My Walipini Adventure Begins!

From Black Thumb to Greenhouse Goddess

Well, folks, it’s happening. I’m moving to Northern BC—land of breathtaking landscapes, long winters, and, if I’m lucky, the occasional friendly moose. And because I like a challenge (or maybe I’ve just lost my mind), I’ve decided to build a Walipini greenhouse and teach myself how to grow food year-round.

What is a Walipini Greenhouse?

For those of you who don’t speak "Off-Grid Enthusiast"

 A Walipini is a fancy underground greenhouse that uses the earth’s warmth to keep plants cozy even when the outside world looks like the set of a winter survival movie. In theory, it’s a brilliant idea. In practice? Well, that remains to be seen.

 Now, let’s get one thing straight:

I am not a gardener. My track record with plants is… troubling. I’ve murdered succulents, drowned basil, and somehow managed to make a cactus give up on life. So naturally, I thought, “Why not take on a massive DIY project and try to keep an entire underground garden alive in a freezing climate?” Clearly, I thrive on chaos.

The plan is simple. (Famous last words, right?)

Move to Northern BC.

Dig a big hole in the ground and build a Walipini.

Learn how to grow things without killing all of them.

There will be funerals…

Not get eaten by a bear in the process.

If all goes well, I’ll be harvesting fresh produce in the dead of winter like some kind of greenhouse wizard. If it doesn’t… well, let’s just say my local grocery store won’t be losing me as a customer anytime soon.

Follow along as I attempt to turn my black thumb green, battle the elements, and probably make a lot of hilarious mistakes along the way. This is either going to be an inspiring journey of self-sufficiency or a cautionary tale of what happens when a total newbie thinks she can outsmart Mother Nature. Either way, it should be entertaining!