7/10/12

The Nitty Gritty Dirt

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.



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. 


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. 
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

DROP SITES

Use the addresses to google or mapquest or look up the drop site from your particular location. Keep in mind that the folks at the drop sites are volunteers, allowing us to use their space (and in some cases, their homes) as drop sites. Be nice to them. We couldn't do this without them. If you have any questions about your share etc., you should ask us, not them. They have enough to do....as do we all. All deliveries occur on Thursday afternoons. Approximate drop site times are listed below each location. The end times vary but you should pick up your share as early as possible. Look for the NITTY GRITTY DIRT FARM DROP SITE signs at your delivery locations along with lists to check your name off when you pick up, and a description of exactly what you should take.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Farm
10386 Sunrise Road (Cty Rd 9)
Harris MN 55032

35 north past North Branch to the Harris Exit. Turn Right.
Go into Harris, cross RR tracks to stop sign. Turn Left
Go 2 blocks to County Rd 9, also called Sunrise Road. (at Heartbreakers Bar) Turn Right. Farm is 4 1/2 miles out on left side of road. Look for Nitty Gritty Dirt Farm sign.
Shares available from 3:00 to 6:00

United Theological Seminary 3000 5th Street NW, New Brighton MN 55112
694 to Silver Lake Road exit. Go south to 5th and turn west (right). Go three blocks to UTS. Follow driveway (left) to the maintenance garage at the far north end of the parking lot. Shares available after 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM.

Pilgrims United Church of Christ
8801 Rice Lake Road, Maple Grove MN 55369
Just off of Weaver Lake Road across from Rice Lake Elementary School. Use main church door. Shares available from 3:30 to 6:00.

Acadia Cafe
329 Cedar Avenue South, Minneapolis
NW corner of Cedar and Riverside. Park on Riverside or
in lot behind the cafe.
Shares available after 3:15 PM until 6:00 PM

Vincent Avenue
3646 Vincent Avenue North, Mpls MN 55412
1/2 block north of 36th Ave N, and 2 blocks south of Dowling. Park on the street. Shares available after 3:30 until 6:00 PM

Additional drop sites may be added as shares are sold. Drop Sites are subject to change but plenty of notice will be given and alternate sites will be within close proximity to the original drop site.

FARM CONTACT INFORMATION

Robin Raudabaugh & Gigi Nauer

Nitty Gritty Dirt Farm

10386 Sunrise Road

PO Box 235

Harris MN 55032


(651) 226-1186


nittygrittydirtfarm@gmail.com

Also Nitty Gritty Goods Wool CSA
Robin Raudabaugh
651-216-9012
nittygrittygoodswool@gmail.com

We are a 15 acre Community Supported Agriculture farm providing a wide variety of fresh, organically and sustainably grown vegetables, fruit, lamb, pork, turkey and chicken. Located one hour north of the Twin Cities, we deliver to several metro locations. We are intentional about our organic and sustainable farming practices which include (but are not limited to): maintaining soil health through green and animal manures, compost, mulch, cover crops and crop rotations; Organic Pest Management to naturally monitor, prevent and control insects and other pests; maintaining animal health and well-being through the use of portable and loose housing and pasture rotations. Owner/operators Robin Raudabaugh and Gigi Nauer provide over 30 years experience in fruit, vegetable and livestock production, education and customer service. Our primary goal is to build community, relationships and personal health and well-being around good food and the intentional living that creates it. We’d love to have you join us.

Not every day is like this but we try.

Not every day is like this but we try.

Not every day is like this either.

Not every day is like this either.