Gather the Crew

There’s a reason for barn raisings. Before power lifts, cherry pickers, and cranes, people power and ropes were the method of choice for accomplishing huge jobs on the farm. Neighbors would gather on the appointed day, lending hands and backs. Everyone would at some point find themselves in need of what today we would call “crowd sourcing” for a major project, so everyone was in turn willing to help.

These folks not only had the direct connection of coming together over meaningful work but also the satisfaction at the end of the day of being able to appreciate the accomplishment—work that no one person or even one family could have managed alone. It’s community manifest, and it’s a good feeling when the tools are packed up and everyone sits down to a hearty meal together.

Such was the event of the week on our farm. The 28 x 78 foot aquaponics greenhouse that sits just south of Farmstead Creamery was in need of a new roof. Five-year plastic had managed to live for eight years, and we knew it was showing signs of wear and tear. The golf ball-sized hail was curtains for it, and we soon had the new plastic on order.

But replacing two layers of plastic of this magnitude isn’t something you can do on any day. First, it cannot be too windy, or we would all find ourselves blown into the next county, snagged on trees, or otherwise fighting for our lives with this giant kite. Also, the temperature should be between 55 and 70 degrees. Too cold, and not only are your fingers numb but the plastic has shrunk and will billow when it warms in the sun. Too much flapping invites tears, so snug is best. Too warm and the plastic will be loose and, when it shrinks in the cold after fastening, can become too tight and tear. So, you have to hit the “Goldy Locks” window for temperatures.

So much of farming is weather dependent, we’ve learned how to flip schedules at a moment’s notice. But that isn’t so easy to ask other folks to do. Finding the right match of temps and wind speeds can’t be scheduled two weeks in advance, so when Sunday looked like the magic day, it didn’t work out for our contractor to come. Would next weekend work? But next weekend was predicted to be in the mid 40’s with 12 mph winds. Nope, this was the day.

So, we started calling friends, CSA members, neighbors, colleagues. We had three different donations of scaffolding to borrow (including many pieces from the contractor), new telescoping ladders on hand, several spools of nylon rope, and high hopes. Of course, many people were busy themselves bringing in docks, winterizing boats, or entertaining company on what might be the last beautiful day of the season, but five hearty volunteers arrived, and we set to work.

The shop was still open, so we balanced serving our Bismark crepes, teaching a needle felting class, making muffins, and helping the crew. We had fresh fudgy brownies and apple cake to serve the team, as well as hot green tea as the evening chill settled. Fortunately, visitors were patient as we handled the staffing shortage necessary to accomplish the project.

First, the U-channel lock (what we call “wiggle wire”) was removed from the outer cover and the old plastic was pulled off to the east end onto the rocks, where it could pad laying out the fresh plastic. The new underlayer was then pulled on top. We would wrap part of the plastic edge over a bunched-up rag, tying the rope below the rag so it could be tugged safely without tearing. Crew on the west side would collectively pull the ropes, while crew on the east side would guide the fabric safely over. That amount of plastic is amazingly heavy!

Then the old under layer of plastic was loosened and pulled out (like the stunt of removing the tablecloth but all the place settings remain). Then the new plastic had to be fastened to the greenhouse, first along the south peak, then the north peak, and then along both edges. While Kara and Dustin worked the wire into the channels to lock the plastic in place, Tim and Frank would stabilize the ladders and hold the end of the wire so it didn’t flip up and puncture a hole in the new plastic. Betsy and Kristi untangled wire and kept everyone stocked.

When needle felting class wrapped up and I was able to join in, Mom and Steve were inside the greenhouse installing the fan through the under layer of plastic that blows warm air between the two layers. This creates better insulation and keep the outer layer warm enough that snow and ice always slough off instead of accumulating on the roof. It was a delicate process but critical.

And then it was time to raise the outer piece of plastic. Over went the ropes, up went the edge, and busy were all the sets of hands tugging and guiding. The final wires were locked into place just as the sun was setting. Time to tear down the scaffolding, fold the ladders, and celebrate the accomplishment. What a good feeling to have that project completed before winter settles in!

And what an honor to share that experience with the crew of volunteers who were able to drop everything and help. People helping people directly out of their own goodness is what real community is about. Here’s to eight more years of a happy greenhouse! See you down on the farm sometime.