Start small and build, this has been the business model we follow. Sowing seeds inside the house was my go to for a few years. It was how I got a jump on the season and prepared myself for the next busy summer season. As time passed the seedling trays started taking up far more room than was reasonable. Time for a Greenhouse!

Then came the tough decision of choosing the style of the structure. Not a simple or easy task by any means. It would have to be big enough to grow with the business, but not so big that it would be a waste of valuable space. We decided on a Gothic peaked roof and kept the footprint small, 21’ x 24’.

The choice of a gable roof was one of necessity, we are situated on top of a drumlin (a hill created by glaciers of years past). We are also within the snow squall area of Lake Ontario. There are high winds and at times a great deal of snow. We installed it so that the side is facing south and the ends east and west. This is recommended as it allows for the most use of the sun’s beneficial rays with the least obstruction. The little bit of extra angle created by the gable roof assists with preventing snow build up even when the greenhouse is not being heated. The blower operates 24/7 all year, this maintains a constant level of tension on the plastic covering. Being taught keeps it from being caught in the wind and the slope prevents the entire structure from collapsing against the weight of the snow.

We made the decision to construct the greenhouse ourselves. Leveling the ground, measuring out the area, making sure everything is square and driving the pipes into the ground. Hours of work with not much to show at first. Once the arches started to go up it did not take long to look like a structure. It stood for a week or so before we built the framing for the ends and enclosed it. The deer thought it was an amazing archway for them to pass through at night. Funny thing about the deer and my gardens, we seem to have an agreement of sorts. I supply them with a 30’ mowed barrier between the field crops and my gardens and they seem to prefer that over damaging my flowers.

From this one small greenhouse, I start many varieties of plants. Some for my own personal enjoyment and many more to share with other people. I will keep adding and building as long as there is a market for what I grow and a smile from the people who choose to buy their blooms from my small cut flower farm.

Until next time….

Tracy

February 9, 2020