A Local Farm in Connecticut, May 2009

Dear Mad Hatters,
 
Well, what a difference a week makes.   Last week at this time all of our seedlings were in the hoop house melting in the heat and now they are happily in the ground, cool and wet, just the way they like it. 
 
Over this weekend, Jeff planted approximately 1,200 seedlings. First, we prep the beds by tilling under the cover crop of winter rye to add “green manure” to the soil. At the same time a bit of organic compost is tilled in to help boost the soil’s fertility and nutrients. Then, depending on the plant going in, some of the rows get covered with solar mulch which helps the soil retain heat and keeps the weeds at bay. The early season, cool weather crops do not need solar mulch. Next, we poke a hole in the prepared ground with our handy-dandy broom handle, drop in a little bit of fertilizer, and then the seedling. Followed by a good watering. And finally, the plants that attract insects (arugula, cabbages, broccoli, and cauliflower) get covered with a row cover cloth that keeps the bugs out and the warmth in. Bam! (Thanks, Emeril.)
 
In the ground and growing strong are as follows:
Arugula
Gourmet Lettuce Mix
Ruby Red Chard
Rainbow Chard
Early Wonder Beets (Red)
Chioggia Beets (Red and White Striped)
Lacinto Kale
Red Russian Kale
Cascadia Snap Peas
Sugar Ann Snap Peas
Mammoth Melting Snow Peas
Faroa Green Cabbage
Red Express Cabbage
Cassius Cauliflower
Belstar Broccoli
Nautic Brussel Sprouts
Napoli Carrots
Cosmic Purple Carrots
Negovia Carrots
Japanese Imperial Carrots
Varna Leeks
Parade Green Onions
Mustang Onions
Red Wing Onions
German Hardy Garlic
Kilarney Garlic
 
Some of these delicious vegetables will be ready in a few weeks, some of them take all season long to grow.
 
A Punjabi Proverb says, “Farming: Excellent. Trade: OK. Work and Begging: No good at all.” 
 
And there you have it.
 
Wishing you health and happiness,
Alix and Jeff
www.madhatterfarm.com