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Solar Innovations, Inc. is a manufacturer of single source custom Greenhouses, Conservatories, Folding and Stacking Glass Walls, Sliding Glass Doors, Sunrooms, Pool Enclosures, Windows, Canopies, Walkways and Alternative Energy Solutions. Located in Pine Grove, PA. Visit us at: www.solarinnovations.com

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A great honor to receive this award from the Schuylkill Count Chamber of Commerce!

Read the original press release on PRWeb or see more information on our website

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(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_KurLsrF6g)

Solar debuts G3 Narrow Lite Folding Glass Wall!

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Bale Gardening: A Fun, Easy New Type of Gardening to Try this Spring

Although winter seems to be in full swing, spring will roll around in no time, and it will be time to start planning the year’s crops. Everyone has a different way of gardening; some like to try new things, while others like to stick to their tried and true methods. Bale growing is perfect for those who are looking to try a different growing method this spring. Bale gardening, though it sounds peculiar at first, is a method of gardening which includes much less physical labor, while creating the perfect growing environment to produce a flourishing garden.  Bale gardening is a method of growing heat-loving plants, such as tomatoes, beans, strawberries, etc., and for crops that require digging, the bale can simply be knocked over at the end of the season for a quick and easy harvest. The greenhouse experts at Solar Innovations, Inc. recommend using straw bales, which contain very little seeds, and never use hay bales, because they contain a great deal of grass and weed seeds.

Bale gardening begins by setting the bales on a large piece of plastic, tarp, or by placing them directly in grow beds. Soak the bales in water until they become saturated, then sprinkle a high nitrogen fertilizer overtop. Blood meal is an excellent amendment for increasing nitrogen levels in soil. Adding two cups of blood meal or other fertilizer per bale will be a sufficient nitrogen source. In addition, adding one cup of bone meal per bale will help raise phosphorus and protein levels in the bales. The bales will start to decompose in approximately 10 days, and they will reach temperatures close to 100 degrees.

It is at this time when potting soil can be placed atop the bale for planting the seeds. Once seeds are planted, the temperature of the bale should remain close to 100 degrees for 10 to 12 weeks. Since the bales remain at a high temperature, their heat allows the plants to grow faster. Tomatoes and other vegetables and fruits will be ready in six weeks or sooner by the bale growing method – sooner than using regular soil to grow the same plants. Remember: the plants will need to be watered more than they would in traditional soil, since they are growing at a faster rate and in higher temperatures. Try bale gardening this spring for a new, easy way to grow your favorite fruits and vegetables.

Solar Innovations, Inc. is a manufacturer of custom greenhouses and cold frames for residential and commercial applications. If you would like more information on Solar Innovations, Inc. greenhouses or other product lines, please contact us!

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Looking for a fun, new type of gardening for this spring??

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Product Spotlight: Greenhouse Accessories

Solar Innovations, Inc. recently manufactured and installed this straight-eave double-pitch greenhouse on the east coast. The greenhouse is outfitted with several projected awning window systems, which manually crank outward and prevent rain from entering the structure while the windows are open. The awning windows have also been outfitted with standard cam locks, for increased security, and fixed interior screens, to prevent unwanted pests from entering the greenhouse.

Solar Innovations, Inc. offers are complete line of aluminum decorative elements and greenhouse accessories. This particular structure has been outfitted with motorized ridge vents for increased ventilation and air circulation, which include a rain sensor for automatic closure when rain begins. Greenhouse control systems, such as rain sensors, are perfect for creating the ideal growing environment for the plants in the structure. Additional automation options by Solar Innovations, Inc. include: circulation fans, grow lights, thermostats, and irrigation accessories. Solar Innovations, Inc. also offers several types of growing accessories to help maximize space, which can sometimes be limited in smaller greenhouses. The Company provided several fixed plant hangers for this greenhouse, which allow gardeners to use empty space above benches. Along with plant hangers, Solar Innovations, Inc. can also provide trellises, benches, raised grow beds, and even cold frames for use outside the greenhouse.

Greenhouses and other glass structures by Solar Innovations, Inc. are available in virtually any size and configuration, and Solar’s in-house bar bending capabilities also allow the option of curved eaves for a truly unique structure.

Visit the greenhouse page for more information on Solar’s decorative elements and growing accessories or contact a sales representative to discuss additional options.

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Solar Innovations, Inc. is ready for #IBSVegas to begin, hope you are too!

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Four-Sided Structural Glazing by Solar Innovations, Inc.!

Custom work from a top class organization!

Read more on our Blog

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Greenhouse Aquaponic System Update

Solar Innovations, Inc. greenhouse aquaponic system has experienced a great deal of growth since its official inception in October 2015. The last few months have been filled with tedious measurements and slight modifications by Solar’s greenhouse experts.  They have been working to maintain their new greenhouse irrigation system and learn more first hand knowledge of the care for shrimp, tilapia, and plant-life within the system.

The crops in the aquaponic are harvested every 60 days, so Solar Innovations, Inc. is nearing the harvest of its second round of aquaponic crops. At its inception, the aquaponic’s grow beds were filled with tomatoes, beans, peppers, cucumbers, and lettuce. However, they have since been harvested and replaced with various other seedlings which the greenhouse experts had on hand, such as carrots, basil, and other herbs.

