Plum Hollow Farms is building a modern, beautiful, and sustainable greenhouse to help scale our planting activities in 2025 and beyond
Since starting up in 2022, the growing activities at Plum Hollow Farms have been happening on a relatively small scale. That's because in those early days we were primarily focused on soil improvement, land management, and operational planning.
But all that is set to change in 2025 with the launch of our magnificent new greenhouse!
Form and function
First off, this project would not be possible without the incredible skills and dedication of Master Builder Dan. We are truly lucky to be located in area of Ontario with such skilled professionals who help make our farming dreams come to life.
Thank you Dan! š„°
Greenhouses are for growers
The timing of the greenhouse project is key, because for the next few years we actually have two growing initiatives happening simultaneously.
Regenerative Zones
First, we're introducing regenerative farming zones with the creation of swales (starting in Field D) that will require us to propagate a large number of nitrogen fixers, trees, and companion plants to improve soil quality and disease resistance.
The good news is that most of these are perennials - meaning we only need to plant them once.
Production Rows
Second, we'll be ramping up our production of vegetables and berries in the orchard (Field A) where we're repurposing (and upgrading) some of the rows where the apple trees have struggled.
In short, we have a LOT of planting to do in the next few years. š±š±š±
Propagation power!
We're still working out the final design of the greenhouse interior, but early calculations suggest that we'll be able to grow up to an incredible 20,000 plants per year in this one building alone.
The structure itself will be surrounded by stepped terraces that will not only look beautiful, but provide much-needed areas for hardening seedlings and organizing planting activities.
Form and function
The greenhouse design includes a robust Ground to Air Heat Transfer (GAHT) system to help keep the interior at a constant temperature, even during the coldest Winter months.
Key features:
Above-ground heat banks that capture excess heat in colder months
Below-ground heat store comprised of 7 tons of red granite
Double circuit of tubing set at different depths within the granite
Vertical fans to pump air down/up to help maintain consistent conditions
Climate control system
The interior will be equally amazing, with a clean post and beam design that supports a steep-angled front wall, stone-clad side walls, and cedar trim throughout.
Powered by the sun āļø
Plum Hollow Farms is off-grid, so the decision for powering the lights, fans, climate control system, and other equipment in the greenhouse was easy.
We're adding 4 x 200W solar panels to the roof of the small extension that is set at the same angle and SW direction as the front wall of the main greenhouse.
The panels will be accompanied by a controller, inverter, and batteries to help complete the system which will also be used to charge the many battery-powered tools we use at the farm.
Join Friends of the Farm
We cannot wait to start growing in this beautiful building.
If you're interested in earning about regenerative farming, meeting new people, and sharing in the harvest, please check out our volunteer program.š
Follow our journey
Comments