Workshop teaches how to build a greenhouse

By Jim Tiffin
Cibola County Bureau

GRANTS — New Mexico State University Agricultural Specialist Dale Jimenez, from Taos County, will be conducting a workshop on how to assemble a greenhouse.

Sponsored by Cibola and Taos counties' cooperative extension services and the Future Foundations Family Center, the workshop will be on Tuesday, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and Wednesday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on the east side of the Future Foundations Family Center, 551 W. Washington Ave.

Refreshments will be provided, but those attending are encouraged to bring their own lunch.

Anyone wishing to attend is asked to bring a pair of work gloves, said Cibola County Cooperative Extension Agent Jimmy Plane.

Three types of soils will be discussed with those in attendance:

• Sandy: Good for desert type plants such as cactus.
  
  
• Loamy : Most cropland is comprised of loamy soil, Plane said. It is the best for growing al kinds of crops.
  
  
• Clay: It is sticky and pretty much only woodland type shrubs grow in it.

Seedlings, those plants that have grown a little since being planted and are just poking through the top of the soil, will discussed as well, Plane said.

Having a greenhouse allows an individual or an organization, to plant vegetables, fruits or flowers while there is still frost on the ground, then move them outside when the weather is better, Plane said.

The greenhouse will become a 4-H, Future Foundations joint project, said Regina Jaramillo, administrative assistant and program manger at the center.

Last year, the center youth started a garden, and this year, the greenhouse will become a permanent fixture and will allow plants to be grown year round, she said.

Learning how to make a raised soil bed about three to four feet high, so the gardener does not have to do a lot of bending, will also be presented.

There is no fee for this workshop. To register, call the extension service at (505) 287-9266.

To contact reporter Jim Tiffin, call (505) 287-2197 or e-mail: jtiffin.independent@yahoo.com.