Book 8 Continued

Four out of seven greenhouse constructors: Emma, Aurora, me Paul, and Collett. Absent: Chloe, Kevene and Kevin. 

Taken after yet another weekend of greenhouse adjustments.

Now was the time for the interior work. 

Two levels of growing to maximize the space. Potatoes and carrots planned for planting on the first level, while taller plants like tomatoes and beans would be planted on the second higher level. 

Another requisition for materials.  

Edward of maintenance worked on the interior. 

A partial plastic for winter snow protection.

Next steps:

o Kevin suggested that the greenhouse be wrapped by a tarp for the winter so that the snow would flow of it and not implode the structure. 

o To assemble garden planters for the library in February 2025. 

o To form a greenhouse club in early March 2025 consisting of at least 6 students and 2 staff chaperones. And plan what plants will go into which level along with Nancy’s Garden.

o To plant the seedlings in the library after March break.

o April 2025 greenhouse adjustments. A) To take off the protective tarp and wraps. B) To improve fitment of panels. C) To line the wooden boxes with plastic to contain the water and protect the wood. D) Drill holes in the boxes to drain excess water. E) To add the soil.

o To transfer the seedlings into the greenhouse early May 2025. 

o A summer break from school watering schedule. 

o Harvest in September 2025. Food for some community elders, and our school’s afternoon nutrition program. 

To continue with the greenhouse initiative in years to come. 

Who would have thought, that from a construction crew of seven, five staff would move away by the time spring rolled around. This left Aurora and me. 

We had up to 15 students, sign-up for the Garden Club. The students planted the seeds into jiffy pots which were placed inside the library’s windows (the lower section was not covered with a UV protection film).

I proceeded with the plan. Edward of maintenance repurposed a plastic tube by cutting out a side. He said that the plastic fused behind the sawing which made it difficult and time consuming, yet he persisted. He glued pipe shielding so that no one would cut themselves on the rough plastic. Travis an educational assistant planted: lettuce, Swiss Chard and spinach in the tube. I added some radish. 

When it came time to go to the greenhouse, there were three students and myself. We took off the outer plastic and reused it for inside. I used the staple gun, then began drilling through the plastic for drainage holes (as below).

After the holes were drilled, soil was added to the boxes.

A student had the idea of seed soaking. I took the rest of the seeds home to complete the process.

Squash seeds quickly grew in a Ziplock bag.

The first of the planting (June 15, 2025). Admittedly, about six weeks later than first planned.