The 2014 farm season is going well so far, except that there is always something we have to deal with, but that’s a norm in farming just like raising a child. Parts of the fields are still wet…no surprise?…. but, we are moving forward on schedule.

Greenhouse operation for transplants began in mid-March and seedlings are growing well over all.  So far, peas, spring greens, lettuce, radishes, carrots, beets, beans, potatoes, onions, leeks, broccoli, cabbage, kohlrabi, bok choy (got some slug damage!) are in, and a few more items.  Herb garden is looking good; in fact, better than last year and we added more thyme and tarragon this time.  We just seeded summer squash last week, and tomato plants may be planted this week if the high tunnel’s condition favors us along with promising weather forecast.  May is a tricky month due to weather’s caprice…wet/dry – sunny/rain…warm/cold….it sometimes even hails in May.  So, we stay watchful during this tricky month.

We have an interesting experiment going on….bird feeders and birds mobbing.  We set up bird feeders on trees in all four fields.  By doing so, we hope to encourage small wild birds feeding and nesting; in return, they mob/drive away crows that are their (and our) enemy.  We’ll see if it really works and brings a positive result….no more crows attacking our corn!?

Lastly, the goats….we have only two goats residing on the farm now….Skippy and Lucky.  The other goats were moved to Pepe’s friend’s barn for winter and they made their new home there.  Skippy and Lucky are doing well — the vet has been here for their biannual checkup.

— Farmer John