HRT 242: Passive Solar Greenhouses for Protected Cultivation

Course Code: HRT 242

Credits and Offerings

  • 1 credit
  • Spring semester of every year

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:

  1. Make use of the marketing advantages of season extension and year-round production possible with a solar greenhouse.
  2. Plan and implement site and soil preparation and long term soil fertility management in a solar greenhouse.
  3. Evaluate and choose an appropriate manufactured solar greenhouse design/package and understand the basics necessary for ordering and construction.
  4. Manage a passive solar greenhouse environment including the maintenance of summer and winter ventilation for a desired temperature and humidity.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of the basics of crop selection and scheduling for winter production including aspects of harvesting and estimating economic profitability.

Activities

  • Introduction Discussion Forum
  • Site Selection, Evaluation, Preparation; Marketing Plan
  • Cost of Construction; Crop Selection and Season
  • Crop Planning and Scheduling
  • Estimating Production Costs, Income and Profitability
  • Field trip to the MSU Student Organic Farm or alternative visit to a farm
  • Final Course Evaluation – On-line Survey
  • Weekly Content and Reading Reflections
  • On-line Quizzes

 

Department Information

Students

Research Focus Areas

Our Gardens

Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).