Current Projects
New Green House, This Page
I visited a farm in Washington State last fall and they had an area under plastic that must have been the size of a couple tennis courts. I was really impressed so I have a scaled down version of that in my back yard now. The commercial nursery across the street is subdividing - taking down the 80 foot long hoop houses and putting up suburban houses. Its a shame but at least the green houses are all going out into the neighborhood for food production. A 20 foot by 17 foot section is now in my back yard.
I struggled a bit over the plastic. Its green house grade, should be good for 8 to 10 years. So here it is. Lots planted, I can't wait to see how this affects the growing season. These fotos from mid April.
April 29. Frame is set up. Compare to bottom foto.
April 29 Soon to be "inside." Note distant frame over a lemon tree. Third foto, below, is same view under cover.
April 29 The olive tree was already here. The tree should really like this! Warmer and drier.
May 7 Warmer already. I built a simple work space. The barrel holds water from the rain water catchment system. Same view as foto above.
May 22 Two weeks later, pole beans are starting to climb strings.
May 22 Becoming greener inside.
May 22 From the outside. Compare to first foto.
Green House Late July
Lots of growth. Compare with May 22 above.
Fencing on rear wall provides a place for squash and cukes to grow vertical.
It takes up a good sized chunk of the back yard. Check back for updated fotos.