Finishing High Tunnels

So, how did we get the plastic from a giant sheet on the ground, to the top of the tunnel? First you have to get the ropes over the ribs to attach to the plastic.
Behold, another use for duct tape:

It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes a large group of willing neighbors to pull the plastic over the top and then hold it in place while it's secured.

The ends are done first. Thanks to a helpful individual who loaned us his forklift and platform. Made this SO much easier. At least on one end. Couldn't fit the forklift in between the tunnels, so ladders had to work there (above)

The plastic is held in place with metal channels and "wiggle wire" that fits in the channels and keeps it tight.

One down, one to go.

End of the evening: Plastic finished, a few odds and ends to finish up.

Peppers were planted inside the tunnels on Saturday May 28. Next, tomatoes!

Progress on the giant garden,,,,,,,,

Well with the last few days so sunny and warm, dare we hope that it's here to stay? I'll be daring and hope :)
Here's the latest news from the Giant Garden.....High Tunnels! Similar to a green house, these are hopefully going to be our answer to getting tomatoes to ripen on time and peppers to go with them. The tunnels are large enough to drive the tractor through, and will extend the growing season of whatever is planted inside by a couple of weeks.

There are two, each 96 feet long by 30 feet wide. Don't forget to check with us when it's time for tomatoes and salsa making!



So far we have planted Cabbage (below pic), carrots, beets, spinach, radishes, onions, peas, and potatoes. The first planting of peas is up and should be ready (if the weather cooperates) around the 4th of July. The second planting is in the ground and should be a couple of weeks behind the first. The corn planter is getting put into shape for the Sweet corn, traditionally ready about mid August.

Onions here

To be planted in the near future: Green beans, zucchini, yellow summer squash, eggplant, sweet corn, cucumbers, winter squash, pumpkins, and getting those tomatoes started in their new high tunnel homes. Keep checking back for updates on what's growing, what's on time and what will be harvested next. Plus more progress pictures of the high tunnels. Happy Spring!