Starters and Atikoken

Last Thursday, my assistant Evalisa and I planted over 100 pots of starters ranging from mini-bell peppers, parsley, cucumbers, Buttercrunch lettuce (First to germinate 4 days later on April 5th) and much more. Most are now popping through. These will be marketed the first of May as starters for gardeners who want to get a head start.

On Monday I drove some two hours to give a PowerPoint presentation to members of the Atikoken Horticultural Society. Those who attended were quite interested in the prospect of a year-round greenhouse and were very cordial hosts. I always enjoy these opportunities to get the word out on my project.

I have attached a photo taken at the presentation and another taken this morning of our "Tommy Tomatoe" as it grows.

Tomatoes Galore!

We began seeding back on October 12, 2009 with a range of vegetables including two varieties of tomatoes -- Sub-arctic Plenty (somewhat more cold tolerant) and Cobra (a standard beefsteak type). We continued planting (always from seed) on Nov. 11, Dec. 10 and Dec. 30, 2009 and then into January 2010 and so on. We now also have a cherry type tomato coming along as well called Camelia. We planted quite generously assuming that there would be a low germination rate and some casualties especially during the very cold periods (35 below Celsius at night). However the germination rate remained well up there (approx. 90%) and there were virtually no casualties. Consequently, as we progressively repotted into larger pots, soon table space was at a premium. That's what I call a good problem. We've been busy hand-pollinating (see photo of me) and also this morning (March 22) I took another progress photo #2 of our tomato cluster. Now "Tommy Tomato" which was about 1/4" in diameter a week ago is a good 3/4" in diameter.

Radiant Floor Heating and Tomato Growth Progress

This week we have worked on the radiant floor heating tube installation in preparation for next winter. This will increase the amount of thermal mass within the greenhouse in particular in the heated concrete slabs at ground level for cold winter nights. This is the fourth thermal water heating system in my GH365 greenhouse -- Solar collectors to hot water tank, heat retention wall, root zone heating and radiant floor heating.

We have also continued seeding (romaine lettuce and cucumbers), transplanting, pollinating tomatoes and so on. Look for a continuing photo of a tomato cluster showing opening blossoms and a growing tomato which will be updated every week or two so you can watch the progress over real time. The one above and that of my assistant Evilisa were taken on Monday March 15,'10.

First Blog Message - Tomatoes and Friends

Never having had a "blogspot" before, this is somewhat new to me. So bear with me. As time goes by I will provide updates on the performance of my unique GH365 greenhouse. At the moment my tomatoes are bursting out all over, especially the Sub-Arctic Plenty that I planted from seed on October 12, 2009. I've been doing a great deal of hand-pollinating lately and have some that are perhaps an inch (2 cms.) in diameter. All are healthy and growing amidst a sea of lettuce, broccoli, green peppers, asparagus and many other vegetables -- some being harvested and others still babies or more mature.

GH365 - Solar Energy Greenhouse

The GH365 is a prototype for a year round greenhouse, designed for cold climates like here in North West Ontario. A great potential for small independent purposes such as a community operated facility (First Nation or other), an adjunct to farms or even farmers’ markets and food suppliers (restaurants, vegetable stands etc.), and last but not least, as a year-round greenhouse by design from conception, attached to residential homes.