A Walipini greenhouse, also called an underground greenhouse or earth-sheltered greenhouse, is designed to grow food year-round by using the earth as natural insulation. By building partially below ground, Walipini greenhouses maintain more stable temperatures and require less supplemental heat than traditional above-ground structures.
BC Greenhouse Builders is one of the few greenhouse manufacturers in North America with the experience and fabrication capability to support true Walipini greenhouse projects. These are complex custom builds, not kits, and they require careful planning to perform well long term. It’s important to note that these complex projects require a great deal of planning and preparation with both greenhouse design and climate controls.
Ronald Jenkins is both a Walipini greenhouse owner and the author of The Solar Garden Greenhouse: The Design and Construction of a Year-Round Solar-Powered, Carbon-Neutral Greenhouse, a practical guide based on his firsthand experience planning, building, and growing in an underground greenhouse.
“I set out to design and construct a year‐round greenhouse with the intention of producing the majority of the vegetables we would use in our home. My plan was to research possible types of construction, ventilation, heating and power systems, with a goal of a net‐zero carbon footprint, if that were possible. We live in Northern Idaho, 56 miles from the Canadian border, so this goal presented quite the challenge. It is my hope and goal to pass on the lessons I learned in this process, so that others may learn, evaluate and come up with further ideas and improvements. I would like to see a rebirth of family gardens, root cellars and greenhouses that the average family can afford and use to supplement a healthy diet, rather than abdicating processed foods from increasingly obscure sources, with unknown hazards and toxins.”
– Ronald Jenkins
His project highlights what many buyers discover: Walipini greenhouses can perform exceptionally well, but only when site conditions, drainage, and structure are handled correctly. Purchase Ronald Jenkins book The Solar Garden Greenhouse: The Design and Construction of a Year-Round Solar-Powered, Carbon-Neutral Greenhouse at Amazon today.
Walipinis are often chosen by homesteaders, serious gardeners, educators, and growers who want reliability and the ability to grow in four seasons in a winter climate.
A Walipini greenhouse is not just about digging a hole and adding glass. Performance depends on:
This is where experience matters most. If you have a high-water table, a walipini greenhouse is likely not the best option for your location.
If you are considering a Walipini greenhouse, our team can help you evaluate whether it is the right solution for your climate, property, and growing goals.
Request a Walipini Design Virtual Consultation at hello@bcgreenhouses.com
Speak With Our Greenhouse Design Team at 1-888-391-4433
Potential customers may be interested in the following: I am retired with a very bad back and a twice broken collarbone that restricts the height I can reach with my right arm. I put the greenhouse up by myself with the help of three ladders and a bunch of bungee cords. It took six days including the time to re-do the base but a day and half of that was waiting for you to open to get information. So four and a half days for one person. We are very happy with the greenhouse.
When selecting a site for your foundation, choose a flat, level surface where your greenhouse can be easily installed, stable and secure. Locate your greenhouse close to power and water, while also considering water drainage and easy access. Try to locate the greenhouse so that 6 hours of sunlight is available during winter months. For more information, please visit https://blog.bcgreenhouses.com/tips-for-placing-your-greenhouse
The rules for the permit process depends on your municipality but generally speaking, a structure less than 120 square feet that is not considered permanent does not require a permit. We are able to provide engineered shop drawings to secure the required permits, if necessary. For more information, please visit https://info.bcgreenhouses.com/en-ca/greenhousepermit
Yes. BC Greenhouse Builders ships curbside across the U.S. and Canada, with clear delivery instructions and support to make receiving and installation straightforward. Read more about shipping and delivery.
Standard frames are engineered for 85 mph wind and 32 psf snow, with optional upgrades to ~140 mph wind and 110 psf+ snow for heavy-weather sites. Learn more about our exceptional greenhouse strength.
Primarily the roof slope (Cape Cod 45°, Cottage 35°, Traditional 23°, Pacific 23° curved). Everything else, size, glazing, doors, vents, is customized to your site and goals.
Most standard greenhouses are ready in 4-8 weeks depending on season and volume; your Greenhouse Expert will confirm your timeline.
Choose based on climate, seasons, and what you’ll grow: polycarbonate boosts insulation and diffuses light; glass maximizes clarity and a classic look. We’ll size heating/cooling to match. See glazing options.
Yes, Meridian Estate Greenhouses deliver thermally improved frames, project management, and full climate-control integration for year-round living and growing. Explore Meridian Estate.
About 75% of customers install themselves or with a local contractor using our step-by-step instructions and videos; we’ll advise on foundations and anchoring. View install guides.
Let us guide you through your new greenhouse gardening adventure, every step of the way.
