juneau community greenhouses; gardening guidebook for juneau, alaska

Juneau Community Greenhouses Planning Document

Contents

MISSION AND VISION DESIRED OUTCOMES 2

PARTNERSHIPS 3

GOALS 4

TIMELINE 5

HIGH-LATITUDE CONSIDERATIONS 7

POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES 8

MORAL SUPPORT AND TRAINING 11

PROJECTED EXPENSES 12

SPONSORSHIP AND MANAGEMENT 13

DRAFT BROCHURE 14

USEFUL WEBSITES 15

POTENTIAL HARVEST ZONE A3 16

PASSIVE SOLAR GREENHOUSE DESIGN PRINCIPLES 17

PLANNING TEMPLATE 19

above page numbers are links

Turning the Tideshttpwwwturningthetidesorg

httpswwwfacebookcomgroups312940188836415 turningthetidesgmailorgDixie Belcher 9077890449

Monday August 12 2013

DRAFT

I MISSION AND VISION DESIRED OUTCOMES

A MissionThe mission of Juneau Community Greenhouses is to demonstrate how to improve Juneaursquos sustainability and food security during a period of rapid environmental changeB VisionTen years from now 10 of Juneaursquos 13000 households will grow a substantial portion of their vegetables fruit and herbs in local greenhouse structures operating year-round and in home gardensC Desired Outcomes

Juneau Community Greenhouses

Page 2

1 Residents will learn what edible crops can be grown successfully in this climate

2 The growing season will be extended to 10 months a year or more

3 New crops will be introduced to the area such as mushrooms

4 Permaculture principles will be demonstrated

5 Carbon-negative practices such as biochar will be introduced

6 Juneaursquos dependency on imported food will be reduced

7 Greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced

8 Local waste products will be used in food production

9 Principles of sustainability will be embraced and propagated

10 Growers around Juneau will have active community support

11 The indigenous communityrsquos subsistence knowledge and practices will be preserved

12 Plant varieties appropriate for this latitude will be determined and shared

13 Pitfalls will be identified overcome and made known

14 Local youth will understand and value principles of ecology

15 A network of community greenhouses in CBJ will be established

16 Demand for local agricultural products will increase

17 Local food producers will experience wide government support

18 Everyone in Juneau will have access to local affordable fresh food

19 Services offered by Cooperative Extension will be better utilized

20 Use of pesticides and weedkillers will be reduced or eliminated

21 Energy sources such as wind and solar will become more common

22 Gardening will become more popular among homeowners and renters

23 The quantity of foodstuffs imported to Juneau will decrease

24 More imports will arrive via sustainable transport modes (such as sail)

25 Seed-saving techniques and practices will be more widespread

26 Preservation of food (canning drying pickling etc) will become more common

27 Unsustainable practices in food procurement will be reduced through greater reliance on the plant kingdom for calories

28 There will be increased appreciation for the natural environment and a higher degree of custodianship (less dumping of litter and other pollutants)

29 Use of plastic will decrease and plastic wastes will not enter our waters

30 The percentage of households recycling and repurposing waste products will increase

31 Consumption of disposable products will decrease

32 Local ecosystems will thrive

33 Diet-related health trends (obesity diabetes heart disease) will improve

34 Seedlings nurtured in the Community Greenhouse will be available to other growers

II PARTNERSHIPS

Natural partnerships for Juneau Community Greenhouse include

bull Cooperative Extension at UASbull Juneau Schools Food Service Programbull Juneau Garden Clubbull Juneau Community Gardenbull Juneau Sustainability Commissionbull Juneau Master Gardeners

Associationbull Alaska Youth for Environmental

Actionbull Southeast Alaska Conservation

Councilbull Southeast Alaska Independent

Livingbull Juneau Meals on Wheelsbull Juneau Recycling Centerbull httpwwwgreendrinksorgbull httpsustainablecitiesnetbull httpwwwurbanfarmingorg


Page 3

III GOALS

A Improve Sustainability Improving quality of life for present and future generations balancing social environmental and economic interests1Approach Adopt measures that render Juneau more self-sufficient in the long term and

reduce its environmental impacts

Greenhouses Increase gardening activities in Juneau lengthen local food production season increase yield through intensive practices and demonstrate feasibility and desirability of greenhouse agriculture

B Mitigate Climate Change Climate models predict that the City and Borough of Juneau will see overall continued warmer and wetter weather particularly in fall and winter The Juneau Icefield will continue to retreat The land surface rising as a result of isostatic rebound will decrease the relative sea level between 10 and 36 ft over the next century2 However Growing Degree Days (GDDs) will increaseApproach Reduce greenhouse gas emissions through natural methods such as biochar

production and prepare for coming environmental changes

Greenhouses Every edible grown locally reduces the need for one to be barged in reducing emissions warmer climate permits greater variety of crops more rain means the protection of a greenhouse structure is critical in providing an adequate growing season

C Increase Food Security ldquoDanny Consenstein state executive director of the Alaska Farm Service Agency [] also a member of the Alaska Food Policy Council said that in 1955 about half of Alaskas food came from outside the state Now that number is up to 95 percentrdquo3

Our supply chain can be broken or threatened by extreme weather or man-caused events both far and near or even a breakdown in one vessel We are completely dependent on others to bring us our food or the fuel wersquoll use to get it And we know the system isnt always reliable mdash planes donrsquot always fly and boats donrsquot always come in4

