The words “busy” and “spring” are synonymous on a farm.
Fields are drying quickly and the cover crop wants to be “harvested” and turned into the soil, creating an instant carbon boost helping with fertility and soil structure. Once mowed the debris from the crop digests for several weeks or until it’s structure is all but gone allowing the finished bed to be even and smooth.
Then the field will be rototilled. Sometimes when a field is tilled, the soil moisture is still too high to plant. To speed drying, furrows are made with shovels on the tractor.
Once a field is flat and weed-free, it’s ready to be planted. And there are many transplants lined up waiting for space.
The whole crew works the plantings. The irrigation has to be set up. Most everything is on drip lines which have to be pulled and hooked up to the water supply. Some crops require covers. For example, the first tomatoes and peppers (Padron) are in and covered.
Additionally, many things are being harvested at this time of year, adding to the day’s diversity and the community’s health. We are so happy to be able to grow this excellent food.
April 23rd, 2014 at 7:44 am
Wow everything looks awesome! Thanks for sharing
April 23rd, 2014 at 5:59 pm
Thank you Daniel. What you are doing is pretty awesome as well!
Candi
April 24th, 2014 at 1:40 am
Thanks
April 23rd, 2014 at 5:23 pm
Thanks for these delightful pictures, Candi. Wow, the sweet peas!
What a piece of paradise you have.
April 23rd, 2014 at 6:01 pm
You are entirely welcome. And yes, the sweet peas are over my head in places and smell heavenly! They are growing on tomato cages. 😉 Clever farmer…