The last of the flats are out of the greenhouses. As July moves on, the early season task lists change. No more seeding into flats, no more transplanting. There is still some weeding to be done but even that is reduced as the end of the month draws closer. The empty greenhouses will evolve into fall and winter storage space which seems like a good idea until the spring when it all has to be emptied out again. The interns transplanted some additional flowers into the row closest to the road.
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The splash of color will look nice as you drive down the driveway on the way to our next farm festival (which is Saturday, August 4th.) The Hatfield Planter that Sam is using in this photo is the best use of farm dollars that we have ever spent. It allows the team to stand up and accomplish all of the steps, cutting the hole in the black plastic mulch, watering, and setting the plant. The only hands and knees step is to cover the hole around the plant with dirt. Some farms skip that step but with our potential for wind that could lift the plastic and cut the plants, it's safer to take the extra time and cover them with dirt.
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The high this week at the farm is in the low 80s. It feels like a relief compared to the high 90s of last week and when there is a breeze it feels almost pleasant. Those of us wearing long sleeves to protect our skin from too much sun are looking forward to the later season days when the temps drop and everyone is in long sleeves. Rumor has it there is a farm in River Falls Wisconsin known for it's nude farming. No one here can imagine why anyone would want to expose themselves (pardon the pun) to potential bug bites in hard to reach places.
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The grape vines we planted with great care are thriving in our sandy loam soil. Three truck loads of wood chips were dropped off and everyone joined in rolling hundreds of wheelbarrow loads down between the rows. We hauled and dumped the wood chips all around the vines and elderberry plants. Rebar posts support each plant and the wooden posts and wire will go on later in August. We are very excited about this new adventure More vines will be planted in our future. For those who are wondering, the answer is NO. We are not going a become a Winery. We will grow the grapes and let our neighboring wineries turn them into divine beverages. One of them,
Stark Wines who we have worked with for the last few years, is having a Pizza from an outdoor pizza oven and Wine tasting night every Friday. We've gone twice already. It's great. Check them out online.
Until next week.....
Gigi
What's In Your Share
Cincinatti Hot Radishes (long)
Cascadia Peas
Sierra Blanca Onions
Norland Potatoes
Red Russian Kale
Turnip Greens
Kalibri Kohlrabi
Derby/Eureka Beans
Marjoram
Thyme
The Blues - Chinese Cabbage
