late April farm report

It was suggested to us in one public comment and some private comments that this blog is enjoyed by some as a window into how things get done on the farm. So - here is a short farm report for the end of April.

* Garlic took a hit this winter and did not winter well. We're not sure how much you'll get this year, but the year is young and the rain might perk some of them up yet.
* We often get overwintered leeks, onions and other items - this winter wasn't kind to our low tunnel covers or to plants that occasionally overwinter. So, never mind.
* No signs from the asparagus yet. But, we expect them to start popping up around May 4.
* Rhubarb! The rhubarb plants that we transplanted to the farm last season appear to have made it with a 90% survival rate. Not sure what we'll harvest from them in their first full year hear, but they look like they'll do just fine.
* Daffodils! The daffodils are finally blooming and the Virginia bluebells are starting. the rain did help alot of those plants out.
* We have added another part time worker for the farm and Brenda has already started to work with us in April. We intend to parlay this into more available CSA shares to meet the wait list demand.
* Perennials. We have a bunch of them in a very weedy area and we want to move them to a new area. The fact that our beloved iris and perennials have been overrun by weeds the last few years has caused us a goodly amount of consternation - and no, I'm not being facetious (this time). We're hoping to prepare a new area and maybe get a little help with the transplanting. Any takers?
* Pork buy - has been completed, with all persons receiving their share.
* Seedlings. Tomatoes are ready to be transplanted. Peppers are entering the four-leaf stage. Onions and leeks are ready to go into the ground. the first batch of lettuce is coming up in trays, as is basil and other spices.
* Field clean-up. We got the corn stubble out and have a good start on the brassica remains and the tomato remains. Still plenty to do, but we're in decent shape on this front.
* Fencing - we've got alot of fencing to put up in the next few weeks.
* Chicks! The chicks are coming! The chicks are coming! later this week.
* TSD #1 is coming up in early May - check it out.
* The newsletter for April will be put out in the next 24 hours. Promise. It'll be a shorter one so we can give you a better May newsletter.

And there you have it in a nutshell.