At Gentry Homestead, we utilize a variety of sustainable farming practices to ensure that we are growing healthy, nutritious produce while also minimizing our impact on the environment. One of our key tools in this effort is our grow tunnel, which allows us to start plants from seeds, grow them in a protected environment, and extend our growing season for heat-loving plants.
We start many of our plants from seed in the grow tunnel, which provides a controlled environment with optimal temperature and humidity levels. Once these plants are established, we often transfer them to our raised garden beds or outdoor gardens, but for heat-loving plants like tomatoes and peppers, we keep them in the grow tunnel throughout the growing season. This allows us to extend our harvest season, protect our plants from pests and weather, and ensure that we are able to produce high-quality, delicious produce for our local community.
In addition to starting and growing plants, we also utilize our grow tunnel to support our fruit tree production. During the warmer months of the year in Tennessee, our fruit trees stay in the grow tunnel to create a humid, tropical-like climate that helps them bear fruit. This approach has been highly successful for us, and we are able to produce a variety of fruits, including lemon, limes and grapefruit. By utilizing the grow tunnel in this way, we are able to have locally-grown fruit that is bursting with flavor and nutrition.
Another way we use our grow tunnel is by planting beans every other year. Beans are known to be nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they can help to add nitrogen to the soil. By planting beans in our grow tunnel every other year, we are able to naturally replenish the soil and reduce our reliance on synthetic fertilizers. This approach not only benefits the environment, but also results in healthier, more robust plants and higher-quality produce.
Overall, our grow tunnel is a valuable tool in our efforts to produce high-quality, sustainable produce for our local community. Whether we are starting plants from seed, extending our growing season, or supporting our fruit tree production, the grow tunnel allows us to work with nature to create a thriving, healthy farm ecosystem. At Gentry Homestead, we are committed to providing our local community with fresh, sustainable produce that is bursting with flavor and nutrition. Through our use of innovative farming practices like our grow tunnel, we are able to extend our growing season, support our fruit tree production, and naturally replenish the soil. As a result, we are able to offer a wide variety of fresh produce for sale on our website and at our partner farmstead, Grindstone Gardens. Additionally, we plan to host event days at Gentry Homestead where local community members can come and pick their own produce for a low cost. We believe that by working together with our community, we can create a healthier, more sustainable food system that benefits everyone. Thank you for supporting us on this journey towards a better, more sustainable future.
