johnlee's grow log 2013

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Knucklehead

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You're right. My friend has expanded from 40 to 60 acres under cover and others in the area are expanding also. I don't know about this year but last year they were getting $33/lb. wholesale (by the bale).

One guy with 300 acres under cover near the Hartford CT airport (Bradley Field) was hit by yesterdays storm and there are reports that 30 acres of net blew off and landed on I-91. You ever try to drive on wet plastic? Nobody else could either. Quite a mess for a while I hear.

Stogie said the plants are tied to the net, so he probably has 30 acres of plants ripped to pieces. That's got to suck. You're patch is looking good John. Wish we could crack the seal on that bottle and toast the patch together. Good luck with your season.
 

johnlee1933

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Stogie said the plants are tied to the net, so he probably has 30 acres of plants ripped to pieces. That's got to suck. You're patch is looking good John. Wish we could crack the seal on that bottle and toast the patch together. Good luck with your season.
Thanks Knucks, I already took care of that. I'll hoist one to you.
 

Chicken

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I'll do the same on this end. I bet my clear liquid burns more than yours does. :rolleyes:

after my recent visit, with WORKHORSE. i also have a new jar of burning clear liquid,

george washingtons recipe, i was told,???
 

DGBAMA

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after my recent visit, with WORKHORSE. i also have a new jar of burning clear liquid,

george washingtons recipe, i was told,???

when it is good....it is really good......
when it is not, it becomes easy to understand why the word "rotgut" was used.
 

ne3go

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Nice patch you got there! If its not a trouble, i'll appreciate a closer photo of the construction for supporting the strings. Just to see the materials, and the way you connect them.
 

johnlee1933

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Nice patch you got there! If its not a trouble, i'll appreciate a closer photo of the construction for supporting the strings. Just to see the materials, and the way you connect them.
The materials are straight forward here in the states. The tubes are light weight steel electrical conduit (called EMT here.) After some initial mistakes the joiners are steel electrical junction boxes with box to EMT joiners. The EMT was flattened on one end to make driving into the ground easier. AFTER driving the four corners into the ground the tops were trimmed with a tubing cutter. (The tube to box joiners won't accept a buggered up tube end.) The horizontal members were used full length (10') or trimmed to fit the patch. Once the frame was complete a piece of wire was attached to it centered over each row of plants.

Pic 1 -- A 4"X 4" junction box w/ connectors and tubes (These were salvaged boxes so some extra holes were accepted.)
IMG_1819 - Copy.JPG

Pic 2 -- Two verticals, the central crossbar and the long bars extending toward the other end. I found the crossbars tend to come loose so I added a wire to keep those connections in compression.

IMG_1821 - Copy.JPG

Pic 3 -- The other end of long bars and showing a bastard bent tube used to string an odd row where the two patches join. On the right note my first frame.
The joining was different. IMO it is not as strong and much more expensive involving EMT ell's and tee's I had to buy.

IMG_1823 - Copy.JPG

Hope this helps. If not ask for clarification. I'll give it if I can.

I'll start tying the spindly plants next week.

John
 

ne3go

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Excellent description and photos!!!
Thanks a lot John!
 

deluxestogie

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For agricultural hoop houses made from conduit, a common practice is to drive a solid steel stake (rebar) into the ground, then simply slip the vertical conduit over it.

Bob
 

workhorse_01

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At the middle add a Tee then run a pipe horizontal down the center of the hoop and tie straight up to the middle piece. If you need a stand in the middle for strength, Lowe's has a four way with a 3/4 female on the side.
And that works fine for shade cloth. How would you string wires on it do support plant strings?
 

johnlee1933

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I sent an Email asking my contact what kind of knot they use at the bottom when tying the tobacco support string. This knot is important as you don't want it to choke off the stalks growth. Last year I used a simple slip knot and that was not right. It did pinch the stalk a little. He has not responded yet. I know he is starting tying soon and is probably as busy as a one armed paper hanger. I will be patient but will let you know as soon as I know. I need to start tying soon also and I'd like to get it right this year. I'll put up a pic as soon as I do (if not before). I guess if I get no answer I'll just have to wing it.
 

Chicken

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cant wait to see these, things strung up. shaded, and supported, and growing,
 

Boboro

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I used some survey tape to tie a few that was crucked. That stuff was made to tie plants. Wide and very streachey
 
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