Who would have thought…using Pepsi bottles to grow vegetables? Initially, the notion of “Pepsi” and “vegetables” in the same sentence might seem a bit far fetched. Yet with some creative and resourceful thought, Solexx Dealer Greg Hancock, of Remote Gardener has proven this possible with effective results.

Through the Pepsi Refresh Challenge, Greg has demonstrated his passion for recycling and hydroponic growing. The Pepsi bottles serve as reservoirs for his hydroponic system, while the attached piping circulates water from the main pump, guiding nutrients to feed the plants.  As we speak, Remote Gardener’s customers are enjoying the zesty flavors of fresh tomatoes, peppers, and herbs from this season’s harvest.  Read more...

Lake Grove School Greenhouse

Lake Grove Elementary in Lake Oswego, Oregon recently purchased Solexx Greenhouse Covering to use on their custom school greenhouse. During my visit to participate in their dedication assembly, I must say I was impressed by their outdoor learning environment. Lake Grove Elementary is advanced with their plans to retrieve rain water and utilize rain barrels, also using several compost bins on site. A special holder had been built to display the solar panel, as a demonstration of the activity of the fan (a solar powered exhaust fan)—direct light or the slow down from the students’ shadows. My favorite part was the outdoor classroom set up next to the greenhouse. Benches were made of logs from local trees—summer camp meets gardening, can’t get much better than that!  Read more...

By Glenda Rueger Payne

One of the great things about working in the gardening industry is the opportunity to connect with new gardeners. At a recent open house event, one of my favorite returning customers stopped by our Fresh-from-the-Garden Salsa demonstration booth.

She was all agog over a basket of fresh tomatoes, peppers and onions I was using to make the Salsa. I asked her how her garden was coming along. With a shy blush, she announced that she had recently made an emergency phone call to her mom, a veteran gardener.  Read more...

Some of our best dealers start out as Solexx customers themselves. Michele Evans of Bozeman, Montana has been using our Solexx panels for years on their A-frame raised bed covers. They are at 7300 feet and off the grid – even their house is totally solar. Recently Michele sent us some photos of their cold frame covered with snow and had this to say… “You can see the kind of snow load our Solexx is under. So far I have had no breakage. The deepest snow so far has been 6 feet. I have stabbed them with steel shovels and fallen on them.” Shop for Solexx products on their website at http://www.earthwindandfire.biz/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=5_36  Read more...

Phillip Bogle, a Solexx dealer from Nehalem, OR has been getting phenomenal results harvesting vegetables year-round in his 16’ Solexx™ Garden Master greenhouse.

PHIL: “I get more amazed each day at how much of a difference my greenhouse and the lights have made on my gardening experience. I won’t sell a greenhouse for food production without lights. I feel that light does more to ensure a healthy vegetable crop than heat. I love the quality of light provided by Solexx™.  Read more...

A potential Solexx™ greenhouse covering customer raised the question of how well Solexx™ integrates with farm animals. I checked with Gwen Brancato, our dealer from Wisconsin for the answer. She says, “I grow a couple of piglets in my greenhouse over the winter and use them to make compost all winter along.” The main issue she had is that pigs can lift the greenhouse, “and they WILL eat/chew on ANYTHING they can reach!”  Read more...

It is well worth the drive to Brooks to visit the Solexx greenhouse display and manufacturing plant. You can see all the Solexx greenhouses on display.  Solexx is open to the public Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm and by appointment on the weekends. Conveniently located less than five minutes off I-5, take exit 263 and turn right on Brooklake Road. Tour the many different configurations of greenhouses displayed.  The Solexx team is more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Make sure to check out the Smart Pot employee food growing area. From tomatoes to fruit trees, this unique display of intensive food production in small spaces is truly inspiring!  Read more...

We are very proud of our Salem heritage. If you stop by to our SolexxGreenhouse factory at 3740 Brooklake Rd, Salem, OR, be sure to allow some time to visit Bush Pasture Park in downtown Salem. Here is some information about the park.

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Did you know that most plants actually succumb to overheating more than cold temperatures? Providing cross ventilation lifts and releases hot air build-up inside the greenhouse promoting healthy, sustainable growth for plants. 

The automated thermostat control saves on electricity by keeping the air flowing only when it’s needed most. We installed the thermostat controlled exhaust fan to the upper back greenhouse wall to work in tandem with the closeable base vents and solar powered louver opener.  Read more...

Salem Arts Festival and Plant Sale
 
The annual Salem Arts Festival is held the third weekend of July every year. The fair boasts over 200 vendors ranging from garden art, jewelry, food, music and most of all plants! The festival logs approximately 100,000 people in the course of three days.   The plant sale is held by Friends of Bush Garden. Everything from annuals, perennials, herbs, potted bulbs, Japanese maples and more abound to delight the senses. One of the highlights of the plant sale is cuttings from the Bush Park/Salem Municipal Rose Garden. Mrs. A.R. Tartar donated part of the 2,000 vintage rose collection selections and they are available for purchase during the festival.      
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