You Can’t Win Them All
Every season on the farm there are things that are frustrating and other things that seem effortless. This season I am so frustrated with the winter squash and pumpkin plants or lack there of. Last year’s all I did was…
Tomato Love
The tomato harvest is slowly starting to roll in. The various cherry tomato plantings are all starting to ripen. Even though, back in January when I was working on my crop plan I scheduled the plantings to be weeks apart…
Harvesting Begins
The summer harvesting has begun. As I prepared for Thursday, which is my harvest and farmers’ market prep day, I knew I would be picking the first blackberries and tomatillos. I’ve been watching both of these crops closely. Playing the…
Summer Maintenance
Last week was filled with general summer field maintenance tying tomato rows, patching drip tape that animals have chewed on, mowing the edges of the field, moving flash tape to keep birds away from the wee popcorn, and of course weeding.…
Hot Days
Well, it is officially summer and the weather is following suit. The mornings start out bright and sunny. With the temperature quickly climbing and by midday it is way too hot to be anywhere near the greenhouse. By the early…
Everything is Planted
The entire field is finally planted. Last week I planted the last of the popcorn, a bit behind schedule but in the ground nevertheless. The tomato plants are getting big. The cherry varieties have lots of green fruit on…
Hamp Sweet Hamp
Last week I went back to my alma mater, Hampshire College, to celebrate the college’s 45th anniversary. As soon as I got on campus, I headed straight to the farm center. This farm holds a special place in my heart…
Spring is Busy
I have been busy this spring both in and out of the field. Right now the greenhouse is still packed with seedlings waiting to find their forever home. Out in the field the tomatoes and tomatillos are growing tall, with…
Farm Visits
Last week I headed down to Santa Cruz for a CCOF board of directors meeting. Not only was I excited to meet with my fellow board members but I was thrilled to be able to swing by a fellow organic…
Farming with Wildlife
Recently I have been noticing all the wildlife on the farm. The birds darting through the tall cover crop, racing each other, to find the next insects to eat. Lizards scurrying across the ground to find a hiding place. The squirrels…
It Takes Time
Last week I finally transplanted the first of my tomatoes and tomatillos, a bit later than planned. This time of year I have to remind myself, that tasks typically take longer than you expect. Such as using your new power harrow,…
Spring Rush
Spring rush is here, everything needs to be done at the farm and it all should have been done, like last week. April is easily one of the busiest months on the farm. You spend lots of time in the…