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Newly covered greenhouse
HEAVE HO, HEAVE HO,
it's off to work we go!
No it's not Snow White and the seven dwarfs who are raising the roof but some enthusiastic workers who've made our greenhouse happen!
A bit of background on this project: This year involved major cleanup of the greenhouses, encompassing massive removal of debris, including all of the roofing material from all three greenhouses. Most all of the metal, including 2 5,500 pound boilers, was removed leaving just the good "bones" for development- in ground garden plots, raised beds, and handicap access plots.
In keeping with our mission of sustainability, we recycled a substantial number of materials. Cement blocks were used for the two parking lot retaining walls and smaller walls leading to the greenhouse. Vents, metal grates, and wood were also recycled. (see left column on composting)
Stairway down to the greenhouse.
Much work was done on the perimeter of the greenhouses, with cement work on the floor of the storage shed, paths for access around the perimeter, and reworking the steps down from the gardens to the greenhouse to make them safe and secure with the installation of a sturdy handrail system.
West end with venting installed.
We have just completed restoring the first north end greenhouse roof which will offer an extended growing season and opportunities for all kinds of growing projects. The soil is being amended, and both ends have been rebuilt with wood and venting has been installed.
Plans are for seeds to be germinated in January with seedlings planted in February. We are working with MLUI, Michigan Land Use Institute, in offering 6-8 classes this winter in a variety of offerings, including making hoops, hoop house management, building soil quality, making seed blocks and planting seeds, and transplanting. We are also open to any ideas you may have as we maximize the use of this wonderful new greenhouse.
Volunteers needed
For those of you who would like to learn skills in greenhouse development, we are looking for volunteers to lend a hand in the following areas:
* 2-3 people to help with leaf shredding
the weekend of Nov. 13th - 14th.
* 4 volunteers to insulate greenhouse walls
which involves gluing 4 x 8 sheets of
rigid form to the end walls.
* 2 volunteers for 1 day to apply thoroseal
to the concrete wall.
* 1-2 volunteers needed to till outside beds
and rake rye see after it is tilled.
If you'd like be involved with this project, please email Deb Query at dqmobility@gmail.com or call 231 882 9801.
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