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
As a whole, our society is becoming ever more dependent on industrial sources of produce in lieu of simple and sustainable practices that allow for healthier lifestyles. The GnomeTainer creates a convenient and low-maintenance alternative to this trend by providing a way to grow a portion of one's own produce without the need for a plot of land, thereby reducing one's dependence on industrial sources.
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
Rigidity: We tested the rigidity of our constructed greenhouse framework. The storage containers are connected together with zip ties and the PVC frame is connected to the containers at 6 points using one stable hinge. We tested the rigity by moving the garden frame around and picking it up. The PVC framework firmly connects the containers and the entire system stays firmly intact.
Water drainage: After a night of rain the storage containers adequately drain water. The holes drilled all over the bottom and bottom sides of the container allow enough space for the water to drain.
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))