Shortly after adding two flats of baby leeks to our vegetable garden, the phone rang and my mother burst my vichyssoise bubble. "Did you read about the leek moths?" my mother asked dramatically. "The what?" "Leek moths," she repeated as if I should know what she was … [Read more...] about Leek Moth Invasion
Agriculture In and Around Essex, NY
Full and By Farm: Big Projects, Less Sleep
A largely sleepless week has left all of us dragging in our boots. Haymaking and construction projects have had everyone staying up late. The long days of June force the sleep from our eyes extra early. There are plenty more of both projects in the coming week—sunny days in … [Read more...] about Full and By Farm: Big Projects, Less Sleep
Essex Farm: Chore-ing Marathon
"Mark pulled what passes for a farmer all-nighter last night, harrowing the upper field to get it ready for corn. He came home sometime after midnight. We have 20 acres of corn planted and starting to germinate now, and are aiming for another 10 in the next few … [Read more...] about Essex Farm: Chore-ing Marathon
Full and By Farm: Things Are Growing!
During an evening dip in the pond last week I was reveling over the deep brown of my arms and shoulders—about equal parts of dirt and sun—a sure sign that summer is well under way here and I'm in my happiest element. The squash and tomatoes are settling themselves in nicely … [Read more...] about Full and By Farm: Things Are Growing!
Essex Farm: See Farmer->Give Hug
"The landscape has taken on that lush verdant look that means we are in the thick of it now. The farm is buoyed by the waxing force of life, the great flood tide of the sun. The summer solstice is just three weeks away, and everything with roots and leaves is pressing the … [Read more...] about Essex Farm: See Farmer->Give Hug