Planting, Planting, Planting, and Prepping to Plant

The crush to get the plants in the ground at the right time is on! I can't prep beds fast enough for all the seedlings that are ready to go in, even though some have to wait until I know it won't get too cold. I will get frosts throughout the summer (the longest the farm goes without a frost is 3 weeks), but the earlier and later in the year the harder the frosts and little tunnels of fabric and plastic can only provide so much protection. For most growers they are considered season extension supplies, but for me they make growing in my little valley possible and without them I would be limited to spinach, radishes, and kale.

It was a great market last week and I will be there again this week (and every week) with all the flowers, micros, and eggs (and soon more flowers and veg) rain or shine!

Now back to bed prep and planting!

Lots of baby plants got to go into their forever homes this week (and many more the next few weeks too). One bed of flowers. One bed of lettuce and greens. One bed of direct seeded flowers and beets!

Right after their planting, a protective cover of frost cloth will keep them safe through the chilly nights. The direct seeded ones need a little chilliness and frost to help wake them up and make them pop!

Some of the neighbors dropped by while I was planting but they weren't very chatty

The duck nest is just a ring of fluffy straw with most eggs in the center but a few like to hide under the fluff, so each egg collection means a slightly rumpled nest remains.

The hens favorite time to roam is after a good rain. The bugs are up and out still and the hens won't get wet anymore. Num num grubs!

Hella was happy to help while rolling in the mowed straw, even if she didn't get much work done

The daffodils continue as the first varieties finish but the next begin to bloom. It feels like every bunch I collect and hold up to the sun is like a salute to spring!

The same goes for the tulips. The mellow yellow Akebonos are finishing up but the Candy Pinks are just starting. These beauties will satisfy a different kind of sweet tooth!

What's available this week?

• Eggs!
  • dozen pasture-raised, rainbow chicken eggs 
  • half dozen pasture-raised duck eggs 
• Flowers!
  • Spring Bouquet featuring tulips and daffs
  • Tulip Bunches
  • Daffodil Bunches
• Veggies!
  • Microgreens
    • Spicy Mix
    • Mild Mix
    • Cinnamon Basil

Where to find it all?
I'll be at the Farmers Market at Libby, this Thursday from 3-7pm!

I'll be at the Troy Farmers Market, this Friday from 330-630pm!