User/Grower Educational Materials and Training for Polyethylene Film High Tunnel Winter Production and Harvesting of Organic Salad Greens and Vegetables

User/Grower Educational Materials and Training for Polyethylene Film High Tunnel Winter Production and Harvesting of Organic Salad Greens and Vegetables

Summary

The FarmTek greenhouse was built at Giving Tree Farm GTF) during Aug-Oct 2003. Spinach was seeded the first week of November and harvested for sales during March and April. Early spring planting resulted in a full greenhouse and good spring sales. Equipment purchased for GTF included hand tools, a seeder, and irrigation equipment. The first two day workshop funded by the project was successfully presented in early March with 32 satisfied participants. Planning was started to allow greenhouse construction at Gunnisonville School.

Objectives/Performance Targets

The stated outcomes proposed were:

1) One hightunnel (greenhouse) will be built at a farm and one at an elementary school and the farmer and teachers will be assisted with purchasing necessary equipment and seeds for producing crops. The farmer or teachers will explain their experiences to workshop participants.

2) Farmers and school garden program coordinators will be provided the information necessary to purchase and construct a polyethylene film covered hightunnel (greenhouse) and organically produce winter greens and vegetables for local sales or school lunches. The primary method of information dissemination will be a two day workshop including a field trip, PowerPoint Presentations and a detailed manual.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Objective 1. Built the greenhouse at Giving Tree Farm, began crop production and sales. Continued planning for the greenhouse at Gunnisonville School and building will take place in August and September.

Objective 2. Continued production of a wide range of crops and collecting environmental data at the MSU Student Organic Farm. Completed the development of the training materials. Organized and presented the two day workshop for 32 farmers. Feedback was very positive and many participants were considering building greenhouses. Workshop for school participants will be March 2005.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Farmers are observing the positive results at the MSU-SOF and Giving Tree Farm and considering greenhouses for season extension or winter production and harvesting. First year experience and sales of greenhouse produce at GTF motivated construction of two additional greenhouses. A key message is that year-round fresh local vegetables are possible in the Midwest.

Collaborators: