Hello Farm Friends,
As the Spring takes hold it is hard for me to sit down in front of the computer, but I thought it was time for a rambling update from the field on this chilly morning. First, thank you to everyone who remembered to send second installments of your CSA shares in April, I you aren’t sure what you still owe feel free to email me.
If you haven’t signed up yet but are thinking about it, I still have three spots left for 2025 so let me know soon!
It has been a cooler start to the Season than we have had in a while and all this rain makes it feel positively Spring like. Despite the wet fields, I have managed to find dry moments to prep some early beds and most of the planting is on schedule. Our Garlic and Rhubarb are coming through strong and the first of the peas, carrots and greens that I seeded out in the field are up.
This weekend is looking to be warm and sunny after some good rain, so I am looking forward to the cold hardy seedlings I have already transplanted, such as Kale, Lettuce and Swiss Chard to take root as they adjust to their new surroundings.
Inside the greenhouse there has been lots of activity. The first of the greens and radishes are ready for harvest, with some already delivered to Farmgirl cafe. If anyone else would like a little taste of Spring, I’ve put the makings of a pretty good salad back on the online farm store so you can order for pick-up this Saturday, just in time for Mother’s Day.
Speaking of Mother’s day, I’ve decided to make it a new tradition that we visit Natural Themes Native Plant Nursery to buy a new tree or three each year. Ever since we bought the farm, I’ve been planting the small saplings that are available through Lower Trent Conservation to try to build a bit of a shelter belt along the North and West of the garden. Most of the time, the little trees just can’t compete with the combination of aggressive grasses, strong winds, droughts and hungry rabbits and I get so busy in the Summer I just don’t have time to help them along. A few of them have taken hold despite the odds, and are now tall enough that I can see them from my beautiful new window. Seeing them brings me such satisfaction that I know adding a few bigger trees each year will help keep me motivated and perhaps even remember to water the ten little saplings the kids helped me add last weekend!
Looking out my window right now as I type, not only can I see my little trees, but I just saw a beautiful Oriole, I don’t think I’ve ever seen one on the farm. That reminds me to give a shout out to Nest Design and Contracting. Steve did a bunch of long overdue work on the house for us including replacing some leaky windows and I have to say, not only is his work beautiful but he was just so pleasant to work with. I would recommend him to anyone.
One last note, I decided to try a bunch of new heirloom tomato varieties this year so if you are looking for seedlings for your own garden I will have them for sale at the farm beginning May 16th.There are too many varieties for me to list, so if you are interested just come on by and have a look, I’m sure I will have something for everyone.
Sincerely,
— Jenny
