The second planting of peas is up and at ’em! Nice and clean for now, as well…
Mike (tfb)
Seedlings
Most of the seedlings are in the greenhouse now. The next couple of nights forecast for rather unseasonable 32°F (0°C) lows means going for the emergency heating measures!
First market!
First day of the year at the local farmers’ market. It’s held Saturdays, 7am to 1pm, from May through October. Today, there are four varieties of the early lettuce, only around 30 units. At this point in the season, it’s mainly being there that counts.
Stormy weather
It’s been raining for days, interrupted by a few hours of sunshine here and there. Not entirely bad, the water is appreciated, but so is sun. We’re up to 3-1/2 inches (around 85 mm) in the last week…
To the greenhouse
Tomato, eggplant and pepper seedlings heading out from the Milkhouse (seedling room) to the unheated hoophouse for some real sunlight and a taste of the harsher field conditions, before transplant time in a couple of weeks. The small riding mower does double duty, mowing the paths and ferrying around seedlings, tools, harvests.
Compost tea
Here’s something easy that could come as a kit: a compost tea maker. One 55-gallon barrel, one strong, porous bag (this one’s a woven plastic grain sack) full of compost, some heavy twine, a strong stick, and water. Tie the sack to the stick, place the stick across the top of the barrel so that the sack is suspended, and add water. In a couple of days, a natural, healthy snack for selected seedlings. Apply by watering can.
First potato
The first potato plants are popping up. This is Gold Rush, saved from last season. The dirt on the leaves was splashed up by the pounding rain that came with yesterday’s thunderstorm.