Wrapping up 2009

Well, we're nearing the end of the growing season for 2009 but I still feel like there's so much to do. For instance, I'm still going to transplant some kale and chinese cabbage - it will provide a start for next year's greens. We need to pull out all of the existing vines (tomato, squash, etc.) and compost them or burn them. We need to spread poo - there's always that this time of year and luckily our manure spreader is nearing completion of repairs. And, of course, we need to disc, till, soil test, and fertilize as applicable, the new ground for the hoop house. Then maybe we can plant for winter! I'm really looking forward to going out there in January and working the soil - pure bliss for me! A dream now but hopefully reality soon. If we get it up and anyone wants to come out to work for a day, please give me a call. I often take trips to greenhouses in the winter and while this isn't quite a greenhouse, hopefully it will simulate the experience.

Back to the present. As many of you know, I'm always worried that things won't move along but, somehow, all seems to work out. That said, who knows what we'll have in about 4 weeks for the holiday distribution. The brussels sprouts are starting to head up. It's been so cold this year that they're really taking their time. Of about 60 plants out there, there are 3 that are ready to pick. But they should move along in 4 weeks. The broccoli and cauliflower are taking their time as well - it's hard to know if the cauliflower will make it before the big freeze but the broccoli continues to make shoots. The heads of cabbage that are out there look OK now - they might be a bit small but we should get something out of them. The young beets in the front garden are looking promising and I'm hoping that they'll be of some size in a month. Who knows about the young rutabaga and kohl rabi. The carrots and parsnips look great out front - I haven't pulled any yet but the carrots are Scarlet Nantes and Scarlet Keepers - super sweet, long carrots. I was disappointed with the Danver's Half Long which I've been distributing much of this season - they are sweet and tasty but are small (as the name implies) so next year I'll probably skip these or just plant the remaining seeds. Of course, there's always the greens - kale, collards and chard. I think we live on these and I know many of our members have become converts which is so cool!

Here are some pics of Steve Schultz plowing our goat paddock. The landscape has changed. I'll post more pics of the garden as it is now soon.



I'm receiving daily or every other day inquiries as to joining for next season. So, I'm now forming a list. I will give priority to members from 2009. If you could let me know by December 1 if you intend to join again, that would be helpful. After that, I will start taking new members as secured by a deposit. I know that we will be listed in Edible Wow this year so I expect that we'll receive additional inquiries from that exposure as well.

If anyone knows someone who's looking to work here, please let me know. I also receive inquiries from students looking for practical experience and I'm happy to have them here. I know I'll need some dependable, consistent help this next year - it's not always easy or relaxing, but it's definitely rewarding work and I think it's fun!