Photos are worth 1,000 words—or $500!

Do you love taking pictures as much as you love your Growers Supply products? Well, it’s time to get inspired and take some great photos of your favorite Growers Supply items in action because our 2013 Photo Contest starts June 18th! We love our loyal readers so much, we wanted to give you a couple days head start to find (or take) the perfect photo!

Get ready for your ten seconds of fame, because if you win, you’ll be featured on our website and this very blog. Anyone can enter and we’re looking for photos showcasing how you use our products, so get snapping.

The grand prize winner will receive a $500 Growers Supply gift certificate and five lucky runners-up will each receive a $200 FarmTek gift certificate. How’s that for motivation?

Spotlight on Texas AgriLife Research & Extension and their High Tunnel Experiments

The art of growing is constantly developing and changing due to new technology and research in the field. For instance, hydroponics and high tunnel growing have recently taken off in response to some experimentation from people willing to get their hands a little dirty. High tunnel growing, in fact, is the focus of a variety research programs throughout the country from the NRCS high tunnel program to university research projects. Texas AgriLife Research & Extension is just one of the many institutions that is currently looking into the benefits of growing in a hoop house through hands-on research.

Keep the NRCS Program Fresh in Your Mind – It’s Always a Good Time to Buy a High Tunnel!

As the locally grown movement gains more and more momentum, high tunnels are becoming increasingly popular for season extension. The USDA is ready and willing to help farmers get their dream high tunnel for another year in a row! If you haven’t heard of the “Know your Farmer, Know your Food” initiative yet, here is a little description for you. Basically, if you grow $1,000 worth of produce a year and would like a high tunnel, the NRCS may be willing to fund it for you in exchange for three years of research on how it works. If you want a high tunnel for your operation, read on to find out how this program can benefit you.

Spring Greenhouse Prep: Ready, Repair, Grow!

Spring officially arrives on March 20, but here in the Northern Hemisphere, March 1^st marked the first day of the meteorological spring and we are going full steam ahead towards our growing season and all that comes with it. But despite spring being on the horizon, winter has taken its toll on many greenhouses across the country and growers are faced with the task of repairing and rebuilding any damage that may have resulted from heavy snow and wind. The key to having a successful greenhouse is controlling the environment and making repairs from winter damage to be sure your growing season is off to a strong start! Read on for some tips and recommendations to help you with your greenhouse repair!

Building a Hoop House – An affordable way to protect your plants and extend your growing season

Today’s blog post comes to us from a customer who got very creative with his growing structure. Get ready to learn how Carlos from Connecticut constructed a hoop house to cover his garden.

Why I needed a hoop house

Last year I purchased two raised bed kits from Growers Supply to grow heirloom tomatoes, Japanese cucumbers and eggplants and other Asian vegetables for my wife. Compared to our previous in-ground garden, the raised bed produced a better yield and tastier vegetables. However, we weren’t the only ones that enjoyed the greater harvest – squirrels, birds, rabbits and other critters took delight in this “salad bar.” This year as we were seed starting I began to consider solutions to keep them out of our raised bed garden.

Fall 2012 Photo Contest Results!

The results are in for our Fall 2012 Photo Contest! With all of the great entries we received this time around, it was difficult for our judges to narrow the pool down to just one winner and five runners-up. We received photos of a huge array of products, from greenhouses and high tunnels, to poultry equipment, to barn curtain and shade material. A big thank you to everyone who sent in photos this year. Don’t be discouraged if you weren’t a winner this time. We will be doing this contest again shortly, so keep the entries coming!

Here’s a look at our winners!

Spotlight on Woodside Raspberries – “The concept of the high tunnel is wonderful…”

When Chuck and Barbara Schulstad retired from teaching in Fargo, ND and moved back to the family farm in Erskine, MN, their only previous experience was running a pick-your-own raspberry patch and small garden. They now own and operate the family farm, Woodside Raspberries, a 160-acre property that was purchased by Chuck’s grandfather in 1913.

Calling All Aspiring Photographers!

Do you love taking pictures as much as you love your Growers Supply products? Well, it’s time to get inspired and take some great photos of your favorite Growers Supply items in action because our Fall 2012 Photo Contest starts today.

Get ready for your ten seconds of fame, because if you win, you’ll be featured on our website and this very blog. Anyone can enter and we’re looking for photos showcasing how you use our products, so get snapping.

The grand prize winner will receive a $500 Growers Supply gift certificate and five lucky runners-up will each receive a $200 Growers Supply gift certificate. How’s that for motivation?

Top 20 High Tunnel Questions Answered!

High Tunnels are becoming popular with growers of all skill levels for many reasons. These growers see high tunnels as a step between field growing and greenhouse growing. High tunnels are a great way to extend your season, increase yields and minimize pest and weather-related issues. Many of our customers here at Growers Supply have taken an interest in high tunnel growing. Here is a list of common questions we hear from them.

High Tunnels

1. Is there a size limit to these structures?
There is no size limit. We do offer certain sizes that are standard, however since we are the manufacturer, we can make anything you need or want.

2. Do you recommend many small structures or one large one?
It depends on the crop that you’re growing. If you’re growing one crop and you want to keep it all together, you will be better off with one large structure, like a gutter connect high tunnel. Otherwise the small structures create individual micro-climates, which make it easier to control pests, watering, sunlight and more for individual plants.

New Fall Products from Growers Supply

If you’re a greenhouse grower, get ready to be excited by the new products in our Fall 2012 catalog. Even if you don’t own a greenhouse, there’s sure to be something to pique your interest. The catalogs aren’t due in your mailbox until next week, but I thought I’d give you a sneak preview of some of the products that we’ve been working hard to add to our catalog.

Update and Customize Your Greenhouses

Customize your new or existing greenhouses with our new Aluminum Extrusions. Available in 8’, 12’ and 24’ pieces, these Aluminum Extrusions will help you custom design roof, sidewall and end-wall vents. Whether your greenhouse design is A-Frame or Arch-Type, we can offer a solution for you.