Nonprofit Use of Deep Winter Greenhouses: Minnesota Case Studies

Abstract

A Deep Winter Greenhouse (DWG) captures solar heat and enables the growth of cold-weather crops all winter long, using minimal inputs of external light and heat. This report presents nine case studies of non-farm DWGs located in Minnesota that are used in the pursuit of a non-profit organization’s mission or used for educational purposes. Each case study explores the purpose of the DWG, how it was funded, zoning and construction considerations, current usage,management, and future usage. The report finds that the necessary steps to building a greenhouse are to 1) define the purpose; 2) determine who will be involved and in what capacity; 3) locate a suitable site; 4) define who will be involved in the construction, maintenance, and operations of the greenhouse; and 5) identify where the produce will go.