Here's what experts want you to know about an underground greenhouse. Nov 23, 2020 · Walipini is an Aymara word that means “place of warmth. Our Walipini guide book is finally available!! You can click the link in the video, Mar 23, 2015 · A Walipini is an underground greenhouse that utilizes the earth's natural temperature to keep plants cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Take a look inside one of the best working designs of a greenhouse in a cold environment. Dec 18, 2013 · When a friend of mine told me that they wanted to build a walipini, my first reaction was, of course, “what the heck is a walipini?”. To get around some of the challenges of greenhouse temperature fluctuations, there are people who build into the ground Insulation can be used under or on the sides of concrete. ft. “Walipini” means “place of warmth” in Aug 24, 2016 · Underground pit greenhouses are not new. Building a walipini is a sustainable choice for home-grown food production. A walipini is an earth-sheltered cold frame. Generally, plastic sheet is Feb 9, 2025 · I think several people might like this design " A walipini is an earth-sheltered cold frame. I like to think of this innovative structure as a full-throated battle roar against both freezing and sweltering temperatures rather than the defiant squeak made by temporary measures. These structures use solar energy to bring light and heat into the What is a Walipini Greenhouse? A Walipini is an underground or partially buried greenhouse designed to use the earth’s natural insulation to maintain a stable growing environment. If you want to grow vegetables throughout the year, this might be your go-to. The cost of building one is around $10,000, and it takes about a year and a half to complete. These structures offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to grow food year-round, regardless of external weather conditions. covyifnvmcetquaxvswvlklfcobrewpabbwnueyspzrawxjkursiobcqbsxukvshwhesxsfccfvcqzbzb