The population of Alaska grew from 128643 in 1950 to 710231 in 2010 more than 550 In Juneau the 1950 population was 5956 in 2010 31275 this is growth of 5255 Stockpiling food is difficult in average housing stock which tends to be crowded due to chronic shortage of affordable housing6Approach Increase local food sourcing in a sustainable manner

Greenhouses Improve capacity of CBJ to grow its own food and demonstrate principles of organic horticulture permaculture and carbon-negative impacts


Page 4

1 CBJ Comprehensive Plan Policy 21

2 CLIMATE CHANGE PREDICTED IMPACTS ON JUNEAU

3 httpwwwalaskadispatchcomarticle20130811new-effort-bring-native-foods-plates-across-alaska

4 Food for Thought UAS Cooperative Extension Darren Snyder

5 httpquickfactscensusgovqfdstates0202110html

6 CBJ Comprehensive Plan pg 29 ff

IV TIMELINE

A Year One Tasks

1 Phase One (2012 - 2013) (a) Research - visit other greenhouses(b) Research - Soil Conservation grant(c) Research - High Tunnel Workshop with Samia(d) Education - Biochar permaculture (Albert Bates visit) Master Gardener class(e) Planning - discussions of ways and means(f) Establish parameters (temporary structures do not require permits)(g) Determine need for water electricity and associated costs (freeze prevention installation)(h) Preliminary site selection and agreements with owner(i) Site truthing - stake or mark footprint for greenhouse tool shed access parking(j) Identify funding sources Gifts Grants Loans Memberships etc(k) Budget draft and projections for first five years by costing items listed below(l) Develop specifications of first greenhouse Hoop house Double layer with fan Single layer

Steel or plastic structure End walls etc(m) Research structure vendors and financing options(n) Establish neighborhood relationships(o) Sign up first plot-holders and schedule regular team-building meetings(p) Inventory available skills and talents (grant writing construction etc)(q) Solicit pledges for start-up funds(r) Refine timetable(s) Promote on Facebook at Green Drinks solicit wider support(t) Handout draft(u) Develop community partnerships(v) Apply for grants for start-up funds (site prep utilities construction)

A Year Two Tasks

1 Phase Two ( July - Sep 2013) (a) Prepare site plan(b) Legal and insurance consultations(c) Commence permitting process(d) Handout refinement(e) Secure funding from grants and loans for year one of operations(f) Refine budget(g) Order structure (consider vendor financing)(h) Collect dues from initial members(i) Schedule work parties for structure site and other tasks(j) Build on community partnerships table at events(k) Commence fundraising activities or events(l) Inventory on-site materials (wood chips lumber loam etc)(m) Consider biochar workshop


Page 5

(n) Consider availability of local inputs (seaweed building supplies from trash stream food wastes for compost)

(o) Consider operations Composting requirements other inputs trash removal

2 Phase Three (Sept - Oct 2013) (a) Acquire Permits(b) Site preparation Clearing and levelling Foundation Water and electricity Drainage

Access Parking(c) Erect structure and install utilities(d) Complete windows doors mechanisms(e) Erect and equip toolshed(f) Define plots with lumber buy and distribute dirt mark plots(g) Obtain insurance(h) Continue fundraising

C Year Three Tasks

1 Phase Four (March 2014) (a) Commence operations(b) Schedule and plan tasks for monthly work parties for plotholders(c) Refine budgets(d) Continue fundraising(e) Improvements and development - beekeeping livestock (chickens)(f) Increase community participation(g) Plan next greenhouse


Page 6

Urban farm in Helsinki

Urban farm in St Petersburg

Farming in Estonia

At 59deg 36 N Vestfold county is the standard-bearer

county for organic vegetable production in Norway

Abandoned rail track farming in Eriksdal Sweden (Lat 5930 N)

Hill farming research center near Aberdeen

V HIGH-LATITUDE CONSIDERATIONS

Farming with and without greenhouse structures has always been successful at higher latitudes with crops chosen for hardiness in cold weather and a short growing season However increasing population urbanization cheap oil for transportation culture changes and other factors have increased the size of distant farms and the distance food travels to consumers This has led to the disappearance of traditional home plots and of the agricultural land that once sustained northern populations and to the creation of ldquofood desertsrdquo with rising prices for food imported over long distances using ever-more-expensive fossil fuels with a decline in dietary quality and increased health concerns

ldquoAgriculture is a relatively small industry in high-latitude regions and consists mostly of cropping cool-season forage crops cool-season vegetables and small grains raising traditional livestock [] While agriculture is limited by climate in the Arctic especially in the colder regions it is also limited by lack of infrastructure a small population base remoteness from markets and land ownership issues Major climate limitations include short growing seasons (not enough time to mature or to produce high yields of harvestable crop) lack of heat energy (too few GDDs during the season) long andor unfavorable winter weather that can limit survival of many perennial crops and high moisture stress in some areasrdquo httpwwweoearthorgviewarticle149915

The practice of covering plants or beds within the greenhouse (with small hoops or cloches) creates microclimates which can eliminate or reduce the need for a heater Similar advances have resolved many issues in high-latitude horticultureA JuneauOur latitude is 5835deg North On this approximate parallel are the following locales

bull Oslo Norwaybull St Petersburg Russiabull Talinn Estoniabull Stockholm Swedenbull Inverness and Aberdeen Scotlandbull Helsinki Finland

