The Walipini​
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In 2017, at our previous farm, we completed construction of our first walipini, a 540 sq. ft. pit greenhouse (aka underground greenhouse). This project was the result of about 8 years of research and planning.

Unlike a traditional, above ground greenhouse, the walipini uses passive-solar design and geothermal properties to stabilize temperatures and increase the growing season. We enjoyed experimenting with our "prototype" design over the next few years, successfully growing a variety of items from tomatoes in December, to cabbage in February, to Limes and Pomegranates in fall, plus a huge variety of produce in between!


In 2022, we began construction of our 2nd walipini, as part of our new farm construction. Although it isn't completed yet, we hope to have it up and growing as soon as we can!


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The Red Gate Farm walipini has become the most viewed video topic on our Youtube channel and one of the most requested topics of our farm tours, due to it's unique, off-grid, efficient manner of producing food. In addition, it has already been featured in Rural Heritage Magazine (3-part series, beginning in December 2019) to offer guidance to other gardeners hoping to construct their own version! As a result of the popularity and lack of resources available to help others, in 2022, we published our book, Walipini Design and Construction, available here!


We are very excited about this project and all that it can offer, and we look forward to once again offering tours of our new walipini in the near future!