A Gardening Revelation

In the midst of crafting a homemade compost mixture to nourish our precious tomato plants, my mind wanders back to a pivotal moment in 2016. It was the year when I embarked on a mission to provide greenhouses, specifically high tunnel hoop houses, to fellow gardening enthusiasts. Before that fateful turning point, I never took the act of growing food for granted. Each ripe tomato sprouting from a tiny seed was a cause for celebration. How did this transformative journey unfold, you ask? Well, it’s a tale woven with desire, curiosity, professional experience, and an open mind, all playing vital roles in orchestrating this remarkable transition.

Nurturing the Seeds of Passion

Years before 2016, as a heartfelt Father’s Day gift, I was presented with an in-ground plot near our home—an opportunity to fulfill my longing to cultivate fresh vegetables. Bordered by landscape ties, the plot sprawled in a 12′ x 20′ shape, more or less. Excitement surged through me as I eagerly dove into the world of gardening. Being outdoors, engaging in physical labor, offered a refreshing contrast to the monotony of sitting at a computer or a drawing board all day. So, I rolled up my sleeves and set out to improve the drainage of the soil, meticulously weeding the plot, and planting seeds. I faithfully watered the seeds by hand, yearning for the sight of verdant growth. Alas, my efforts were in vain. Strong winds withered the tender shoots, while relentless critters feasted on seedlings that held the promise of flourishing. Frustration mounted, and with a dizzying head and aching body from constant bending, I decided to take a step back and reflect upon these setbacks. It was during this period of career transition, with ample time on my hands, that I chose to reexamine the art of gardening, armed with problem-solving skills honed throughout my professional life.

From Ground to Elevated Heights

It became evident that the conventional in-ground approach was not harmonious with my physical well- being. The garden needed elevation, a solution that would alleviate strain and dizziness caused by direct, intense sunlight. Raised beds became the answer—a transformation that would redefine my gardening experience. Elevated from the ground, these beds offered respite from groundhogs and weeds, allowing me to preserve the beauty of the plants. To mimic the shape of the landscape ties, I decided to employ weed barrier and hardware cloth at the bottom of the beds, perfectly aligning form and function. With this revelation, the soil factor fell into place. I gained control over the type and quality of soil nourishing the beds, ensuring optimal conditions for plant growth. However, a new challenge emerged—how could I protect the garden from hungry birds, coyotes, and rabbits? A protective cover was imperative. Should I cover each bed individually, or could the entire configuration be safeguarded? The solution lay in constructing a sturdy structure to support a cover, necessitating thorough research to find the perfect design. With unwavering determination, I delved into the process and triumphantly found the ideal solutions. The joy of strolling into my garden, devoid of excessive bending and reaching, was unparalleled. Yet, the scorching sun posed another hurdle. To combat its detrimental effects on both plants and gardener, shade cloth emerged as the savior. The structure itself demanded convenient access, leading me to craft a door equipped with a secure latch, impervious to the whims of the wind.

Blossoming Success and Evergreen Discoveries

The inaugural season within this revolutionary structure proved to be a resounding success.

Although my enthusiasm got the better of me when I planted corn in one section of the raised beds—learning valuable lessons from my planting failures—I remain undeterred. This experience kindled my passion for experimenting with different crop placements and timing, constantly pushing the boundaries of my horticultural knowledge. In fact, my zeal for gardening prompted me to undertake Master Gardener certification classes, a journey that continues to this day. Our region’s short growing season compelled me to start numerous plants from seed indoors, effectively extending the flourishing period. Incorporating a roll-up poly film cover system into the structure further optimized the growing environment, allowing for greater flexibility and adaptability.

The Seed of Business Germination

At the time, my focus was solely on the gratification of growing my own food. Little did I know that this passion would ultimately germinate into a full-fledged business. Standing at a crossroads in my career, contemplating retirement and seeking guidance from trusted confidants, a friend offered me a simple yet profound piece of advice: follow my passion. Though seemingly obvious now, it took time for the notion to truly resonate with me. If I were to embark on a business venture, it had to revolve around high tunnel gardening structures. Why not? I could create a self-sustaining enterprise, employing superior craftsmanship, utilizing premium wood for raised beds, and infusing innovative design elements that would set my creations apart from the offerings available in the market. Looking back now, 6½ years later, I can proudly declare that I have accomplished just that. With dozens of structures sold and erected for schools, correctional facilities, micro farms, and homeowners, the satisfaction derived from providing others with the same transformative experience I had cannot be overstated. Furthermore, I have forged enduring friendships with many of these individuals, as well as the dedicated crews who have been integral to the Mud Hub Greenhouse experiment, surpassing my wildest expectations.

{Interior of the Prototype: A Glimpse into the Future]

Cultivating Dreams, Harvesting Fulfillment

In conclusion, what began as a humble desire to grow a single tomato from seed has blossomed into a fervent pursuit of innovation and fulfillment. My journey, marked by passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, has illuminated the boundless potential of high tunnel hoop houses. Each structure represents an opportunity for individuals and communities to reconnect with nature, cultivate sustainable food sources, and embrace the joys of gardening. As the seasons shift and evolve, so too does the landscape of possibilities. Mud Hub Greenhouses remains steadfast in its dedication to providing exceptional solutions that empower both seasoned gardeners and budding enthusiasts. Step into a world where ingenuity and nature intertwine, where the boundaries of possibility are stretched, and experience the beauty of Mud Hub Greenhouses firsthand.