Our frost-free growing season (outdoors) is about 182 days May 4 to October 4 An unheated greenhouse extends this by about two months Supplemental light in winter can further increase Growing Degree Days and a greenhouse also shelters plants from precipitationB Sitka

bull httpsitkalocalfoodsnetworkorgcategorysitka-community-greenhouse-and-education-center

C Elsewhere in Alaskabull httpwwwalaskadispatchcomarticlegreenhouse-project-remote-alaska-island-gets-

boostbull httpwwwpermiescomt2838energyHeating-sf-Greenhouse-AKbull httpwwwswamcorgfilesCEA20Greenhouses20in20Alaskapdfbull httpwwwalaskabetterbuiltcomAlaska_Greenhousehtmlbull httpsprosperouswaydowncomsub-arctic-dreams-fresh-veggies-in-march

D Manitobabull httpwwwgovmbcaagriculturecropsgreenhousebng01s03html

E MaineInformation regarding use of unheated greenhouse structures (high tunnels hoop houses) at higher latitudes for a profitable multicrop intensive operation including names of desirable varieties is detailed in The Winter Harvest Handbook


Page 7

VI POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES

G Sale of Greenhouse Products(a) CSA customers(b) Retail at Farmers Market(c) Wholesale to groceries and supermarkets(d) Restaurants and caterers (downtown restaurant association membership)

Brsquos Bakery and BistroBullwinklersquosHangar on the WharfHeritage Coffee CompanyPie in the Sky at the Canvas Pizzeria RomaRainbow FoodsRed Dog SaloonRockwellRookerySilverbow Inn Bakery and RestaurantTracyrsquos King Crab ShackTriangle ClubTwisted Fish Company

(e) Institutions (health centers senior living schools)Note If a Soil Conservation grant helps buy the greenhouse products may not be sold and no shelves baskets or tables are permitted

B Memberships in Community GreenhouseShares in local community gardens (short growing season) go for $50 per year and have waiting lists A greenhouse doubles the length of the growing season and the fee Number of plots sold is dependent on greenhouse size Members are also a source of labor for maintenance and repair as a condition of membershipC Directed DonationsMembers of Turning the Tides have pledged $3000 for start-up costs to date However Turning the Tides does not have a wide base of financial support and lacks a history of successful fundraisingD In-Kind SupportWe expect members of Turning the Tides and greenhouse plot-renters will provide most of the labor and transportation needed for initial construction and later operations We plan to offer school-funded programs to offer K-12 students hands-on gardening instruction and environmental education Internships may be offered through sites such as httpwwwworkawayinfo to volunteer site managers who receive room and board in return for labor See list of community partnerships page 6E GrantsPotential funders include the following

1 Bartlett Regional Hospital FoundationMission Statement ldquoThe Bartlett Regional Hospital Foundation is committed to improving health care for the residents of Juneau and the surrounding areas served by Bartlett Regional Hospital by acquiring equipment and services that might not otherwise be availablerdquoThe Bartlett Regional Hospital Foundation was formed in Juneau Alaska in 1992 and incorporated in 1994 under IRS code 501(c) (3) to support Bartlett Regional Hospital in delivering quality health


Page 8

care to residents and visitors of Southeast Alaska The region is made up of remote island communities totaling some 80000 population with nearly one-million visitors annuallyThe Foundation was created to provide health education promote medical study and research and to raise funds for needed medical technology and improved health care The one crucial goal is raise funds to provide philanthropic support for our community now and in the future

2 Rasmuson Foundation Rasmuson awards grants both to organizations serving Alaskans through a base of operations in Alaska and to individuals for projects fellowships and sabbaticals To be considered for a grant award grant seekers must meet specific criteria and complete and submit the required application according to the specific guidelines of each program Tier 1 Awards Grants of up to $25000 for capital projects technology updates capacity building program expansion and creative works Tier 2 Awards Grants over $25000 for projects of demonstrable strategic importance or innovative nature Program-related Investments A collection of financial instruments to support a charitable project or activity Pre-Development Program Guidance and technical resources for planning new sustainable capital projects

3 Juneau Community FoundationThe Foundation has many Field of Interest Funds Schools Arts and Culture Recreation and Trails Youth Sports and Activities Social Services Health and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder The Juneau Community Foundation believes it is important when considering a major donation to assess whether a nonprofitrsquos programs are working and if so whether the nonprofit has the capacity to fulfill its mission using the following baseline of recommended best practices for nonprofit organizations Programs have measurable performance criteria and program results are favorable operating budget revenue meets or exceeds expenses and growth in revenue exceeds the rate of inflation Income sources include a balance of three or more sources is ideal Operating reserves include a three to six months savings reserve Administrative and fundraising expense as compared to program expense at 25 or less is ideal 35 or less is permissible Senior leadership of board and staff Executive compensation is in line with overall performance budget staff and size of the organization Transparency including current information regarding the organization such as IRS Form 990 reports and audits are accessible through GuideStar or IRS website Board meets regularly in a policy mode with meeting attendance rate 67 or greater httpwwwjuneaucforgjnu_nonprofitsjnunonproftshtm

