An Early Spring Greenhouse Raising
Greenhouse at dawn
The greenhouse raising began before dawn. At this early hour, spring’s soft ground is still hard-frozen, and volunteers can both help, and make it to their day jobs.
The beauty of the hour was mere luck.
Preparations had begun long before of course–everything from standard project management (buy materials, recruit volunteers) to little details (chip away reluctant spring’s ice from the north side of the greenhouse). Though this would be a smaller effort than building a greenhouse from scratch (we were re-covering an existing greenhouse whose roof had been torn apart over the winter), I was excited to watch a community of people come together to make something special a reality. The location was Rare Earth Farm, a CSA, whose bountiful harvests help sustain local families in Southeastern Wisconsin (including mine!).
The process of re-covering a greenhouse is relatively straightforward, albeit a bit exacting and athletic (have you exercised your throwing arm lately?). Ropes are tied to a giant sheet of plastic, then tossed over the greenhouse frame. When the ropes reach the other side, they are pulled down to draw the plastic up over the roof, then the plastic is secured in place.
All of this benefits from a cadre of helpers–just like a barn raising of old. Close to two dozen fellow farmers, family and friends were there to help. Sound interesting? Take a look at the pictures below!
Preparing plastic sheets
By the time I arrived, many of the volunteers were already gathered and a large sheet of plastic had been unfurled.
Tossing the guide ropes over the frame
Four ropes were tied along the length of the plastic. Each rope was coiled up, then tossed (vigorously) over the frame.
A great toss!
Aim and power are important!
Waiting to begin
On the far side volunteers wait to pull the plastic over the top.
Pulling the plastic over the top
I didn’t try it, but it looks like real work!
Guiding the plastic over the roof
The crew on the first side “feeds” the plastic up along the frame.
Interior monitoring
Inside, the whole process is monitored…
and more work on the inside…
and coaxed…
Almost across!
…as the plastic stretches out over the roof.
Adjusting…
When the plastic fully covers the greenhouse, the alignment is adjusted…
Fastening…
… and the plastic is secured.
Wait, not done…
Unrolling layer two
It all begins over again with a second layer of plastic.
Even the farm cat has come to help
Another good toss
Tossing is a bit different after the first layer is in place since a “miss” may slide back down the original side of the slippery plastic instead of falling through the open trusses.
Un-stucking the rope
A partly successful toss may be drawn down from the far side.
More aligning
Straightening and aligning is again performed.
More securing
And the second layer is secured in place.
An experienced eye
Farmer Steve keeps a close watch on the proceedings.
Waiting for the next step
There is some waiting time…
Re-rolling the rope
And cleanup time…
Multitasking
And time for conversation while holding down plastic
After working hard, any “chair” will do
or enjoying the dawn.
Who can resist a great rope?
And a chance to appreciate the farm cat who clearly believes in enjoying life to the fullest.
Next?
This is great! Definitely reminds me of a barn raising 🙂
I know that Steve and Debra Jo were very happy for the help!
A fantastic subject for a post and what a great way to help out your CSA. Love the architecture of such a large greenhouse, and yes I love the shot of the farm cat playing with the rope!
I felt so fortunate to be able to be part of this Claire!
You did such a great job documenting the process., what an interesting project to help with! Love how you even captured the cat playing with the rope 🙂
Thanks Karis! The cat was having so much fun that day–he was really taking advantage of all the company!
What a project! That is so cool!
Thanks Tammy. It really was fascinating!
How interesting! I would love to be involved with a CSA…I’ll have to check out my area.
Oh you should Kathy! Getting that box really inspires eating healthy–and creativity in the kitchen. I never would have done a roasted root vegetable galette without the winter stored vegetables from them.
This is awesome! I love the community that comes with a CSA – so nice in today’s fast-paced world.
I agree Lynn. I did my first canning after a class for CSA members too.
That is awesome! Your pictures are wonderful, I felt like I was there watching it. My husband is in North Dakota and he keeps saying that if we have to move North he wants a greenhouse. I am going to forward this to him!
North Dakota is even colder than we are I believe… The farm does a lot with cold frames too–I think I may try one of these myself this winter.
Great job; great team. Congratulations for accomplishing your goal.
I was happy to be able to participate!
What an exciting project! I’m glad the process went so well.
Thanks Beth! It was a great experience (though now I want my own greenhouse 😉 )
Wish I could have been there, but your photos almost gave me the feeling that I was there. Thanks for sharing. Judy
Thanks Judy! You’ll have your own special project with the bees!
Interesting!
Thanks Freeda!