Yesterday (July 18, 2015) we installed two more reclaimed, food grade IBC totes (1000L / 250 gal) to catch rainwater off of the east facing side of the Food Garage. This completes the rainwater harvesting goal that each downspout be directed to rainwater capture for domestic use! The current total tank storage capacity on site is approximately 8000L / 2500 gal.

The next step is to install solar tubes for natural light and an HVAC system in the garage to manage air flow and humidity levels before fully operating the aeroponic, aquaponic, and vermiculture systems and building the geodesic dome greenhouse in 2016. The humidity is especially important for the 12ft worm bin along the east wall since the composting worms need 80% - 90% humidity within the bin in order for their cocoons to hatch and therefore ensure the next generation is there to keep processing the organic food waste.

Over the previous winter, temperatures were maintained at around 7C / 45F in the garage but the extra dry winter conditions in Alberta prevented the worms from reproducing so the majority of the population cultivated over the last four years went extinct. A hard lesson learned.