Everyone survived the cold temps last night. The min-max thermometer in the hoophouse read 32 degrees this morning. I'm sure it was warmer underneath all the row cover, blankets and quilts that were over the seedlings. I'm happily surprised the hoophouse stayed as warm as it did.Farm neighbors Andres and daughter, Ainara, helped me plant … Continue reading Peas and Planet Jr.
Heart-stopping temperatures
I'm a bit preoccupied with the weather. I check the forecast several times a day. I pay close attention to the predicted overnight temps, whether there will be clouds or not, how strong the winds will be, if and how much precipitation is expected. I look at what's predicted for Boston and Bedford. Based on … Continue reading Heart-stopping temperatures
Plowing
Earlier this week I borrowed a seven-shank chisel plow and plowed the entire acre. This implement breaks up compaction 18" down without turning the soil over. Less compaction creates an environment that is root-friendly due to better drainage and aeration. One reason I like the chisel plow for primary tillage is because it minimizes the … Continue reading Plowing
Farm Tour Fun
The first day of spring a handful of CSA shareholders and I toured my one acre field and hoop house. We tromped around in the mud. We looked at winter rye and frost-killed oats. We looked at the bed where garlic is supposed to be growing. No sign of the garlic yet. We looked at … Continue reading Farm Tour Fun
Spreading lime
The last two weeks have been busy.Yesterday I finished spreading two tons of pelletized lime on the field. The process of spreading lime on this suburban farm is a bit different than in farm country where 10 ton lime-filled trucks drop lime directly onto frozen fields during the coldest time of year. Here's what lime … Continue reading Spreading lime
It looks like spring …..
It looks like spring in my basement. Thirty trays of alliums have germinated in the lasts two days. A couple of trays of parsely are contemplating germination. Celeriac seeds are basking in 80 degree soil and I expect they will soon pop. I plan to seed another 90 trays with lettuce, bok choy, napa, kale, … Continue reading It looks like spring …..
What are you growing this year?
I am often asked by shareholders and local gardeners what varieties of vegetables, herbs and fruits I'm growing. Liz has compiled a list of most of what we are growing this season. The majority of our seed, and the descriptions of the produce, comes from the Johnny’s Selected Seed or Fedco catalogues. Many thanks to … Continue reading What are you growing this year?
Storage Tips for Winter Vegetables
Storage Tips Adapted from Richard Harrison, How to Store Vegetables in a Typical Suburban Home FIRST, identify the areas in your house that do not freeze and may be suitable for storing vegetables. Refrigerator, 40 degrees, 30-40% humidity Carrots, celeriac, beets, apples, pears, kale, bok choi, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, turnip, rutabaga Unheated entrance or attic … Continue reading Storage Tips for Winter Vegetables
Shared Harvest CSA 