Farm Happenings at Hillcrest Farms
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Farm Happenings for March 5, 2022

Posted on March 3rd, 2022 by Mark Kastner
This year we are planting Onions in three stages; the first we transplanted into a high tunnel last September for an early fresh market crop, the second planting was mid January for the main season crop, and the third is scheduled for next week for long term storage. At our latitude, the bulb development is triggered by longer day length, so even our overwintered crop. won't be ready until May! I try to fill in the gaps with faster growing scallions, green garlic, chives, and other members of the Allium family.
 
I spent too much time farming on this  beautiful day. I tend to do that when something is bothering me that merits some quiet focus time; right now it is rising prices. In February, 2019 I signed on with "Harvie" as my CSA and online  Inventory manager just before the Covid-19 panic hit us. I didn't know that I was that smart! Harvie not only guided our farm business through the weeks that we didn't get paid, but helped reduce produce waste so I didn't have to raise prices during those 2-plus years.
 
My farmer purpose is to deliver chemical free food that is better tasting and nutritionally superior  to anything out there and affordable for most folks (I have other ways to deliver to those who could use a little help), and even the money doesn't know what they are missing! In short, with the help and support of some wonderful friends, I  am working on an online farm stand idea that will allow me to keep growing, keep harvest requirements predictable, and maintain a micro food supply at well below inflation levels.