Downing Farms Reports on Next Step Grant Project
The family is constructing a new greenhouse and converting their previous one into a high tunnel to extend the season.
Tim and Jill Downing, owners of Downing Farms, give an update on how they’re using the $5,000 Next Step grant they received from Bread Riot in May 2022. Next Step grants are designated to help Rowan County farmers expand their operations in a meaningful way.
Greetings from Tim and Jill!
It has been quite a busy and active summer for the Downing Farms family. Thanks to the Next Step grant funding, there are many new projects opening up at Downing Farms. Our first project began with clearing land near the previous greenhouse to make room for the new one. We needed to do a fair bit of grading to get a level ground for the new installation.
As we graded, we also converted the old greenhouse into a high tunnel and installed raised beds. These raised beds will now predominantly be used for herbs and various greens that will extend the growing season. We’ve seen a great summer with them already in basil, cilantro, and dill. Currently we’re adding spinach and endive for the fall season.
Once grading was complete, we then framed and covered the new greenhouse, including a 50% shade cloth that will work with future ventilation to prepare for the second phase of our project with some aquaponics. Next steps are to install venting sides and raised beds inside the new greenhouse. As you’ll notice in the photos, we’ve already utilized the new space (even though it’s not completed) for starting fall crops.
As people in the grant business, we’re sure you are already familiar with the ripple effect that awarding grants can have. Funding for the greenhouse for us also opened up our own capital to invest in additional projects that otherwise would have been on hold. Although not included in the Next Step grant, we thought we’d share additional pictures of the new eggmobile that we were also able build this summer. We’re excited to be working on these additions to the farm and are delighted to be expanding the sustainable farm model that we’ve invested in.
Many thanks and warmest wishes from all of the Downing Farms family!
Tim, Jill, Max and Erin
Great job, Downing Farms! We’re looking forward to the next update on your project.
