1st step to my High Tunnel

[strudeldog]

I have finally have taken the 1st steps to my high tunnel. I trenched in 700 foot of waterline to the footprint of where my High tunnel is going that red path that leads past the barn and just as far beyond the barn to my well. I hope my well can keep up with the demand. I already drain it down significantly each evening and often in morning. This is the worst stretch of drought in the 3.5 years I have lived here. My pasture has never browned prior as you see it here. I know you west coast folks are saying that isn't drought, you don't know drought, and you are right to a degree, but it's bad enough for me, and at a time when other areas not far away are incurring such severe flooding. The High Tunnel will naturally be full of figs and be over 2100 sq ft. I did not have water or electric to the barn yet and while I had the trencher rented completed both. The actually wiring to barn is yet to come but at least I have the power underground . So in total almost 1000 foot trenched. 800 foot of waterline installed, with a couple frost proof hydrants and connections to the barn 150 of underground electric in conduit installed and all trenchs backfilled. It's not everyone's vision of a vacation week activity or mine, but I do feel good about the progress, and if I had spent the week at the beach would felt bad about what all I should be doing. A step closer to my high tunnel, though it might end up running into 2017.

[jmaler]

Good job. BTW I grew up on a farm and as best I can recall there were no vacations. It's like 24/7 year round.

[Hershell]

Looking good Phil

[strudeldog]

Thanks Jerry I am a 1st generation non-farmer trying to find my way home.

Hershell,

I am sure I will be contacting you again with questions on the HIgh Tunnel, I might even be re-considering putting it up myself. My wife sure is, It was a pretty hot tiring week and I was probably a little hard to live with. She thinks I am getting in over my head and she is right. If your working in the area and the timing is right for you I might just have it done right.

[Hershell]

Just let me know Phil. Now that I know where you are.

[Rewton]

"I am a 1st generation non-farmer trying to find my way home." So am I and I feel the same way. However, I haven't yet taken on a project this ambitious. Good luck with the installation and keep us posted.

[rusty hooks]

Well done....projects are always a challenge but the rewards are worth the time spent.....I've been AWOL installing an orchard this spring/summer and can appreciate your work....nice site...can't wait to watch it go up from California

[Coop]

Hi Phil
What an absolutely gorgeous spot for your tunnel. Best of luck with it, I would gladly spend a vacation week doing just that if I had that view!

[randy/ga]

Hey Phil, Appears to be off to a good start and a very suitable location. More room for figs and such! Background scenery looks quite familiar, you may be more up in the mountains than me.........my location also is north Ga (NE GA) to be more specific Franklin County, close to the Stephens County line, a few minutes from S.C. state line. Zone 7B really, but new map says 8A. I only have a few basic cultivars, all in ground. It is quite dry here as well. Using soaker hoses on my vegetables to keep them going. Look forward to hearing from you!! Later,Randy

[fitzski]

Looks good, Phil.

I look forward to seeing your progress.

[drivewayfarmer]

What a great site !
Where will the second tunnel go ?

[newnandawg]

Phil, looks like you are under way. I need to get back up there. Yes this drought is not much fun. Just hope it doesn't try to rival the three year drought of a few years ago. We did a good job of dodging the storms today again. We have now had 1.52 inches of rain
for the months of April, May and almost the month of June. I am sure you haven't faired much better just 95 miles away.

[strudeldog]

Thanks for the comments on the site folks. It is pretty view up there on my upper pasture, probably a 300 degree view of surrounding mountains and a better view than my house . I hope it doesn’t turn out to windy for High Tunnel however, but at least no trees falling on it.

Hi Randy,
Good to see yet another GA grower. There are quite a few of us on the forums. I am in Pickens county rural Jasper.

Kerry,

I might negotiate with my wife on a 2^nd if I am successful with 1^st. I have an even better view further up the pasture in that picture, but I think 1 will do for my plans. It’s her goat pasture and very territorial when I start eyeing it, but she has been making some wonderful goat cheese. A great pairing for figs on the plate.

Mike,

You and Sandy need to get up here again soon before Denise quits milking the goats to try her cheese. You know your welcome anytime. 1.5 inches over the last 3 months may be right. I have my gauge up but have not kept a running total. I did try speaking with God direct about it a few times in the orchard with my hands extended to the sky. I am glad my major plant out was last year with above average rainfall. Many of my plants showing severe stress. I can’t water everything, figs in ground prior to last summer are doing okay I am watering this years planted in ground and pots but last years planted are struggling.

[lilfiggy]

sending some of the 8 " plus rain this month your way hard to imagine georgia in drought. we are now in our rainy season outside of tampa here in blistering hot Florida. We usually get a rain every afternoon around 4:00 won't @@@@@ about rust knowing how much you need it. Good luck Joyce