4 National Environmental Education and Training FoundationEligible 501(c)(3) serving children in the US Must not discriminate Preference to those with a budget under $1 million Priorities Creating Awareness Education and Action in Support of the Environment Connecting Youth with Public Lands as places for recreating learning and volunteering Hands-On Outdoor engagement Environmental Stewardship Funding $5000 to $40000 for Specific Program or Operations Match 11 Deadline July 15

5 RebelTomato - American Community Gardening AssociationCommunity garden groups can apply to receive up to $1500 in Fiskarsreg garden tools and $80000 in supplies such as seeds and mulch The foundation provides grants from $250 to $2500 to school and community groups Deadlines March June Sept Dec

6 Lindbergh Grants programLindbergh Grants go to individuals whose proposed research or education projects will make important contributions toward improving the quality of life by balancing technological advancements and the preservation of our environment Awarded in amounts up to $10580 each (a symbolic figure representing the cost of the Spirit of St Louis in 1927) the Grants are made in numerous areas including aviationaerospace agriculture arts and humanities biomedical research and adaptive technology conservation of natural resources education exploration health and population sciences intercultural communication oceanography waste disposal management water resource management and wildlife preservation


Page 9

7 Community Development Block GrantsThe goals of the Alaska Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) are to provide financial resources to Alaskan communities for public facilities and planning activities which address issues detrimental to the health and safety of local residents and to reduce the costs of essential community services The program may also fund Special Economic Development activities which result in the creation of jobs for low and moderate income persons CDBG competitive grants are single-purpose project grants maximum of $850000 per community There are three basic funding categories community development planning and Special Economic Development CDBG programs utilize the resources of the Community Development Block Grant program funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Approximately $2 million is available for competitive grants for the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 12 grant cycle Any Alaskan municipal government (except Anchorage) is eligible to apply for the grants Non-profits may apply as co-applicants for these pass-through funds In a typical year applications are distributed to municipalities in late fall and awards are made the following spring Federal regulations require 51 percent of the persons who benefit from a funded project must be low and moderate income persons as defined by HUD Jill Davis Grants Manager Division of Community and Regional Affairs jilldavisalaskagov Department of Community and Economic Development Fairbanks (907) 451-2717

8 Environmental Education Grants$5000 to $250000 awards Environmental Education Regional Model Grants Program Under this program EPA seeks grant proposals from eligible applicants to support environmental education projects that promote environmental stewardship and help develop knowledgeable and responsible students teachers and citizens This grant program provides financial support for projects that design demonstrate andor disseminate environmental education practices methods or techniques and that will serve as models that can be replicated in a variety of settings 2012 EE Regional Model Grants Solicitation Notice (PDF) - application period closed December 2012

9 Kroger Co Foundation (owns Fred Meyer)Eligible 501(c)(3)s in communities where Kroger customers and associates live and work Priorities Hunger relief Grassroots organizations Education Amount Up to $50000

10 USDA Community Food Projects Competitive Grants ProgramEligible Private Non-Profit Entities Amount $10000 -$300000 Matching 11 Priorities Community Food Projects should be designed to (1) (A) meet the food needs of low-income people (B) increase the self-reliance of communities in providing for their own food needs and (C) promote comprehensive responses to local food farm and nutrition issues andor (2) meet specific state local or neighborhood food and agriculture needs for (A) infrastructure improvement and development (B) planning for long-term solutions (C) the creation of innovative marketing activities that mutually benefit agricultural producers and low-income consumers or (D) Food Security Learning Center to support a grant to a non-governmental organization (NGO) to establish and operate a national information and education clearinghouse on community food security(Opening) October 15 (Closing) November 28 Estimated Total Program Funding $500000000 Dollar for dollar matching

11 Wells Fargo Environmental Solutions for CommunitiesEligible 501(c)(3) organizations governmental agencies public schools Amount $25000mdash$250000 11 match Priorities Projects that positively impact the environment Sustainable agriculture and forestry water quality land conservation and healthy urban eco-systems Due Dates Varies usually July and December Contact Carrie Clingan carrieclingannfwforg 202-595-2471

12 Kellogg FoundationTransform food deserts into food oases by increasing engagement of local communities in all aspects of food production and delivery including related research and policy changes We seek funding opportunities that allow us to make progress in ensuring all children grow and reach


0

optimal well-being by living in secure families having access to fresh local healthy food physical activity and access to quality health care Grant applications are accepted throughout the year In general we do not provide funding for operational phases of established programs capital requests (which includes the construction purchase renovation andor furnishing of facilities) equipment conferences and workshops films television andor radio programs endowments development campaigns or researchstudies unless they are an integral part of a larger program budget being considered for funding

13 General Mills Champions for Healthy Kids Grant Program50 grants of $10000 each to community-based groups that develop creative ways to help youth adopt a balanced diet and physically active lifestyle Application Deadline December

14 HUD Sustainable Communities Regional Planning GrantsSupports metropolitan and multijurisdictional planning efforts that integrate housing land use economic and workforce development transportation and infrastructure investments in a manner that empowers jurisdictions to consider the interdependent challenges of (1) economic competitiveness and revitalization (2) social equity inclusion and access to opportunity (3) energy use and climate change and (4) public health and environmental impact The Program places a priority on investing in partnerships including nontraditional partnerships (eg arts and culture recreation public health food systems regional planning agencies and public education entities) that translate the Federal Livability Principles into strategies that direct long-term development and reinvestment demonstrate a commitment to addressing issues of regional significance use data to set and monitor progress toward performance goals and engage stakeholders and residents in meaningful decision-making roles Amount $450000 to $500000

