CSA News : December 9, 2011

Root Zone Heating Project

The growing season may have come to an end-- but we're still working hard to make improvements around the farm. Take a look at our radiant heat project. You're looking at three 4' x 8' insulated pallets, constructed out of reclaimed lumber, connected by Pex tubing. We purchased a used 12 gallon water heater, attached a thermal expansion tank, and circulate the water with a vintage Taco water pump.

Each pallet will be filled with sand and covered with plastic supported supported by hoops. In the end we will have created 3 heated greenhouses within our unheated greenhouse. We can't wait to see what root zone heat and natural light does for our seedlings!

Also, with every project we do on the farm we are conscious of the environment and budget. We try to find used or reclaimed materials. I am happy to report that with no prior heating/plumbing/or electrical experience we were able to complete the project below the estimated cost. Lets take a look at the materials:

-insulation board: new

-lumber: reclaimed from an old porch

-plastic: all plastic reclaimed from the greenhouse taken down in 2010

-wire grid: 1'' x 2'' galvanized wire found on the farm

-Pex tubing: new

-Taco pump: used and donated to us

-expansion tank: new

-12 gallon water heater: used

We filled the system with water yesterday. We were able to get the water hot and found out that the old pump works great. What we hadn't thought through was how we'd drain the system. So, there are a few kinks to be worked out but we are confident that the system will be running smoothly by the time Brett brings the first of the seedlings out to the greenhouse.

Now, I am off to Vermont for winter work! Thanks to all who came to my farewell potluck. It has been wonderful gettting to know everyone in the Spoutwood community over the last two seasons. I may be partial, but I have complete confidence in your farm manager and the plans he is making; I'm sure next season will be record-breaking.

Take care!

-Erin