Season Update: April

Breaking Weather

Breaking ground during the bitter end of winter

The spring has finally arrive with the end of March. In part because of the weather and in part because we have been blessed with a second child, we have been feeling a little behind with the start of the gardening, but we are starting to manage. Bed preparation continues apace, and the first transplants are going in the ground over the next few days. Currently, spinach, beets, carrots and peas have been planted, and we have two types of lettuce, kale and red cabbage on deck.

Finn supervising the installation of one of the baseboards.

We have also been busting our humps trying to finish a small greenhouse in time for the warmer weather, and the frame is coming along bit by bit. The structure has certainly proven to be a puzzle with many different components, but no pieces have gone missing yet . . .

Rowan Leadley

To use Shirley Hampshire's expression, the firm took on another junior partner on Monday, March 25th, when Rowan Marion Leadley joined the rest of the team. The birth interrupted our weekly routine a tiny bit, but with the help of Carolyn's parents, we have somehow made it through our first week as the parents of multiple children. He has already been a huge blessing, and his older brother is quite fond of him.

Popcorn Shoots

We have had many customers ask about future availability of popcorn shoots, and i am pleased to report that we have found what looks a reliable supplier for organic seed. We have a couple of trays timed to be ready for the market on Saturday, April 13th and with any luck, we will continue to make them available on a weekly basis. Sweet!

Albino Sunflowers 

The tray on the right is about 36 hours from being ready. The albino shoot is in the bottom center of the image.

Like many other organisms, helianthus annuus is occasionally prone to albinism. Due to the volume of our operation at this point and the sheer number of sprouted helianthus seeds, we notice albino shoots every so often among the trays. This past week, I finally got around to pricking one out to grow to maturity (as we had extra room on one of the trays of curly kale), as I have been curious for a while what the mature plant might look like. Rest assured, if it has a unique appearance fully grown, you may expect a follow-up picture.