VII MORAL SUPPORT AND TRAINING

1 The Transition Town Movement is comprised of vibrant grassroots community initiatives that seek to build community resilience in the face of such challenges as peak oil climate change and the economic crisis Transition Initiatives differentiate themselves from other sustainability and environmental groups by seeking to mitigate these converging global crises by engaging their communities in home-grown citizen-led education action and multi-stakeholder planning to increase local self reliance and resilience They succeed by regeneratively using their local assets innovating networking collaborating replicating proven strategies and respecting the deep patterns of nature and diverse cultures in their place Transition Initiatives work with deliberation and good cheer to create a fulfilling and inspiring local way of life that can withstand the shocks of rapidly shifting global systems

2 The Transition Network is a charitable organisation whose role is to inspire encourage connect support and train communities as they self-organise around the Transition model creating initiatives that rebuild resilience and reduce CO2 emissions Ultimately itrsquos about creating a healthy human culture one that meets our needs for community livelihoods and fun ersquore here to support you We run events conferences trainings blogs webinars We produce monthly newsletters books films guides tweets and more all with the intention of best supporting those around the world who are doing Transition


Page 11

VIII PROJECTED EXPENSES

Construction Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5

Greenhouse -- 25 plots - 25 x 40 = 1000 sf

Gearbox for roll-up sides

Shipping and Delivery from ferry

Site clearing

Plywood for greenhouse completion

Water supply - hydrant tap hoses

Power supplyDrainage systemfoundationsGravel

Ventilation fan shutters thermostats

Building PermitDirtLumber for plots

tools supplies for erecting structure

Garden - hoses wheelbarrow shovels

Tool shed amp cinderblock foundation

other

OperationsElectricityWaterLiability InsuranceHazard InsurancePortapottyAllowance for unplanned expenses signage etc

CommunicationsOfficeMaintenance and Repairs

Dirt

Composting (seaweed etc)other


Page 12

IX SPONSORSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

ldquoJuneau Community Greenhousesrdquo is a major undertaking of Turning the TIdes

TTT is a grassroots 501(c)(3) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) nonprofit organization striving to raise awareness about ocean issues and promote ocean-friendly practices clean-up efforts waste reduction and sustainability

Vision Inspiring hearts minds amp actions to restore a healthy ocean

Mission To foster an international culture that recognizes the interdependence of people and the ocean

To sponsor programs and activities that promote environmental awareness and cultural change

To promote the health of living systems

To raise awareness of the connections between earth ocean plants and animals including humans

To significantly reduce marine pollutants

Principles To respect traditional ways

To use finite resources consciously and with respect

To empower people to move from a throw-away toward a sustainable culture

To promote balance between privilege and responsibility

To learn by doing and to lead by example

Officers Dixie Belcher President Hildegarde Sellner Vice President Kathryn Hill Secretary Mary Ann Brant Treasurer

Membership As of July 2013 TTT had approximately 150 participants

Past Activities TTT sponsored a ballot initiative to restrict or tax the use of plastic shopping bags in Juneau in 2011 leading a successful petition drive to get a measure on the ballot In 2012 TTT sponsored a speaking tour in Juneau by Albert Bates noted environmental speaker and author an authority on climate change and its mitigation In prior years TTT focused on educational efforts regarding the imperiled condition of oceans and sea life critical to life in Alaska Currently TTT sponsors monthly Green Drinks gatherings for the environmentalists of Juneau

Contact httpwwwturningthetidesorg

httpswwwfacebookcomgroups312940188836415

turningthetidesgmailorg


Page 13

X DRAFT BROCHURE


Page 14

XI USEFUL WEBSITES

A Hoop House Expertise

1 httpwwwhoopbendersnetBend Your Own Greenhouse Hoops In Minutes Build Your Own Hoop Greenhouse For 12 The Cost Of A Kit

2 httpwwwgrowingformarketcomarticlesHoophouse-AdviceAdvice from growers on what kind of hoophouse to buy

3 httpwwwgreenhousemegastorecomcategorycold-framesCold Frame Frames Packages Quonset or Hoop Style Greenhouses

4 httpwwwmyhoophousecomThere is a lot of information here regarding Hoop Houses (greenhouses) that are built in a quick and easy manner using local materials and simple tools to bend common chain link top rail into different diameter hoops that get used in building year round indoor gardens

5 Mother Earth NewsDIY cold frames greenhouses hoop houses low tunnels cloches and other tools that can keep the harvests coming throughout fall and beyond The dozens of projects range from elaborate and permanent to quick and simple and many can be made from recycled materials

6 httpwwwhobbyfarmscomfarm-equipment-and-toolshoop-housesaspxWhether covered with plastic or heavy-duty woven fabric properly tightened and anchored a hoop house can withstand high winds and a heavy snow load The hoops themselves can vary from PVC pipe to steel electrical conduit to a range of steel and wood components Using wood concrete gravel or earthen pads the structures are fast to erect and low in cost compared even to pole barns 7 httpwwwfourseasonfarmcomindexhtmlldquoYear Round Vegetable Production Using Deep Organic Techniques and Unheated Greenhousesrdquo Four Season Farm is an experimental market garden in Harborside Maine owned and operated by writers Barbara Damrosch and Eliot Coleman The farm produces vegetables year-round and has become a nationally recognized model of small-scale sustainable agricultureB Community Greenhouses

