Arcosanti Organics has two greenhouses as a part of the food production system. The larger experimental greenhouse contains a rockbed for thermal storage and concrete contained beds. This structure includes a potting room, a seed and tool storage room, a place for organizing orders, tasks, and work schedules, as well as a dehydrating loft. The smaller greenhouse is connected to a shared bathroom. Both greenhouses have two sets of vents; the lower ones on the south side and the others on the top of the north wall. These are opened and closed to regulate the temperature. During the summer they are kept open continuously and shadecloths are stretched over the experimental greenhouse to protect the plants from the scorching summer heat. A mister system is also very helpful in lowering the temperature.

The greenhouses are important for year-round food production in this climate. During the winter, crops grow much faster and without the stress of frost. We can also grow a larger variety of foods than outdoors. We supply the cafe and residents with abundant salad greens which grow quickly and remain tender because of protection from temperature extremes and winds. We also grow flowers, herbs, and tomatoes year round and keep a variety of crops planted successively for continuous harvest. A detailed paper about the experimental greenhouses is online here!