This week, we signed the papers to place 4.640 kw of solar photovoltaics on our roof. The roof faces a little east of south - so it is nearly perfect. This is all the panels that would fit there. We expect the panels to arrive in a week or so, and construction will likely occur by May. We are so excited. Now our veggie start grow lights in the propagation room, will be powered by the sun! Become a follower to track this project.
There is a whole lot going on in the propagation room. This year, we will have a lot of cool season veggie starts for those who want to set out plants early to get a jump on the season. With the weather we are having, this may be just the ticket for an early Spring. There are three kinds of lettuce, swiss chard, two spinach's, two broccoli, and more.
There are three main phases of planting for veggie starts. In early to mid February, we have the earliest varieties, or the one's that take the longest; in early to mid March, we plant the tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, and others; finally in late March to early April, we will plant the squash's, cukes, gourds, etc. This progression allows efficient use of space, heat and electric, while ensuring that the plants are the right size for market at the right time.
This year we will have the Wisconsin 55 tomato, large red cherry tomatoes, and Amish paste tomatoes. Peppers will include: king of the north sweet bells, joe's long cayenne, jimmy nardello's sweet frying pepper and more.
The early season veggies are starting to make their way into the hoophouse. Soon all the lettuce, spinach, beets, onions, leeks, shallots, swiss chard, pansies, and glorious porch marigolds will be using natural light to grow.
The season progresses. Stay tuned.
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