1 httpwwwcommunitygreenhouseorgWe can help you imagine plan and construct a green building We can help your city or municipality promote greener living for business and citizens We can help you educate and outreach and spread the good word about people in your community who are working to make it a better place We can help you plan and manage events or conduct seminars and workshops Our mission is to spread the word about solutions that can dramatically change and improve your community and quality of life

2 httpswwwfacebookcomCommunityGreenhousePartnersTo improve the quality of life of those around us by growing vegetables year round and selling them at low cost to urban families employing local residents and teaching sustainability and earth science to young people

3 httpwwwresilientcommunitiescomdoes-your-community-need-a-public-greenhouseDoes Your Community Need a Public Greenhouse

4 httpwwwnaropaeduthe-naropa-experiencesustainabilitygrounds-and-landscapingcommunity-greenhousephp

The greenhouse enhances learning opportunities built around horticulture methods permaculture ecological system sciences and environmental philosophies such as deep ecology


Page 15

XII POTENTIAL HARVEST ZONE A3

ZONE A3 The mild maritime climate from Kodiak to Juneau and Prince Rupert This zone includes southeastern Alaska north of Sitka clear to Skagway plus Kodiak Island Homer Seward and Prince William Sound It also touches Prince Rupert where cold interior air drains down the Skeena River Summers are cool and cloudy while winters are typically windy and rainy Annual precipitation runs from 80 inches at Kodiak to 200 inches near Sitka The ground freezes every winter and repeated freeze-thaw cycles in spring play havoc with cold-hardy plants Winter minimums average 20 to 30degFwith occasional drops to ndash5deg Summer highs are in the low 60swith occasional jumps to 80deg The growing season runs from 113 days in Cordova to 162 days in Haines But cool summer temperatures offset the advantages of summer day length Plants take longer to grow than seed packets describe

ldquoIn December and January we harvested enough salad greens every day for three or four people Cold-hardy plants all very rich in vitamins A and C produce best Escarole lettuce parsley corn salad chervil chives and other salad herbs are dependable So are kale chard and chicory which grow so thin and tender in the weak winter sun that they are best in salads too In spring and fall the harvests are bigger Succession plantings make heat-loving plants like tomatoes and cucumbers possible far beyond their normal seasonsrdquo httpsurvivalpluscomfoodsThe-Solar-Greenhousehtm

ldquoSeveral varieties of vegetables can be harvested in the winter months in a greenhouse with little supplemental heat Most varieties of lettuce spinach chard kale broccoli cabbage Brussels sprouts carrots turnips beets bok choy and its relatives and other cold tolerant plants will continue to grow right through winter in a closed greenhouse The clear greenhouse walls will allow the sun to warm the temperature well above freezing during the day and it will drop to something close to freezing during the night for this reason it may be better to leave the heat loving plants (tomatoes peppers squash etc) for all but the coldest few months of winter The natural daylight hours are the shortest in winter so expect your vegetables to take slightly longer to fully mature Plan on starting them a few weeks early to harvest during the winterrdquo httpveggieharvestcominfogreenhousehtml

Yield With an intensive method such as Square Foot Gardening or French Intensive a 4x4 plot can yield enough food for one person to live on during the harvest season with excess to be preserved for other months


Page 16

March Broccoli CarrotCollard greensKaleMustard OnionsPeas Radish Turnip

April AsparagusCauliflowerCollard greens KaleKohlrabi Lettuce MustardPeas Radish TurnipOnionsPeasPotato (white) SpinachBeans (bush) CarrotCornBeans (bush) Beet

MayBeans (bush)Beans (pole)Beans (lima)Cantaloupe Corn Cucumber EggplantLettuce Squash (bush)Mustard Squash (winter) Okra

TomatoesPeas TurnipPepper Watermelon Potato (sweet)Radish

June Potato (sweet)Corn

July Beans (bush)Corn

AugustBeans (bush)Mustard SpinachBeetTurnipRadish

SeptemberBeet Broccoli Cabbage Carrot Cauliflower Kohlrabi Lettuce OnionsSpinachTurnip

October CarrotsOnions

November Onions

DecemberOnions

XIII PASSIVE SOLAR GREENHOUSE DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Excerpted from httpsurvivalpluscomfoodsThe-Solar-Greenhousehtm

Dave MacKinnon PhD ORGANIC GARDENING greenhouse designer has put it all together after three years of experimenting and has created a design formula that gardeners in any climate can follow His newest solar greenhouse which he has built and tested in Flagstaff Arizona epitomizes a good solar shape It has produced food through two winters without requiring any outside heat source Almost all the floor space is usable for growing beds because the energy storage is on the walls And it uses a minimum of materials because the design insulation and heat storage are in balance and arranged to complement each other

bull One of the long walls should face due south rather than east or west bull The south wall should have two layers of glazing bull All the surfaces that dont face south are insulatedbull the greenhouse should be about twice as long (east to west) as it is wide

