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May Farm Tour Photos / Farm Work Day Info

March 15 , 2006

Warm in the Greenhouse, Frost Outside - Thaddeus

It has been cold weather with rain which has translated to snow on the hills surrounding us - but not quite cold enough to drop the snow level to our field elevations. The past mornings have been frosty - it feels like winter. The roofs to all the buildings are white with ice in the mornings. As the sun creeps over the hills the ice begins to melt and the water flows off the roof and finding its way to the ground where it leaves a line of moisture in the gravel. It is not very often that we get such cold weather all the way into March - regardless, we are all optimistic that next week will be real beginning of spring.
I have six different types of summer squash in my grandfather's greenhouse. Lala and Cuco planted it about three weeks go. Most of the seeds have germinated and put out their huge first set of leaves (these leaves are 3 inches tall by 2 inches wide). It is fun growing transplants in the greenhouse. I anticipate seeing their progress in growth when I water them every day. It is interesting how putting two layers of thin clear plastic over a space creates a microclimate. When it is cold, windy and rainy out side inside the greenhouse is pleasant and protected from all the elements. When it is cold and sunny outside it is hot and humid inside the greenhouse. If I were a little plant that is where I would want to be.
The grapes have been pruned and the cover crop between the rows was mowed last week. The crew is working to get all the vines tied correctly onto the trellises before the buds begin to emerge from the wooded canes that now look like bare sticks rising from the ground. It is amazing how quickly a massive canopy of foliage will grow onto these bare sticks. All they need is some sun and warm weather.
The first sets of nectarines have their beautiful pink flowers out now, it will not be long until the rest of the peaches follow. Ricardo and Chris are keeping an eye on the fields where we will be putting our spring vegetable crops. As soon as it is dry enough to get a tractor into those fields we will direct seed into the ground; green beans, bok choy, lettuces, more kale, broccoli raab, Asian greens, beets and spinach. It will be nice to start farming again.

Enjoy your box of fruits and veggies this week. - Thaddeus

Customer Work Day Update
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Plant some trees! Pull some weeds!
Get dirty & sweaty, & feel GOOD!

Please email: noah@farmfreshtoyou.com to
reserve space for you, family and friends.

Plan on arriving at the farm early in the morning, as close to 8am as possible, and bringing a lunch to enjoy out in the orchard.
We'll plan on wrapping things up around noon due to the heat,
and you'll be free to relax in the shade of the trees and
have lunch afterward.