The greenhouse was a major project that started in the summer of 2008 and was completed in early summer 2009. The entire concept and design was researched and modified over and over again until Aric was content with a plan.
The location of the greenhouse was carefully considered. Because we wanted to incorporate fresh, circulating water and would also need electricity until solar power could be implemented, it was decided that the greenhouse should be located close enough to the well and half way between the house and the barn, set back enough so as not to block the view of the barn and barnyard from the house.
Because the greenhouse would be heated in the colder months using the outdoor wood furnace it could not exceed the furnace specifications, which was about 45 feet. The outdoor wood furnace purchased from 'Portage and Main' would heat both the house and the greenhouse.
First, old fencing had to be torn down to make room for the site and allow for equipment to access the area. A local contractor was hired to dig a narrow trench perimeter was carefully dug, so that the soil in the middle would not be comprimised or contaminated.
Trenches were also dug from the house to the well and from th well to the barn. All water lines were replaced, along with a new submersible well head and electical wiring.
A four foot high block wall was constructed, sealed and backfilled to create a frost barrier. A concrete tank that would be used for circulating water was installed level with the interior soil level.
The soil left in middle was tilled and leveled off. Manure from the barnyard was added. In the fall, Aric and Jeff (daughter's husband) put up the metal hoop frame. Then the project sat quietly until May 2009, when Aric was able to put the plastic skin on with the help of our new WWOOFer. End walls and double doors at both ends were put in place, along with a large fan to draw excess heat from inside and to also blow air between the two layers of plastic skin.
The greenhouse was ready for planting! We filled the greeenhouse with tomato plants which grew to the tops of the skin and filled the greenhouse with lush growth and wonderful produce.
While the plants grew, Aric completed the water system and hooked up the heat system for the winter months, which is working wonderfully, as we are able to grow lettuce and other greens all year round.
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