The two-to-one relationship offsets the effect of the shade that the opaque east and west end walls create The building thus captures more solar energy for each square foot of growing space If the building is made much deeper than two to one mdash that is closer to a square floor plan mdash the heat-storage material in back is shaded too much

bull The peak should be made about as high as the building is wide (north to south)

Heat-storing materials in the back of the greenhouse will then get the direct exposure to the sun they must have if the storage is to work efficiently

bull The slope of the north roof is an important feature [] though the precise angle of slope is not critical

Sunlight which enters the greenhouse and strikes the aluminum-foil-covered roof (white paint works well too) is aimed back down to the growing beds From the outside the interior of the greenhouse looks almost black because very little light is bouncing back out to the viewer If designed well solar greenhouses with reflective walls can actually deliver up to a third more light to the plants in winter In the traditional all-glass design much of the light passes right on out the clear north roof and wall Angles between 60 and 75 degrees for the north roof will work well in the United States and southern Canada

bull A south face with the right angle will give optimum performance in January

The slope of the sun-collecting south face might appear to be trickier to decide upon The angle does affect how well the translucent face collects sunlight but for greenhouses its not as critical as when setting up a compact solar-heating unit Actually a wide range of angles will work equally well at any given latitude The simplest thing to do is to add 20 degrees to your latitude But if that particular angle proves hard to work with go to a slightly shallower one and you will be favoring


Page 17

solar collection in spring and fall If you use 50 degrees rather than 60 which for example you may figure is your ideal you still have sacrificed very little midwinter light

bull Heat storage on the back walls normalize daynight temperature extremes

Without heat storage solar greenhouses are something like a thermos bottle mdash all the energy is in the sun-warmed air Drafts will quickly drain off the heat because even the most tightly made building will have a fair amount of tiny cracks Energy held within storing materials is not lost along with escaping air The energy is released slowly as the greenhouse cools and the building stays warm much longer

A no-less-important effect is that heat-storage materials keep the greenhouse from overheating during the day We quickly learned that without storage the inside temperature can soar into the 80s or 90s on cold bright days That is quite hard on a winter greenhouse crop With storage absorbing some of the incoming energy the result is a milder daytime environment

The amount of heat storage for full solar heating seems enormous at first but is manageable in practice Both of MacKinnons 20 x 12 greenhouses use about 1000 gallons of water stacked vertically on the rear walls That amounts to four gallons of water for each square foot of floor space The best method weve found is to use rectangular five-gallon honey cans with a rust inhibitor added to the water

The best alternative is rock (in any form from sand through concrete) but water holds about five times more heat So water reservoirs on walls make compact heat storage that gets a good share of direct incoming sunlight

Two other simple things are crucial to the success of our greenhouses

bull The earth below them is insulated to a little below frostline with plastic foam bull At night an insulating curtain is drawn over the south wall to reduce heat loss

Recommended Zone 3 insulation walls and roof R-12 below ground R-10 to 2 feet deep heat storage 3 gallons per square foot

The greenhouse should be orientated in a way that will maximize the sunlight There are two basic schools of thought on greenhouse orientation A greenhouse orientated to capture the morning sun (NorthSouth orientation) will help to stimulate growth remove condensation from leaves early in the day and get your plants off to a good start for the day This method is popular with those who use a greenhouse for summer vegetables The other basic orientation is to maximize the winter sunlight captured (EastWest orientation) The winter sun is much lower in the horizon this time of year and with careful consideration of both structure and plants it is possible to harvest vegetables without using a heat source to warm the greenhouse httpveggieharvestcominfogreenhousehtml


Page 18

The air inside has averaged 42 degrees higher than outside and between 45

and 55 degrees F in the soil throughout the winter

XIV PLANNING TEMPLATE


Page 19

I MISSION AND VISION DESIRED OUTCOMES

A MissionThe mission of Juneau Community Greenhouses is to demonstrate how to improve Juneaursquos sustainability and food security during a period of rapid environmental changeB VisionTen years from now 10 of Juneaursquos 13000 households will grow a substantial portion of their vegetables fruit and herbs in local greenhouse structures operating year-round and in home gardensC Desired Outcomes


1 Residents will learn what edible crops can be grown successfully in this climate

2 The growing season will be extended to 10 months a year or more

3 New crops will be introduced to the area such as mushrooms

4 Permaculture principles will be demonstrated

5 Carbon-negative practices such as biochar will be introduced

6 Juneaursquos dependency on imported food will be reduced

7 Greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced

8 Local waste products will be used in food production

9 Principles of sustainability will be embraced and propagated

10 Growers around Juneau will have active community support

11 The indigenous communityrsquos subsistence knowledge and practices will be preserved

12 Plant varieties appropriate for this latitude will be determined and shared

13 Pitfalls will be identified overcome and made known

14 Local youth will understand and value principles of ecology

15 A network of community greenhouses in CBJ will be established

16 Demand for local agricultural products will increase

17 Local food producers will experience wide government support

18 Everyone in Juneau will have access to local affordable fresh food

19 Services offered by Cooperative Extension will be better utilized

20 Use of pesticides and weedkillers will be reduced or eliminated

21 Energy sources such as wind and solar will become more common

22 Gardening will become more popular among homeowners and renters

23 The quantity of foodstuffs imported to Juneau will decrease

24 More imports will arrive via sustainable transport modes (such as sail)

25 Seed-saving techniques and practices will be more widespread

26 Preservation of food (canning drying pickling etc) will become more common

27 Unsustainable practices in food procurement will be reduced through greater reliance on the plant kingdom for calories

