Every Field Needs Its Fallow Year
After six exhausting "start-up" years, this year we decided to slow things down and take the time to look around. On both a human and ground level, we are using this year to reboot and restore. We are restructuring, rethinking, rebuilding the farm.
Inspired by the contributions from our spring fundraiser and by all our farmer friends, we have achieved a good part of our project goals already. In addition to growing veggies for our Tuesday market, here's some of what Todd's been up to:
High Tunnels Oh High Tunnels - Passive-heat greenhouses extend the growing season by at least two months. We have much of this project already completed, including concrete anchors, but still need to finish out ends of two tunnels with polycarbonate panelling (one is done!!). These semi-permanent ends help during high winds because they enable us to seal the structure up fast. The high tunnel project is labor-intensive and has been very difficult to complete when we are at full production. We now have one fully installed, anchored, sealed and housing tomatoes!
Root Crop Washer - This will speed up washing of bulk carrots, beets and potatoes. When I say "speed up," I mean it! Right now, depending on the size and dexterity of the worker's hands, it can take a full day to complete the washing process for just half of our CSA group.
Cold Storage - In past years our cold storage has always been short-term, using ice packs and 100-qt coolers. Actual refrigeration will help our efficiency by enabling us to spread out the harvest during the week instead of harvesting just the day before delivery. We are deciding between a few options of walk-in coolers to install at the back end of our packing shed.
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Me between two of my favorite people:
Kerry from Bloom Yoga and Lisa of Blue Sky Bakery. |
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| Pre-plastic. |
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| Working hard this spring to finish the one tunnel for tomatoes. |
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"Planet Claire" just left for Navy camp--we will miss her.
She was one of our toughest and FASTEST workers out here! |
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This photo was taken August 15th, 2014. We have lots of plants, flowers and small fruits.
Let's hope for some hot weather to get these things going fast! |
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| Kale, too, and always. |
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| Yes, we are growing peppers this year. Look for them at market soon! |
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| Does anyone know what this tree is? |
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| Very happy bees--a good honey year! |
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| Monarchs and bees love my cup plant. |
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| Pickled beets and carrots so far! |
While Todd is toiling outside, I've been busy with my off-farm career (massage therapy and yoga instruction) while staying active in the kitchen, including preparation for my...
In the meantime collecting energy and butterflies,
Julia
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