Let the Gardening Season Begin

The  2018 Polytunnel

Gardening at 8000 plus feet altitude is never easy but living a good drive from organic food sources has made it essential. When I began this exploration only iceberg lettuce was available at the store nearest me. Over the years I can now get it in gourmet varieties in plastic boxes when seem to be subject to recall from time to time due to various ills trapped inside. And it is hugely expensive. Not that gardening is cheap.

 It was on the internet I first came across the concept of the poly tunnel developed by an agricultural school in Kentucky to extend growing seasons for large farms. A friend in Utah built one and sent me info on one he adapted. Soon there were YouTube videos touting small backyard versions.

 The first I built was small and just covered two 4 x 4 beds of greens. Success meant they grew. A few years ago I finally upped my commitment to 11 x 20. Other refinements were also made like going from 4 mil plastic to 6 mil, and crisscrossing of ropes to hold it in place. Also inside and outside tunnels. One layer of plastic supposedly raises the temp 4 degrees, two 8 degrees. How to seal the ends also changed from plastic sheeting to poly panels; flaps to allow access.
From 2016 with the ropes and duck tape and clamps

 This year I finally jumped in totally and constructed rigid ends. And an actual door to allow easy access. Hopefully they were be sturdy enough to make it through the winter when the covering plastic has to be removed due to heavy snows.

The latest bow tunnel 

Unpredictable spring weather also necessitated some changes in installation of the plastic. Once I called a friend and had them help pull the plastic over the bows. Even then if a wind came up it could blow away literally. I now put the ropes on very loosely first. Then put the still folded plastic on one side under the ropes. Secured I can then pull the plastic out of its folds and pull over the bows without worrying about a wind. A 2 x 10 board over the raised beds provides a place to stand while pulling the plastic over the top.

Yesterday the winds were higher than predicted but I was able to get the top in place. The photo below show it wrinkles and all. I was able to take a break for lunch before coming out and pulling the plastic smooth and tucking it in place behind the rigid end frame I had built.

Once the plastic is properly in place the ropes are tightened down.
plastic installed under ropes but not stretched yet

I still need to do this framing to support poly clear panels on the far end which is currently Jerry-rigged with left overs. 

Inside showing the far end to be replaced later this summer

The door and the clear poly roofing panels were the leap this year. I love the look. Previously I had used fiber panels as in the photo above. They let light in but are not transparent. Now I can stand on the deck and see how the garden is growing. Doors are really rather easy. Tricky part is hinges. I could have avoided that with using leather or canvas strapping. Sometimes I just get stubborn. Mother thought that was a character flaw. I see it as persistence.

My door
A green house, even one as simple as a poly tunnel can extend the growing season two weeks on either side. When I began this gardening journey I figured I could only count on 90 days. We can have freezes as late as first of June, and once a freak freeze as late as June 21 (I had the tunnel by then).

 Because of climate change they are now saying where I live has a growing season 19 days longer. We have gone from a climate zone 4 to 5. So maybe the green house is not as necessary as before but we also get more violent summer storms. I have had unprotected crops totally shredded with dime sized hail, and garden shed exploded with a freak wind. Seemed a good time to up my game with the more solid construction.

In conclusion a few material notes: Do not get cheap duck tape. You will be re-installing it all summer long. Clamps and tie wraps are better. And again don't go cheap. Six mil plastic is worth the price and extra weight. I use split swim noodles to cover the rough spots which may tear the plastic over the season.

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