Abstract
The GnomeTainer provides an inexpensive and self sustaining way for families to grow their own food without a plot of land. The garden system encloses soil with connected plastic storage containers and provides a greenhouse environment supported by a PVC frame. A water catchment system is supported by the frame to store rainwater which can be used to water the plants at a later time. The GnomeTainer provides a low maintenance and educational method of growing your own produce.
Background
Problem statement and criteria
With the following constraints, GGC must design an effective greenhouse while educating children about greenhouse gardening and its benifits.
Criteria | Weight | Description |
---|---|---|
Waste Reduction | 8 | The solution should minimize waste, it should preferably be made out of recyclable or reusable materials. |
Practical | 8 | The solution should be easily replicable and effective for growing produce. |
Cost | 7 | The solution should not exceed $200 to construct. |
Durability | 7 | The solution should last at least two planting seasons. |
Description of final project
* Photos and descriptions
Costs
Material | Quantity | Individual cost | Retail cost | Our cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sterlite Container | 4 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
10' 1.5" PVC Pipe | 3 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
45 degree PVC Elbow | 12 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Quad-Joint PVC | 1 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Tri-Joint PVC | 2 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Metal Hinges | 6 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Item | 1 | $0 | $0 | Salvaged |
Item | 1 | $0 | $0 | Donated |
Item | 1 | $0 | $0 | Donated |
Item | 2 | $0 | $0 | Salvaged |
Item | 1 | $0 | $0 | Salvaged |
Tax | $11.61 | $6.84 | ||
Total | $100... | $110... |
Testing Results
How to build
Discussion and next steps
GGC'S next step would be to implement our design in various regions in order to test the greenhouse design in different climates. Also testing the design with different vegetables will allow GGC to fully test and perfect our water catchment system.
References
((Engr215 Introduction to Design)) ((Locally Delicious))