New Seed Starting House

With my south facing deck on the house attracting plenty of sunshine, I decided to gather up the a lot of reclaimed lumber, glass, and some store bought 2x4's and built a greenhouse under the deck to start seeds and for some passive solar gain on a 8 inch concrete wall.

The project started as usual with my good friend Tony and his wiliness to help me dig out a few dozen wheelbarrows of dirt. I then measured out my glass panels that various folks have giving me from other remodel jobs and planned out the pattern between the 10 foot span of deck post.

For the roof, I used left over pond liner on the above deck and covered it with outdoor carpet. It works really well. Down below, with the low angle of the winter sun, the concrete wall will serve as a thermal mass for heat gain.

Once all materials were in place I used a gravel floor and built steps and added a nice glass door that I had already on the property. Total cost was less than $75.

The largest expense was the grow lights, seed flats, vents, fan, heating mat, and thermostat which raised the total price to a whoping $200! I didn't have a single one of these items floating around the farm.

I plant 300 butterfly nectar and host plants tomorrow to add to the on farm experience.

Sundays Front Page Asheville

Well, seems we made the front page of the Asheville Citizen Times paper today. John Boyles did a great article about the status of the small farm in Western North Carolina. I just happen to have the front page picture and opening paragraphs for the 3 page column. He did a great job in exposing the dilemmas and struggles of the small farmer. Find it at the following link.
http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011302270056

Saturday found me at the MOFF conference at Warren Wilson College, a marketing opportunity for local farmers. I was not alone, well over 200 farmers from 5 states met with all kinds of potential buyers. Wholesalers, restaurant owners, grocery chains, farmers markets, and all kinds of other contingencies were present as well as highly educated and informative classroom and workshop individuals. I think everyone there learned very valuable information about marketing. Hats off to ASAP (Agriculture Sustainable Agricultural Project) for putting it on. They are such an valuable resource and we farmers are lucky to have them.

Calm Before the Storm?

Wow, what a season so far. Our snow yesterday and most of the day today produced maybe 3 or 4 inches but who knew with the gusty 30 mph. winds. Here the pump house is barely visible from the warmth of the farm house. My wife calls the snow a waste coming on the weekend. If it were on the weekday she would miss work. Remind you of your school days?
Well, she may get her wish as a major south rising winter storm is forecasted for Monday. Will I ever get anything done other than stoking the stove and watching snow fall?

The blueberry rows are just waiting for the next storm to come as well. Who knows, I might get finished mulching the last few bushes by the time the snow melts--next spring?

This final shot of the flight house looks cold doesn't it. I have been working hard to expand the marketing for the butterfly flighthouse this coming spring. I am hoping to get some more publicity published in some of the local tourist magazines and news periodicals. I am also considering joining the Black Mountain Chamber of Commerce.