Yes, you can grow passionfruit in a walipini in northern BC, but…

A Walipini greenhouse is an excellent way to extend your growing season and cultivate a variety of plants, even in colder climates like northern British Columbia. However, not all plants thrive under the same conditions. If you want to grow heat-loving, high-light plants such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and tropical varieties, partitioning your Walipini can help create the ideal microclimate for them while still maintaining space for more temperature-sensitive crops.

Why Partition Your Walipini?

Partitioning your greenhouse allows you to:

• Create separate microclimates for plants with different needs.
• Maximize efficiency by concentrating heat in specific areas.
• Reduce resource waste, such as unnecessary heating for cold-hardy plants.
• Improve plant health by providing the right humidity and airflow.
• Choosing the Best Location for Your Heat-Loving Plants

When planning your partition, consider placing heat-loving plants in the warmest section of the greenhouse. The best locations include:

• The south-facing wall (for maximum sunlight exposure).
• The highest elevation within the Walipini (as heat rises, the warmest air will accumulate in upper sections).
• Near heat sources, such as thermal mass walls or composting areas that generate warmth.

How to Partition Effectively

There are several ways to create a dedicated high-heat section in your Walipini:

1. Physical Barriers

• Use polycarbonate panels, greenhouse plastic, or wood to build a partial or full partition.
• Ensure proper ventilation between sections to maintain air circulation.
• Consider using sliding doors or removable panels for flexibility.

2. Thermal Mass for Heat Retention

• Thermal Mass: Place water barrels, stone, or brick walls in this section to store heat.
• Compost Heat: Build a hot compost pile (horse manure, wood chips, straw) nearby for passive heating.

3. Supplemental Heating

• Use solar-powered heating, such as passive solar panels or black barrels filled with water to retain warmth.
• Consider small space heaters or heating cables for added warmth in the coldest months.

4. Light Optimization

• Install reflective surfaces (such as white walls or reflective mulch) to amplify light in the partitioned area.
• Use grow lights if natural sunlight is insufficient, especially in winter.
• Maintaining a Balanced Greenhouse Environment
• While heat-loving plants enjoy warm temperatures, excessive heat can negatively affect other crops. To maintain balance:
• Use shade cloths or venting systems to prevent overheating in adjacent sections.
• Monitor humidity levels, as high heat can lead to excessive moisture buildup and mold growth.
• Install fans or vents to regulate airflow between sections.

Ideal Plant Layout

Final Thoughts

Partitioning your Walipini greenhouse is a smart way to optimize growing conditions for diverse plant needs. By dedicating a section to heat-loving, high-light plants, you can ensure a productive and efficient greenhouse while maintaining the ideal environment for all your crops. With strategic placement, proper insulation, and supplemental heating methods, your Walipini will become a thriving, year-round growing space.

Are you planning to partition your Walipini? Share your design ideas and experiences in the comments!