2011 Annual Report for FNC10-805
Indoor greenhouse trellising system adapted to outdoor use
Summary
WORK ACTIVITIES
Work began in March, 2011. Betty started seeds on 3/15/2011. We hired labor to plow the plot and prepared the planting area on 04/01/2011. Construction of the trellising system (outside) began. It was completed on 05/02/2011. (Expenses – Betty/labor, hired labor for plowing, cable/pipe/tricking/plastic drip line, concrete and labor to install the system (Alan). The tomatoes were planted on 5/15/2011 (Alan/labor).
The project was off to a great start and then we had heavy rains with flash flooding on 05/21/2011. The system remained but all the tomatoes were lost. Debris was removed from the field (Alan/labor) and the soil was reworked (Alan/labor). However, we had missed the opportune time to plant tomatoes for the 2011 growing season. Reports were made to Joan Benjamin and the project was put on hold until 2012, which is still within the timeline projected.
Purchases were made in November to prepare for the 2012 season (tomato seeds). On 12/08/2011 seeding began and on 12/16/11 the tomatoes were transplanted (Betty/labor). In late December the greenhouse was cleaned, bags filled, irrigation system set up and fertilizer was mixed and placed in barrels (Alan/Curt labor).
RESULTS
Mother Nature is always in control! The system did remain intact during the flash flood. This proves it is worthy of the expense involved. Prior to the flood, the tomatoes were growing rapidly and the system was providing support.
WORK PLAN FOR 2012
Tomatoes are well underway. We will follow the same schedule for 2012 as in 2011. Anticipated planting date 5/15/2012. The plot will be reworked and minor repairs made to the trellising system.
OUTREACH
We give tours set up by our outreach worker. Talked to people about our project at the market where we sell.
We also held an open house were 127 people attended. This was a fun and informative day that the people really enjoyed and us as well. We are thinking about doing a U-tube video if we can find someone to do the camera work. We also have set up a Facebook page that is an inexpensive way to get the word out.