Heating Up

Garlic

Things continue to heat up at the farm while the temperatures look like they are about to level out at last. For the first time this year, the forecast ahead shows warmer days without any temperature drops into the 30s. All of our seedlings have stayed sheltered in the greenhouse until now, rather than risk an overnight freeze on the hardening off tables. The onions are certainly ready to stretch their legs, and they will be moving outside this week without a doubt. We can tell that some plants are ready to move into bigger pots because they are strong enough to pull out of the trays while their root systems hold the soil from their cell intact. It is always exciting to make the rounds in the greenhouse and see which seedlings have grown more leaves overnight. These are all signs that operations are inching towards the fields.

Aside from the plants, our crew has been hard at work updating the farm in other areas. Kate has been doing work on the walk-in cooler and building tables for the new greenhouse. Others have been making various repairs and organizing workstations and storage areas to improve efficiency as the season goes on. After fixing some of the fence posts in the upcoming week, the electric fencing will go up to protect our crops from the many deer that come to enjoy the Powisset buffet. The season will only get busier and these upgrades will allow us to focus more of our attention on the produce.

Strawberries

The volunteers deserve a special shout-out this week. We have been lucky to have yet another great group of people helping us out this season, and they have stuck with us to assist with all kinds of chores on some pretty bone-chilling days. Let’s hope that the weather is kind to us, because they certainly deserve some sunshine!

Remember that while we are a working farm, Powisset also offers scenic walking trails on the grounds. Please drop by to enjoy a nice spring day and see what we have going on! You are likely to see pigs, wildlife, and the early stages of fruit and vegetable production. If you are thinking about having local produce this summer, we would be glad to answer any questions you might have for us. You can sign up for a 10-week or 20-week share, as well as a fruit share add-on by clicking HERE.

Best,

Jeff Hoodlet

Farm Apprentice