28 There will be increased appreciation for the natural environment and a higher degree of custodianship (less dumping of litter and other pollutants)

29 Use of plastic will decrease and plastic wastes will not enter our waters

30 The percentage of households recycling and repurposing waste products will increase

31 Consumption of disposable products will decrease

32 Local ecosystems will thrive

33 Diet-related health trends (obesity diabetes heart disease) will improve

34 Seedlings nurtured in the Community Greenhouse will be available to other growers

II PARTNERSHIPS








Page 3

III GOALS












Page 4







IV TIMELINE

A Year One Tasks



A Year Two Tasks



Page 5





C Year Three Tasks



Page 6



Farming in Estonia

















Page 7








Page 8








Page 9








Page 10








Page 11






Site clearing









other



Dirt



Page 12






















Page 13

X DRAFT BROCHURE


Page 14

XI USEFUL WEBSITES














Page 15







Page 16










November Onions

DecemberOnions













Page 17












Page 18





Page 19

II PARTNERSHIPS








III GOALS












Page 4







IV TIMELINE

A Year One Tasks



A Year Two Tasks



Page 5





C Year Three Tasks



Page 6



Farming in Estonia

















Page 7








Page 8








Page 9








Page 10








Page 11






Site clearing









other



Dirt



Page 12






















Page 13

X DRAFT BROCHURE


Page 14

XI USEFUL WEBSITES














Page 15







Page 16










November Onions

DecemberOnions













Page 17












Page 18





Page 19

III GOALS


















IV TIMELINE

A Year One Tasks



A Year Two Tasks



Page 5





C Year Three Tasks



Page 6



Farming in Estonia

















Page 7








Page 8








Page 9








Page 10








Page 11






Site clearing









other



Dirt



Page 12






















Page 13

X DRAFT BROCHURE


Page 14

XI USEFUL WEBSITES














Page 15







Page 16










November Onions

DecemberOnions













Page 17












Page 18





Page 19

IV TIMELINE

A Year One Tasks



A Year Two Tasks







C Year Three Tasks



Page 6



Farming in Estonia

















Page 7








Page 8








Page 9








Page 10








Page 11






Site clearing









other



Dirt



Page 12






















Page 13

X DRAFT BROCHURE


Page 14

XI USEFUL WEBSITES














Page 15







Page 16










November Onions

DecemberOnions













Page 17












Page 18





Page 19





C Year Three Tasks





Farming in Estonia

















Page 7








Page 8








Page 9








Page 10








Page 11






Site clearing









other



Dirt



Page 12






















Page 13

X DRAFT BROCHURE


Page 14

XI USEFUL WEBSITES














Page 15







Page 16










November Onions

DecemberOnions













Page 17












Page 18





Page 19




















Page 8








Page 9








Page 10








Page 11






Site clearing









other



Dirt



Page 12






















Page 13

X DRAFT BROCHURE


Page 14

XI USEFUL WEBSITES














Page 15







Page 16










November Onions

DecemberOnions













Page 17












Page 18





Page 19















Page 9








Page 10








Page 11






Site clearing









other



Dirt



Page 12






















Page 13

X DRAFT BROCHURE


Page 14

XI USEFUL WEBSITES














Page 15







Page 16










November Onions

DecemberOnions













Page 17












Page 18





Page 19















Page 10








Page 11






Site clearing









other



Dirt



Page 12






















Page 13

X DRAFT BROCHURE


Page 14

XI USEFUL WEBSITES














Page 15







Page 16










November Onions

DecemberOnions













Page 17












Page 18





Page 19















Page 11






Site clearing









other



Dirt



Page 12






















Page 13

X DRAFT BROCHURE


Page 14

XI USEFUL WEBSITES














Page 15







Page 16










November Onions

DecemberOnions













Page 17












Page 18





Page 19













Site clearing









other



Dirt



Page 12






















Page 13

X DRAFT BROCHURE


Page 14

XI USEFUL WEBSITES














Page 15







Page 16










November Onions

DecemberOnions













Page 17












Page 18





Page 19






Site clearing









other



Dirt
























Page 13

X DRAFT BROCHURE


Page 14

XI USEFUL WEBSITES














Page 15







Page 16










November Onions

DecemberOnions













Page 17












Page 18





Page 19






















X DRAFT BROCHURE


Page 14

XI USEFUL WEBSITES














Page 15







Page 16










November Onions

DecemberOnions













Page 17












Page 18





Page 19

X DRAFT BROCHURE


XI USEFUL WEBSITES














Page 15







Page 16










November Onions

DecemberOnions













Page 17












Page 18





Page 19

XI USEFUL WEBSITES




















Page 16










November Onions

DecemberOnions













Page 17












Page 18





Page 19
















November Onions

DecemberOnions













Page 17












Page 18





Page 19
























Page 18





Page 19
















Page 19

juneau community greenhouses; gardening guidebook for juneau, alaska

Education

indigenous community

juneaus sustainability

principles of sustainability

active community support11

food security

imported food

local greenhouse structures

food production9