Local Man Kicks Off GoFundMe For Montauk Greenhouse

EAST HAMPTON, NY — A local man is reaching out for help to make his dream of growing fresh vegetables in Montauk come true.

To that end, a GoFundMe, "Greenhouse to Grow Veggies in MTK" has raised $890 of its $1,500 goal so far.

"Hi, my name is Philip Yashinowsky," the page reads. "I have been studying and working in organic vegetable agriculture since I was a junior at Roger Williams University in 2013. Since then, I have brought my passion for agriculture back home to Montauk where I have been designing and building backyard vegetable gardens. This past year I have been working on a market garden on a sixth of an acre that will be fully functional this summer, allowing the people of Montauk access to fresh produce throughout the growing season."

Yashinowsky said he is seeking funding to buy a 14 foot by 100 foot hoophouse from Farmer's Friends LLC, which will allow him to grow healthy quantities of vegetables from April through December.

Vegetables will be grown using organic methods and sold to the community of Montauk through a roadside farmstand at Rita's Stable, as well as through a CSA membership and custom produce boxes available upon request, Yashinowsky explained.

"With this hoophouse I will be able to start vegetables earlier and grow them later into the year. This will allow me to have a supply of vegetables to sell from May to December, increasing our town's access to locally grown produce and strengthening our food security," he said.

The hoophouse, he said, is made in Tennessee by a company that specializes in tools and supplies that increase efficiency and profitability on small scale farms.

"Receiving these funds by mid March would allow me to purchase the hoophouse in time for a late spring seed starting and to get the tomatoes, peppers and eggplants producing earlier," he said. "It is a a true passion of mine to grow fruits and vegetables — and to be able to sell it to my neighbors is a dream. I am extremely grateful to all who can share and donate to this campaign! See you all in the spring."

To donate, click here.

Photo courtesy of GoFundMe.