Appreciation for Motivational Help

We haven't kept it a secret.  We have had some trouble getting the season started at the Genuine Faux Farm largely because we had very bad timing for falling ill.  Failure to even just get high tunnels and fields cleaned up so we could plant was a source of stress and disappointment.  Neither of us wanted to give up (especially Farmer Rob) but we just couldn't come up with enough energy and motivation to push to make it happen.

Then "the Gang" visited our farm and helped us succeed in some "Visual Improvement," and then joined us for conversation and good food.  Just like that, things didn't seem quite so hopeless anymore.  

What has followed is continued success in our recoveries as we are finding we can do more each day.  Valhalla, our larger high tunnel, has all but one bed planted now - and that bed is being reserved for a later planting, so this was actually on purpose!

The cages are up on all but a few tomatoes.  The green beans are germinating.  The tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and melons all look good.  A few more cages, some trellis for the melons and cukes and a little cleanup on some edges and we're in good shape here!  

The peppers are looking great.  Unlike the tomatoes, they were actually at their peak as far as health when we put them in.  A little longer and they would have started to decline because they can only stay in the 4 1/2 inch pots so long.  

The tomatoes are already looking greener.  We know they won't do much for new growth that we can see for a few more days because they are busy shooting out new roots so they can bring in the nutrients.  But, once they catch the roots up, watch out!  I'll have to be out there training them to stay INSIDE of those cages soon.
 

 Our progress did not stop in Valhalla either.  The Southwest plot already had onions, but now the brassica we normally pair up with onions have been planted as well.  We even got a row of flowers to attract pollinators for the melons that are on the other side of them.

The electric fence is up to prevent various critters from doing damage and the irrigation is in place and working.

The fence and irrigation both have something to do with the Severe Drought area (dark orange in northeast Iowa) we find ourselves in this season.  The combination of heat, dry air and a little wind can dry out young plants quickly.  As a result, we have to be ready with the water.

Unfortunately, every other creature in our area is ALSO looking for water.  This includes the raccoons that took to chewing on the irrigation header line.  They also took the effort to pull out all of the spigots from that line.  

I'm sure they can get through the fence if they really want it, but they'll have to pay with some discomfort.  Meanwhile, we've added a few water stations at the farm so creatures here can get something to drink.  We'll let you all know how that's working out.

And there you are.  The help we received brought motivation along for the ride.  We're still way behind and we recognize there is still some stress around that.  But, there is also hope.  And where there is hope, there is opportunity.  

Here's to taking that opportunity and running with it.