This time of year it isn't whether to report about what is going on at Red Sunflower Farm or with the C.S.A., but rather what to share. Our interns have been hard at work planting and harvesting.
This spring especially, we have been reminded of what spring really looks like, because last year we had little rain, very warm temperatures, and no irrigation system. The rains came in recent weeks, parts of our fields have been flooded, and are continuing to dry out. And yet, remembering last year, we have forged ahead with installation of an irrigation system that pulls from the creek. We know that Mother Nature loves to toss challenges our way. We have to keep it all in perspective.
This spring especially, we have been reminded of what spring really looks like, because last year we had little rain, very warm temperatures, and no irrigation system. The rains came in recent weeks, parts of our fields have been flooded, and are continuing to dry out. And yet, remembering last year, we have forged ahead with installation of an irrigation system that pulls from the creek. We know that Mother Nature loves to toss challenges our way. We have to keep it all in perspective.
Here's a quacker for you, our four ducks, two males, two females, have finally gotten the whole propagation thing right. Nestled in the lavender, the females have been sitting on thirteen eggs for over a month now. We're so excited that the ducklings have begun to hatch. Five ducklings have come into the RSF family, with 8 eggs still on the nest.
However, one of the papa ducks didn't like the distraction of ducklings and we have sent him to a new home at Atwood Village Family Farm. Ducky domestic violence won't happen on our farm.
However, one of the papa ducks didn't like the distraction of ducklings and we have sent him to a new home at Atwood Village Family Farm. Ducky domestic violence won't happen on our farm.
With newly sprouting Kale we have found flea beetles infiltrating the gardern. Yellow sticky traps have been installed with Tanglefoot ( an organic flypaper-like adhesive) and it's doing the trick.
Over the last few years we have been experimenting with planting clover to control weeds. Last year we had planted a cover crop so prolific that it even kept vegetables from growing. We've found a different type of winter crop that doesn't cover so well, but we are hopeful it will cover well enough to keep weeds out.
We've peaked the interest of the local Extension office. They'll be keeping an eye on our experiment and we are all hopeful that it works. The intense labor necessary for keeping weeds from overtaking a no spray field is immense. If this works we may have a contribution to share with other farms.
We've peaked the interest of the local Extension office. They'll be keeping an eye on our experiment and we are all hopeful that it works. The intense labor necessary for keeping weeds from overtaking a no spray field is immense. If this works we may have a contribution to share with other farms.
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