INUVIK - The Inuvik community greenhouse is thriving and it's all thanks to countless volunteers who put in many hours a week.

The growing season is midway through for most plots, while some are still getting started.

Rob Smith, one of the gardeners who spends a lot of time in the community greenhouse, keeps the water barrels full as part of his volunteer hours. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Lindsay Trevelyan, the volunteer co-ordinator at the greenhouse, said the start of the season on May 10 was good for most growers in town.

"We had our AGM and afterward, people started to tend to their soil and started growing shortly after," she said.

All 75 plots are now spoken for, with some only taking up half a plot and sharing it.

Trevelyan said there are families that share space, so 75 plots doesn't always mean just 75 people.

"We have well over 150 members," she said.

The greenhouse opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m.

Trevelyan said there are some members who have their own keys and can access their plots anytime.

Early in the spring season, the whole greenhouse floods with water that is pumped into barrels.

"We use that water for the first four weeks," said Trevelyan.

Once the water from the flood is gone, it is up to the volunteers in the greenhouse to keep the big blue barrels stocked and ready.

Trevelyan said the success of the greenhouse all depends on the camaraderie shared by the people who use the facility.

"There are a lot of seasoned gardeners that share their knowledge with others here," she said.

Rob Smith was at the greenhouse tending to his newly-planted plot.

The plot was originally planted at the same time as most others, but due to a miscommunication, it needed to be re-seeded.

"Lindsay planted them and left town for a bit and I didn't water them enough, so we re-planted," he said.

He said he and his partner spend about a half-hour every day of the week in the greenhouse.

Smith is growing lettuce, tomatoes and beets.

"We're at a bit of a late start and looking around, I'd be surprised if we got anything from our plot," he said.

Smith was at the greenhouse to fill up the water barrels for others to use.

"I don't have any plants to tend to yet, so I'm making sure there is plenty of water," he said with a laugh.

Smith said he enjoys being in the greenhouse because of the scenery.

"I love spending time in here, there aren't any bugs and it's nice to look at what others have going on," he said.

The greenhouse hosts plant sales every Saturday for the public.