Greetings to all our cherished readers, and a warm welcome to our 3 Corners Farm and Homestead page! We trust you are relishing the beauty of this fall season and enjoying a delightful Thanksgiving surrounded by family and loved ones.
For those joining us anew, we're thrilled to have you here. Feel free to explore our About Us page or delve into past blog posts to get acquainted with who we are, our pursuits, and our roots.
The Arrival of the Hydroponics Unit
Embarking on the innovative journey of hydroponics farming, we recently acquired a hydroponics unit cleverly housed within a shipping container, voyaging all the way from Boston. In our last blog post, we detailed the steps leading to this milestone, but there have been noteworthy developments since then.
The Arrival Odyssey
Securing the delivery of the shipping container across states presented its challenges, but the real trial awaited us at our homestead. A logistical hiccup unfolded as the local company tasked with the delivery lacked the requisite crane and equipment for the crucial task of moving the container to its designated spot.
Enter Travis, who, resourcefully, engaged Crestline, a local construction company equipped with an excavator. Despite a stressful delay with the semi-driver stuck in The Dalles, Oregon, relief arrived when the appropriate equipment materialized. The hydroponics unit now rests in our field, although its current appearance doesn't quite blend with the surroundings. Plans are afoot to paint it, potentially collaborating with local artists to add murals that harmonize with our natural setting—an exciting project slated for spring.
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| The container getting unloaded |
Passing Inspection
A pivotal phase involved digging a 210-foot trench to house electrical lines connecting the unit to our main power source. Thanks to timely rain softening the ground, Travis wielded a shovel with bare hands to accomplish the task. The trench, 18 inches deep, set the stage for the next steps.
With an inspector's appointment secured, Travis hooked up electricity and conducted tests. Recently, a local inspector from the Wasco County Building Code Department gave the green light. With the trench covered, our focus shifts to cleaning up the grounds.
Getting the Nursery Set Up
In the interim, progress within the unit includes setting up the nursery and unpacking boxes of panels now adorning the interior. These panels form hallways along the container's length, serving as the growth medium for our produce.
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| Grow panels, unboxed |
While a checklist remains for the unit's full functionality, the hum of the motor, illuminated lights, and overall progress bring satisfaction after a prolonged wait and a few unexpected challenges.
Planting Has Begun!
Excitement peaks as we officially commence planting. Three trays boast 288 seeds of salad mix, one tray features gem lettuce, and two trays of (French breakfast) radishes—equivalent to 250 radish heads. Aiming for 150 pounds of produce from this initial planting, we eagerly anticipate transitioning them to the panels and introducing new starts.
Observing the hydroponic unit's water efficiency is a source of enthusiasm! Requiring a mere five gallons daily stands in stark contrast to the thousands of gallons needed for traditional outdoor irrigation. This realization underscores the sustainability of our hydroponic approach.
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| First planting |
Looking Ahead
Amidst farm work and tending to our homestead, all is well. Our family and animals thrive, and the Odell garden lot nears completion for fall and winter.
We invite you to join us in this learning experience. More insights into the seed planting process will follow once we gauge the outcome of our initial batches.
A heartfelt thank you for supporting us in this new endeavor! Stay tuned for the next update in about a month. Visit our 3 Corners Farm and Homestead channel on YouTube or our Facebook page to witness the hydroponics unit firsthand. Until then, savor the season, and have a splendid day!
Take care,
Amy E. Darr 3 Corners Farm Mosier, Oregon, USA
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