This past week we finished the "micro nursery" , approximately 200 sq ft, and can warm the early flats to an ambient temperature that will facilitate germination of seed crops before a normal planting schedule. We can hold the seedlings in there until they are mature enough to handle the much cooler environment in the nursery proper. A nursery within the nursery! Many thanks to Eva, an esteemed coworker who did most of the heavy lifting on that project.
During my weekly scouting in the hoops this morning, I noted a lot of crop damage due to the extended polar vortex, but also some exciting survivors to come by the end of February and beginning of March. I don't think the Swiss Chard is going to make it (we have already begun a succession planting), but am surprised by the quality and vigor of the Boc Choi, and Baby Lettuces. Meanwhile we will prepare one of the medium sized greenhouses for direct seeding of Spring Carrots and Radishes in late February! Meanwhile next week, I will introduce our new Intern, Analyssia, a junior at MSU for the growing season 2024!
This week I am at the Family Fare parking lot in Eaton Rapids on Wednesday at 12:00 noon, and the Allen Street Farmers Market after that, 3:00-6:00. Thursday is farm pick up, and Saturday I am at the parking lot behind Flour Child Bakery in Grand Ledge, 11:00-12:00 noon. Scheduled home deliveries are Saturday afternoon unless other arrangements have been made. I hope to see you soon!
