Greenhouse Blog

Solar Innovations has been producing bananas in our greenhouses for three years. We have two banana trees currently producing fruit and decided we would like to experiment with additional varieties. Three banana species were purchased from Florida, which will remain smaller in statue and take up less space. A Supreme Dwarf, Pink Velvet, and an Ice Cream Banana.

By mixing fertilizer, insecticides, and additional drainage you can create your own potting soil. We are currently experimenting with the process here at Solar Innovations, Inc.

At least half of any homemade potting soil is homemade compost, but most commercial potting soils are based on some combination of peat moss, perlite and vermiculite — all of which contribute to land degradation and pollution as they are mined, processed, packaged and shipped.

Here is a great tutorial located online:  http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/How-To-Make-Your-Own-Potting-Soil.aspx

The chickens above are eating maggots that developed in our compost bin.  Unfortunately, the wrong food (probably meat) found it’s way into our compost, which resulted in the bugs being spawned. These maggots may be considered gross to humans but the chickens consider them a treat.

This fresh compost was made from the employee’s lunch scraps that are collected in our cafeteria. It was recently added to the greenhouse’s raised bed where it will be used as fertilizer for flowers and watermelons.