The first thing any of us do before the week gets started is check the weather. Although we have a schedule that we generally stick to, the weather is the all determining factor in what gets done, in what order and when. This week, we are getting the rain our soil has been thirsty for! Today will likely bring 1/2" of moderate rain and our seedlings (arugula, radishes, peas) and more established plantings (collards, broccoli, lettuce) will be happy for it.
Next is checking our task list for plantings. This week we need to get a succession of Italian Basil, Italian Eggplant, two varieties of head Lettuces, Bok Choi, Sweet Peppers, and a late Cherry Tomato planting seeded into trays in the greenhouse.
After the greenhouse (likely work we will do today in all of this rain), we will get plants that are already hardened off, transplanted out into the fields. These include: cherry and slicer tomatoes, our cut and come again spring lettuce mix (pictured), more snap peas and radishes, and a beautiful pac choi called purple lady.
With the time we have left this week, we will be continuing to spread compost and add amendments to our soil like bone meal, feather meal, and sunflower hull ash. We will be monitoring the growth of our spring crops and checking for pest damage (so far only the geese and a few flea beetles have bothered us).
Right now, we're working with a lot of distance between us and often alone. It's a feeling we are all experiencing right now and we are taking comfort in the relationships we have with the land and the plants we're growing.
Proud to be your farmers!
Lilly, Zak, and Olivia
