CRAFT Greenhouse Workshop at Crabtree Farms
During the CRAFT Greenhouse Workshop on February 28th, the group learned about Crabtree Farms' greenhouse operation by focusing on 3 key elements: the germination chamber, a greenhouse, and the potting shed. The group went around to these 3 locations and learned from Crabtree team members Annemarie Gero, Sarah Wiatrek, and Matt Chrnalogar.
Germination - Sarah shared how Crabtree Farms starts their native plants and vegetable crops in their turned-off cooler during the off season. With grow lights on, the cooler is able to remain at the perfect temperature for seed starting even on the coldest winter days. Sometimes they even have to crack the door to allow the seasonal germination chamber to cool down a bit! In order to save space, some seedlings are started in "community trays" and seedlings are later pricked out into individual cells once they are ready to leave the germination chamber. Some of the native plants have required a little more trial and error, but the team is committed to propagating plants like passionflower, paw paw, and many others using seed to promote genetic diversity.
Greenhouse - Crabtree Farms has multiple greenhouses that allow them to grow out thousands of plants from seed, stem and root cuttings, and plugs for their fall and spring plant sales. The greenhouses provide a warm and controlled environment for rooting cuttings and growing out plants that are not as well suited to Chattanooga winters. Annemarie explained that plants in pots need a little more baby-ing than those planted in the ground, so they generally have to go up two hardiness zones. This means that sometimes native plants need the added warmth of the greenhouse even when their in-ground outdoor counterparts are totally fine in the low temps. Annemarie also pointed out the greenhouse's mister which is set on a timer and is a game changer for rooting cuttings.
Potting Shed - Matt introduced us to one of the most fun spots on the farm: the potting shed! The space is set up to accommodate volunteers working on group potting projects. This is where soil is mixed and plants are upgraded to bigger pots. Everything in the potting shed is designed for potting activities to be community oriented. One great example of this is the potting table, which can comfortable fit about 8 volunteers around! Matt also showed us how the team gently "pricks" out delicate seedlings from the community seed starting trays, to then plant them into individual cells in a tray.
The morning of learning was followed by an opportunity to see and participate in the potting shed in action. The group potted up bare root raspberry cuttings in record time! We then enjoyed a potluck lunch and some social time, and finished up the day with a tour of the whole Crabtree Farms property. Check out this document with seed and garden supply recommendations, programs, and upcoming events by Annemarie Gero.