A major component of converting the pastures to a new hemp farm was completing enough infrastructure projects to supply additional electric and propane to the greenhouse and irrigation pumps and filters.
As far as electric, we needed an additional 200 amp service. This started with reviews, inspections, and quotes from our electric provider. After all this was approved, paid for, and scheduled, we were ready to start the dirt work to bury the new cables.
As always, you have to locate existing utilities before you dig. We hired a local expert to mark the existing power and water lines.
This turned out to be fun, because I was able to learn about locating the water lines by a method called "water witching," or "dousing." This involves holding a divining rod in each hand that looked like a car antenna with a handle. You position them straight in front of you, level with the ground. Then you walk slowly forward, and when you approach the buried lines or underground water, they start to rotate on their own and cross each other.
I don't know why it happens, but it has been used forever!
Next was hiring a local contractor with a mini excavator to dig a 36" deep trench from the transformer at the drive, around the garage and shed, to the tack shed for a new service panel.
