Reminders for Shareholders
The start of the Free Choice share is dependent on the weather and the rate that crops mature. It’s been a slower start than some years due to the cool temperatures of April. Our estimate to begin the share is sometime 5/15-5/20. The start of the share generally includes cold hardy greens such as spinach and arugula, along with radishes, asparagus and herbs. As new crops mature, we’ll add them to the list of available items.
Every new shareholder is expected to attend an orientation at the start of the share. You’ll learn where stuff is on the farm, more about how we plant and plan. We’ll send the specific orientation dates in a week or so. It takes about 30 minutes and we’ll offer several options that include evening, weekend and daytime choice. Returning shareholders are welcome to join one of these sessions for a refresher if desired.
Successful onion planting day. 20+ shareholders joined us. The group was so enthusiastic, we tackled the herb garden and weeded it too. This was Signe’s first onion planting (pictured) and she did a great job.
Tips for a rich, easy chicken stock. Add bones to slow cooker to simmer on low for the day with carrots, onions, thyme and bay.
Last weekend, littleGrasse attended the St. Lawrence Folk Fest. We shared information about farm shares and apprenticeships, plus GH made his debut selling his wooden cutting boards, spoons and stools. His wares will be for sale this season in the share room.
Some of our garlic is still lasting from the harvest last July. Impressive!
We’re transplanting a couple hundred head lettuces here, with the help of Community Based Learning (CBL) students. CBL students have been coming to the farm for over a decade and for many it’s a hands-on opportunity in a completely new activity. Some have returned to volunteer or even live on the farm after their placements and we’re still in touch with a handful of them.
Yesterday we thinned the radish patch. By removing the plants that are too close to one another, the remaining plants can grow more quickly, and uniformly due to less competition.
Many curious chipmunks have found their way into the greenhouse lately, which can be very damaging. They dig and eat the squash seeds and other vines, so we’ve been catching them to relocate.
It’s forecast to be a very sunny week, which is great for plant growth but not so good for transplanting. Once we have some cloud cover, we’ll transplant many flats of plants including Brussels sprouts (pictured), scallions, head lettuce, and broccoli.
See you soon!
-Flip & Bob