At this time, the shrimp and tilapia are almost four months old, and it will soon be time to harvest them and restart the life cycle. Depending on their size, Solar will be harvesting the shrimp and tilapia in approximately two months. After the harvest is finished, the greenhouse experts will check the pH, ammonia, and other compound levels in the water to ensure the tanks are stable for the next group of tilapia and shrimp. Once the compounds are determined to be at the required levels, Solar will restart the aquaponic system. Since the greenhouse experts choose to host both male and female tilapia in the aquaponic, they plan to allow several to breed, and then they will be able to repopulate the tank on their own. For more information on planning an aquaponic system, contact a Solar Innovations, Inc. sales representative.

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Support Adopt-A-Family!  It is a great cause!

Solar supports Adopt-a-Family

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Testing Approved!

Solar Innovations, Inc. is proud to note additional testing results have been approved.  The official reports are being written as we speak....type....you know!  :)

Read the Blog for more Information

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Benefits of Composting during the Winter

Outdoor gardening has come to a halt, however, it is around this time that shrub beds will start to go dormant for the season. Using composted materials to fertilize these beds is a great way to prepare them for spring and ensure they continue receiving crucial nutrients during this time. Do this by applying a layer of compost over the top of the bed, and gently mix it into the top layer of the soil. The compost mixture will decompose throughout the winter, and it will be ready to feed the plants when spring arrives. It is common to have a more fine mixture of compost toward the bottom of the bin, which is a perfect natural fertilizer for indoor plants. Take it one step further by making several compost bins for composting different types of materials. Since every plant has a different acidity level, doing this will ensure each plant receives its required nutrients and help them reach their required acidity level.

Starting a compost bin is a simple project for any household, and along with reducing kitchen and yard waste in landfills, there are a great deal of environmental benefits with which composting comes. Compost is a natural, chemical-free alternative to fertilizers, which are harmful to people, plants, and the environment. Using compost instead of chemical fertilizers will create a rich, nutrient-dense soil, in which plants will thrive.

Among other items, commonly composted materials include leaves, fruit and vegetable waste, manures, straw, woodchips, and grass clippings. It is important to never to include items, such as: meat, bones, fish, dairy, and fats in the compost bins, as they will create too much heat and attract unwanted animals to the compost bin. Solar Innovations, Inc. utilizes compost to fertilize their outdoor gardens, cold frames, and several plants within the greenhouse.

Solar Innovations, Inc. is a manufacturer of custom greenhouses and cold frames for residential and commercial applications. If you would like more information on Solar Innovations, Inc. greenhouses or other product lines, please contact us!

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IBS 2016 Preview - are you ready?

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Custom projects by Solar Innovations, Inc. create the perfect environment for any application!  This folding glass wall features the new patented marine glazing!

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Solar’s folding glass wall, is a winner!

Read more on the blog

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Now that winter has officially arrived and all our greenhouse hobbyist friends have brought their plants inside, the Solar Innovations, Inc. greenhouse experts wanted to pass on a few tips to make sure your plants stay healthy throughout the winter. One of the most important things is to ensure that the water is not too cold when watering your plants.  The water should be warm, but not hot.  If watering with cold water, the root system can actually be damaged.  The plant enters a stage of shock that can be very harmful and prevent growth.  Our greenhouse experts often fill the watering containers well before actually watering the plants.  Allowing the containers to sit at room temperature for a few hours or even a day before watering allows the water and the plant to reach the same temperature.  The plants are already acclimated to the interior temperature and will immediately benefit from the watering instead of reaching a state of shock.  Another item to keep in mind is root rot.  Root rot is one of the biggest problems with house plants throughout the winter season.  Our greenhouse experts recommend allowing your plants to dry out between watering. This will not only help prevent root rot, but also reduce fungus issues and keep gnats that love moist soil at bay.

In addition, our greenhouse experts wanted to take a moment to thank everyone out there for keeping up with us this year and wish everyone Happy Holidays!

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Caring for House Plants during the Winter

Now that winter is officially here, the days are getting shorter and colder as the season progresses. Most indoor plants are starting to make the transition into the resting period. For most plants, this means leaves begin to turn yellow and drop in response to the lower light levels and reduced air quality.  Don’t panic and overfeed the plants when this starts to happen. Now is the time to cut back on water and essentially leave the plants alone while they make the transition into rest. Do not water the plants simply because the soil is dry, as this is a common trait of the resting period. There are, however, a few exceptions to this rule, which include lemon trees, orange trees, and other citrus plants that prosper in moist soil. The same goes for many varieties of ferns. In most other cases, it is a good rule to monitor the plants by the leaves, and only water them when they begin to droop. Always be sure to flush the water and let it drain from the pot; never leave the plant sitting in water. Taking a few minutes to research the specific species’ of house plants you’re caring for is a great way to make sure they have the ideal growing environment.

Moving plants closer to windows and areas with increased lighting is universally beneficial to practically any plant specimen.  Since the days have already become shorter, artificial lighting, such as grow lights, can also be used and is ideal for stretching the daylight frame.  Solar Innovations, Inc. recommends utilizing grow lights with metal halide or high pressure sodium (HPS) bulbs. Metal halide bulbs produce a blue tint and mimic true sunlight, and they are best used in the early morning and at the end of the day. HPS bulbs, on the other hand, are used as a supplement to sunlight. Regardless of the type of light bulb used, it is important to be consistent with the time frame from day to day in order to create a steady growing environment for the plants.

Solar Innovations, Inc. is a manufacturer of custom greenhouses and cold frames for residential and commercial applications. If you would like more information on Solar Innovations, Inc. greenhouses or other product lines, please contact us!

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We started our greenhouse aquaponic system just 3 months ago, but look how much growth we’ve had!

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Solar Innovations grows with smart glass, can-do attitude | LVB

“When other manufacturers and designers might say no to complicated projects, Solar Innovations always said yes.”