Welcome back! Continuing the farm tour to the “back field”. It is the property located over the ridge. Here you find our greenhouse (heated) where we start seedlings. I don’t have a specific number, but I would say about 60% of our crops are started in the greenhouse and then transplanted by hand out into the field. (phew!) This field also holds the pyo raspberries — you can just make them out on the left, along the knoll. You will also find my parent’s home. They retired and moved here from Ohio in 2011. Judi and Noel have been a HUGE help in all things random on the farm; from helping to build the pick-up barn to keeping us well fed to puppy sitting. Plus Dad graciously mows around the pyo garden, keeping it tidy for all of you. Thanks Mom and Dad!
In the “front field” (the barn side of the ridge) are our two hoop houses (or high tunnels) — you can see these from the barn. They are like a greenhouse, but UNheated. We use these to extend the cool seasons and make happier summer crops. In the winter we grow hearty greens like spinach and in the summer, we grow half our tomatoes here, basil and parsley. The high roof helps to keep off too much rain and morning dew, preventing less disease. It also provides more heat so it gives the plants a jump start. They are a huge amount of labor and maintenance, but appreciated. You may hear me ask for help when we need to “reskin” (change the plastic). It must be done about every 4 years and many hands are needed to thwart even the tiniest of breezes.
The upstairs of the barn is storage — please refrain yourself or your children from going up there. We also have been known to hoist several thousand pounds of onions up there in the late summer, as it is a perfect spot for curing crops (getting them ready for winter storage).
Bees! We have a beautiful bee hive on the ridge. They are cared for by an incredible neighbor fella, Rick. His love for nature is captivating and I love listening to him tell me about the life of a bee. I have a wonderful book that the Maine Ag in the classroom used this year (thanks to those who buy Maine Ag plates!) about bees — maybe I can persuade him to do a reading this summer : ) He is also training another local belle, Amanda, to care for the bees. She is also so in love with them; it is infectious!
Lastly, I wanted to share that we make all of our own canned goods! I use recipes that I have tried and loved. Mostly I make them in the winter, when I have more time, from frozen berries and tomatoes, or storage apples/beets. A sweet local named Jan takes the summer veg (zucchini, cucumbers and beans), my recipes, and whips them into delightful treats. I hope you enjoy them!!!
Ok that is it for now — I need to get harvesting!!
This Week’s Bounty: lettuce, chard, kale, spinach, pac choi, tat soi, rhubarb, herbs (strawberries for sale — sorry I do not have enough this year to give everyone a quart in their share)
