The Perpetual Harvest Greenhouse System (PHGS) combines recent innovations in greenhouse technology into a single integrated design capable of year-round, “better than organic” food production. The PHGS creates 365 ideal growing days per year by optimizing light, carbon dioxide enrichment, and soluble nutrient delivery (organic aeroponics) in conjunction with continuous planting and harvesting.
PHGS accomplishes profitable year round production by optimizing two primary features of greenhouse operation – growing techniques and energy management. This system integrates the latest innovations in greenhouse design and operation with emerging understanding of growing techniques to achieve production levels not possible in an outdoor system, or in a three-season greenhouse. Because this system can operate for four seasons, its overall profitability is estimated to be 6-8 times that of the conventional three-season greenhouse or of outdoor plantings because the system can provide organic produce when other systems cannot.
The uniqueness of the PHGS lies not in any one feature, but instead in the integration of many innovative aspects of greenhouse design and operation. All the features utilized in the PHGS have been successfully applied in existing greenhouse systems; however, research indicates that no single publicized greenhouse system currently in operation utilizes the combination of features integrated into the Perpetual Harvest system.
Furthermore, integration of the Perpetual Harvest system with renewable energy production systems will allow our customers to power their homes as well as the greenhouse with no additional cost, after installation. We recommend using a combination of power systems, so there will always be a back-up system in place, if needed. An on-demand system which can include two or three of the following fuel sources, such as bio-diesel, ethanol still, methane bio-digester, etc., powering a co-generation unit will improve energy efficiency and drive down operating costs while producing marketable by-products. Of course solar and wind energy should be utilized when good resources are available
The PHGS founder, Allison Book, had seven consecutive years growing food continuously for her family in the harsh climate of Central Oregon. Now her daughter, Kelly Gehlhoff, has decided that a commercial prototype of the PHGS is needed to optimize its operation and to prove the system’s financial viability. Once operation of the system is optimized and proven to be financially profitable, the prototype can be showcased as an educational vehicle illustrating efficient and sustainable food and energy production. It is envisioned that this system can be duplicated and thus marketed in many geographic areas, particularly temperate northern climates. The system is especially applicable to urban and suburban settings.
The PHGS is also compatible with underground and warehouse growing facilities, especially so, when powered by renewable energy. This news article removes any doubt about the claims we make. http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=13346712&page=1
We take our lead from others like Pasona in Japan and the Forestiere Underground Gardens in Fresno, California. Below this paragraph you will find an exert from the Forestiere website that may unlock the limitless possibilities that PHGS offers. With our extensive organic enhancements we can produce more food in less time and space than any operation in existence today. Also, please visit the: Tristar Project to see how economical an underground facility can be built.
Horticulturist
Fruit trees planted at different levels blossom at
different times, usually within two weeks of each other,
thereby lengthening the growing season.
Underground trees are also protected from the frost.
Baldassare planted numerous varieties of
fruit-bearing trees and grapevines underground
including: orange, lemon, grapefruit, sour orange,
sweet lemon, loquat, kumquat, quince, date, mulberry,
carob, pomegranate, strawberry, jujube, almond, and
fig. Grape varieties included Alicante, Thompson,
Muscat, Grenache, Black Morocco, and Zinfandel.
Most of the citrus trees he grafted bear three or more
varieties of citrus fruit. One tree was grafted to bear
seven varieties: valencia, navel, and bittersweet
oranges, ponderosa and sweet lemons, grapefruit,
and an Italian citron called cedro (pronounced chedro).
Many trees and vines are between 65 and 90
years-old and still produce fruit!
