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Thermal mass absorbs and stores heat during the daytime hours before gradually releasing it at nighttime when temperatures have settled down, thus helping to moderate temperature swings and minimize energy usage for cooling purposes. Adobe construction is often the go-to solution in climates with extreme diurnal variations, but you can add thermal mass into your tunnel using recycled materials such as old glass bottles filled with water as walls or dividers. Water Jugs Cold frames extend your growing season from early spring and fall by providing seedlings, tender plants, and vegetables with protection from frost, cold, and snow. Furthermore, they

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Cold frames can extend your growing season. A cold frame is a simple structure designed to trap heat and protect plants from frost; additionally, it’s great for gradually adapting seedlings started indoors to conditions outdoors. Cold frames are simple structures made up of four walls designed to trap warmth inside, with an open transparent lid to let sunlight warm it up. Building one yourself requires little more than some leftover windows and salvaged lumber. Start Seedlings Indoors Starting seedlings indoors allows you to access a wider selection of plants than are offered at garden centers in fully grown form. By

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Selecting an appropriate glazing material depends on project priorities. Acrylic tends to offer clear optical qualities and ease of fabrication; polycarbonate provides strength, safety and UV resistance benefits. Polycarbonate provides unparalleled impact resistance and is virtually unbreakable, while still maintaining structural integrity over a wide temperature range compared to PVC or glass. Furthermore, it resists UV damage much better. Optical Clarity Acrylic glass (commonly known by its initials plexiglass) is an economical, long-term and chemical resistant thermoplastic that provides a durable alternative to traditional glazing materials. Ideal for applications that demand heat resistance and chemical stability. Polycarbonate, on the other

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As temperatures cool off, pests in Sacramento and Fresno seek warmth and food sources inside your home – often by sneaking inside through cracks in doors and gaps between floors. By sealing gaps and eliminating attractants now, you can prevent cold-weather pest infestations; just a little effort in autumn may save costly repairs later! To take an active role in winter preparation follow this checklist for proactive winter prevention. 1. Insulation As winter sets in, it is vital that your home is adequately insulated in order to prevent drafts and save on heating costs. Furthermore, taking steps against pest infestation

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Build a cold frame from recycled materials to extend your garden’s growing season and allow sunlight to warm its plants while providing ventilation on warmer days. A clear cover allows sunlight to heat plants inside while being opened to provide ventilation when necessary. Check local dumpsters and construction sites (with permission) for discarded windows, pallets and scrap lumber that can be used to construct a cold frame. Recycled Glass Windows Recycled glass windows represent the pinnacle of sustainable building materials. Crafted from bottles, jars and containers that would otherwise end up in landfills, recycled window panes are tempered to strengthen

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One of the greatest pleasures of gardening is reaping your harvests. While warm season crops such as cucumbers, tomatoes and southern peas should be planted outdoors after their last frost date has passed, you can extend their growing season using a cold frame. Grow leafy greens like spinach and lettuce for easy harvesting. Or try growing radishes, green onions and chard. April Cold frames are simple structures designed to capture sunlight and maintain warmth for optimal plant growth. You can make one from recycled window frames or more sturdy materials such as plywood or concrete, using bales of hay as

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