Success StorySeason Extension



Season Extension

Author: Shawn Wright

Planning Unit: Horticulture

Major Program: Commercial Horticulture

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Working with Kevin Gurtowski from Kentucky State University, we obtained funding to for season extension projects.  A portion of the funding was used to construct cold frames/solar dryers.  All ANR/Hort Agents in Districts 1 & 2 were asked if they wanted them for their educational efforts.  10 Counties responded and two for each of these counties were constructed at the RCARS Wood Utilization Center.  A Zoom presentation was given so that all the Agents knew the advantages and disadvantages of these systems for season Extension.  The remaining funding was used to begin construction on a passive solar greenhouse.  This type of structure has potential in Eastern KY where it could be built into the side of the mountain.  Unfortunately at RCARS we do not have a hillside that faces the proper direction so it will have a thermal mass on the north wall.  This structure will be used for education and demonstration to show the types of produce that can be grown and the season when they grow best.  Construction on this structure should be finished by late summer.