2021
GREENHOUSE COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Jim Carlson – Manager
Judy Monis
Emily Kenworthy
Phil Hof
CONTACT EMAIL ADDRESS:
greenhouse@lasfloresgarden.com
Las Flores Community Garden
POLICIES FOR GREENHOUSE USE
PURPOSE
To establish a standardized process and procedures for the utilization of the Las Flores Community Garden (LFCG) Greenhouse.
GOAL
To establish and maintain a clean and disease-free Greenhouse growth environment for the quality germination of seeds and seedlings for planting in the LFCG community.
POLICIES
- Members wishing to utilize the LFCG Greenhouse must be trained before utilizing the Greenhouse.
- Members wanting to use the LFCG Greenhouse need to reserve space with the Greenhouse Committee before orientation and use. The Greenhouse Committee can be contacted via email greenhouse@lasfloresgarden.com
- Greenhouse space is assigned on a first come, first served basis. In order to reserve a space, you must sign in on the Greenhouse rack assignment sheet located in the Greenhouse Resource Book. This book is located in the cabinet outside of the Greenhouse.
- Limit 2 spaces (trays) per person. Additional spaces may be available depending on Greenhouse availability. Check with the Greenhouse Committee regarding availability.
- Preparation and planting of all seeds must be completed in the planting area provided on the side or at the rear of the Greenhouse. No planting is to be done inside the Greenhouse at any time. See the procedures outlined in the LFCG “Procedure for Planting Seeds” document.
- To ensure a clean and disease-free Greenhouse environment, members must use materials supplied by LFCG including trays, plant cells, and soilless mixture. Planting material containers are labeled.
- Members must mark all trays with masking tape with their name and the date of seed entry into the Greenhouse.
- Unknown or unmarked trays will be removed and discarded.
- Participants are responsible for monitoring the health of their plants. Diseased plants will be removed from the Greenhouse without notice to the member/s.
- Member use is limited to 6 – 8 weeks maximum. Seedlings should be ready to transplant to in-ground garden by that time. You will have two weeks to plant your seeds after you have obtained your space.
- After 6 – 8 weeks, remove your seedlings from the Greenhouse and plant in-ground. Discard all plant cells and return tray/s to the shelf outside the Greenhouse labeled “USED TRAYS’ to be disinfected and recycled as appropriate.
- An interior reverse-osmosis misting system has been installed on a timer to maintain the correct temperature and humidification for the seeds and the seedlings. The system does not provide water to the plants. You are responsible for manually watering/misting your own plants.
- Greenhouse door must be kept close at all times. The misting systema and automatic hydraulic ceiling panels/ventilators are designed to regulate the interior temperature and humidity within the Greenhouse at 85 degrees Farenheit around the clock.
- Participants may not adjust any electrical mechanism in the Greenhouse.
- NO unauthorized materials and/or growing systems (i.e. hydroponic systems) without the written approval of the Greenhouse Committee. The Greenhouse Committee can be contacted via email greenhouse@lasfloresgarden.com
- Members shall respect the space, materials and plants of others.
- Members are responsible to maintain a clean, neat and organized Greenhouse at all times.
REFERENCES
LFCG “Procedure for Planting Seeds” Guidelines
Revised: June 18, 2021
Las Flores Community Garden
PROCEDURES FOR PLANTING SEEDS
PURPOSE
To establish a standardized procedure for the planting seeds when utilizing of the Las Flores Community Garden (LFCG) Greenhouse.
GOAL
To establish and maintain a clean and disease-free Greenhouse growth environment for the quality germination of seeds planting in the LFCG community.
PROCEDURE
- Members wishing to utilize the LFCG Greenhouse must be trained before utilizing the Greenhouse.
- Members must utilize the potting area that has been set up on the side or at the back of the Greenhouse to plant seeds to ensure a clean and disease-free Greenhouse. Planting seeds inside the Greenhouse is not allowed.
- Members utilizing the Greenhouse must use the soilless mixture components provided in the potting area. Please DO NOT use your own soil. A mixture of coir, vermiculite, and/or perlite has been premixed and is located in a labeled storage bin outside the Greenhouse. Moisten this soilless mixture before placing it into cells in the containers provided. The mixture should feel like a wrung-out sponge.
- Members must utilize trays and cell packs provided in plastic storage containers in the potting station. Use the moistened soilless mixture to fill your cell packs. Fill 5/8 full and lightly tap on potting table to help settle the potting mix.
- Recommendations for planting seeds:
- Plant seeds using at least 1-3 seeds per cell. Follow the seed packet for special directions. NOTE: Planting depth is very important because the developing plant needs enough food energy for your plants to emerge. Some seeds need to be soaked or pre-chilled. Know your seeds’ needs.
Revised: June 18, 2021
- Cover seeds with more moistened soilless mixture according to seed packet recommendations. NOTE: Some seeds, like lettuces, need light to germinate and should barely be covered.
- Pat the moistened soilless mixture down in each cell. The ensures good contact between the seed and the potting mix. Use the mist sprayer provided at the potting station at this point so as not to move seeds around.
- Label your plants with the popsicle sticks and markers provided in the potting station.
- Place plant cells on a tray labeled with masking tape with your name and the date that the tray is being placed inside the Greenhouse. Unknown or unmarked trays will be removed and will be discarded.
- Plants should be checked regularly.
- After 6 – 8 weeks, remove your seedlings from the Greenhouse and plant in-ground. Discard all planting cups and return tray to the shelf outside the Greenhouse labeled “USED TRAYS” to be disinfected and recycled as deemed appropriate.
- Members are responsible to maintain a clean, neat and organized potting station at all times.
- Members are responsible to notify the Greenhouse Committee at greenhouse@lasfloresgarden.com when potting supplies are low and the need to be re-stocked.
REFERENCE
LFCG “Policy for Greenhouse Use”
Revised: June 18, 2021
Las Flores Community Garden
Greenhouse Committee Roles and Responsibilities
PURPOSE
To manage the Las Flores Community Garden (LFCG) Greenhouse areas for planting seeds.
GOAL
TO manage the LFCG Greenhouse areas in a manner which maintains their quality and encourages their use by the LFCG community.
DEFINITIONS
LFCG Greenhouse areas are defined as the:
- Interior and exterior of the Greenhouse structure
- Planting area outside of the Greenhouse structure
- Portable shelving in the inside of the Greenhouse and the planting area
- Pathways immediately surrounding the Greenhouse
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITY
- Arrange for Greenhouse training with LFCG members wishing to use the Greenhouse
- Maintain adequate Greenhouse supplies levels (soilless mixture, trays, plant cells, etc.)
- Oversee Greenhouse activities.
- Inspect Greenhouse equipments (reverse osmosis system, misters, hydraulic ceiling panels, etc.) on an as needed basis to identify and report non-functioning, faulty and/or damaged equipment immediately to the LFCG President.
- Maintain the interior if Greenhouse clean, disinfected and weed-free at all times.
- Maintain the planting area clean & disinfected at all times.
- Perform ongoing maintenance, cleaning and disinfecting of the Greenhouse areas in good working condition suitable for its use by community garden members
REFERENCES
LFCG Greenhouse Policy for Greenhouse Use
LFCG Greenhouse Procedure for Planting Seeds
Revised: February 15, 2019