Dateline: 2 May 2017

A tomato plant flourishing within a solar pyramid.

I’ve experimented with many gardening techniques. While some initially seem promising but ultimately disappoint, others prove quite effective. One example is Solar Pyramids, a concept I developed several years ago that works exceptionally well.

My “Whizbang” solar pyramid concept is detailed in my book, Planet Whizbang Idea Book for Gardeners. For those without a copy and hesitant to purchase one, the solar pyramid chapter is available as a budget-friendly PDF download.

My enthusiasm for solar pyramids has grown since discovering their seamless integration with my Minibeds-on-Plastic gardening method. Initially, sealing the pyramids’ base with soil seemed challenging, but minibeds eliminate this need, as their frames securely anchor and seal the pyramids.

My sewn-seam solar pyramids remain in excellent condition after five years of use, unlike those I tried fusing with a hot putty knife.

The translucent, heavy-duty woven poly from Northern Greenhouse Sales is remarkably resilient and long-lasting. Its UV resistance and limited spring exposure suggest these solar cones could last me over two decades.

To create more pyramid covers, I ordered a 10’ x 12’ piece of this superstrong woven poly for $69.60 plus $15 shipping, totaling $84.60.

To my surprise, Northern Greenhouse Sales sent a 12’ x 12’ piece, which I’m grateful for. It yielded eight solar pyramid covers, compared to six from a 10’ x 12’ sheet. For optimal material usage, order the 12’ x 12’ size.

Pictured above are the woven poly roll, tape, scissors, and my pattern. My Idea Book for Gardeners details pattern creation.

I made this pattern in 2012 and stored it in my shop rafters. Despite being dusty, it remained usable, as seen below.

With limited space, I laid everything out on my kitchen table, securing the pattern with tape.

I then traced the pattern’s outline with a Sharpie marker.

After tracing eight shapes onto the plastic sheet, I cut them out with scissors.

The woven poly, being a durable fused material, resists unraveling after cutting. My wife then sewed together the eight cut-out pieces.

Here are the eight completed covers, ready for use.

Here’s a cover placed on a frame in my kitchen.

This photo shows one of the solar pyramid cloches placed within a Minibed.

Here, you can see snow-covered solar pyramids in my Minibeds-on-Plastic garden.

Despite the harsh weather outside, the conditions within the solar pyramids were surprisingly favorable.

I have numerous seeds sown beneath the protective solar pyramid cloches.

Stay tuned for further updates.

P.S.

I believe Thomas Jefferson invented solar pyramid cloches in 1812. You can read my theory here.