How did you end up in Norway?
I am actually a trained biologist but have always loved running in the mountains. In 2010 I got the opportunity to focus full-time on trail running, and it felt natural to take the chance. That's how I ended up here in the West, where nature is a natural part of my life.
You already grow a lot and have previously been self-sufficient in potatoes - what does your daily farming routine look like now?
I have grown a lot over the years, and being self-sufficient in certain crops, such as potatoes, has been a part of my life in the past. However, recently sports have taken up so much time that growing has had to take a back seat. But I always try to take the opportunity to be out in the garden when the children are out playing, it becomes a bit like resting between training sessions.
How come you wanted a greenhouse?
Through my sports, I have always had a strong connection to nature, and growing is a natural part of that. Having a greenhouse feels like a way to get even closer to nature and be able to grow more all year round.
How did you find out about Sweden Green House and our wooden greenhouses?
It was actually a neighbor here in the West who told me about you. I was inspired by your Instagram account and decided to get in touch. I really loved your wooden greenhouses and felt they would fit perfectly in our environment.
What does the greenhouse look like?
It is a greenhouse with a gable roof of about 25 square meters. I have chosen to have site-built growing beds all around, except on one side, where I have a wood-burning stove. There I will instead have a small workspace and maybe a chair where I can sit and enjoy.
Why did you choose to install a wood-burning stove in the greenhouse?
Besides creating a lovely coziness factor, I think the stove will help me start growing as early as February. It will allow me to extend the season significantly.
What are your plans for growing in the greenhouse?
I want to take it easy and not rush anything. Ideally, I want to avoid buying soil in bags, so I have already started creating my own in a small soil factory here at home. We have sheep on the farm, so I use sheep manure, among other things. It feels good to be able to make use of the resources we have close at hand.
What does the foundation for the greenhouse look like?
One of my neighbors, who has helped me a lot, recommended that we pour a foundation. Since we live behind a mountain and it is quite hilly here, it felt like the best choice. We have made holes in the slab so that trees and vines can be planted without any problems.
What color have you chosen for the greenhouse?
The house is grey, so I chose a matching grey for the greenhouse, even though the barn is red. It was a tough choice between grey and red, but in the end I chose grey.
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We look forward to following Emelie's greenhouse construction and everything that grows inside. If you want to follow her on her journey, you can find Emelie on Instagram under the name @moonvalley_smallfarming or on @ tinaemelie.