What’s been going on?

Interesting Farm Tour this year. Saturday was a bit odd and at times tense with the storms moving through. We were very fortunate to just receive a very intense down pour with just a little bit of wind following it. We feel for all of those folks east of here that received the brunt of the storms, clean up is always hell. To be expected our Saturday crowd was small but dedicated, the Sunday visitors made up for it with gusto. Great folks both days but the Sunday tourees were reveling in the beautiful day and we had great discussions on all topics related to sustainable agriculture and farm life.

Busy weeks now. Today is tomato planting day and our first Wednesday market. I have spent the last part of the morning drawing up the map of where the nearly 1000 plants will go. “Only” fifteen varieties this year but the field that they are in, along with the edge effect of the Big Tops (more water on the side beds than the middle ones) dictates careful placement. Some can take extra water, like the Romas and Big Beefs. Some have to be protected in the middle like the Sun Golds and Striped Germans. The varieties that are new or we don’t grow a lot of need to be on the end we pick from so we can keep a close eye on them. Which ones will do best in the bit of heavy soil on the far corner? It is never perfect but the die has been cast.

Earth Day on Friday and today is the one year anniversary of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, kind of polar opposites. We think often of the impact of that spill on such a important and vibrant ecosystem and what the unknown long term effects will be on the area and it’s residents. It will be easy to lose track of that disaster as it leaves the news but I think we will be reminded at least each year on it’s anniversary which maybe will make Earth Day seem even more relevant as time goes on. Makes us even more committed to doing the best job we can with this piece of land that we are the temporary stewards of. OK, off to plant tomatoes.

Picture of the Week

Tomato transplants marching to the horizon

What’s going to be at the market?

We are, our first Wednesday market of the season, come see us 3:30-6:30!

The blue Dutch Iris have come on in a big way, beautiful. The Anemones are still giving us lots of great color. Ranunculus with their rose like buds but in yellows and oranges. More of the yellow Asiatic Lilies are opening. Betsy may surprise us with other things too.

The vegetables are moving quick now. Lettuce finally this week; Green Boston, Red and Green Leafs and Romaine. Lots more Spinach this week, looking really good. Some more of the overwintered Leeks and a great supply of the Chinese long and Easter Egg Radishes. The tender, sweet Japanese Turnips are here and the first of the luscious Broccoli Raab (Rapini).

Hope to see you all at the market!

Alex and Betsy