Spring greens have arrived in abundance. The leaves that were much too small to even think about cutting last Thursday are pushing too big. In the rush of warm sun and foggy rain we skipped right over baby greens stage. The strawberry plants look beautiful. They are full, lushly colored and crowded with blossoms. This afternoon the plan is to make up 50 more ridges with the horses, enough to put all of the warm weather nightshades, cucurbits, sweet corn and dry beans into the ground. A busy week of planting to come.
Spring Calves on the Farm
Two more calves were born this week, with one more expected any day. All of the calves born so far are within a narrow three week window—great news that our bull is doing his job well and the cows are all good and healthy, ready to conceive on their first heat cycle after the bull was put in with the herd. We’re still looking for names, two bull calves— one that starts with an A (who incidentally has the most comically long toothpick legs I’ve ever seen on a calf) the other name starts with an R. Bring your suggestions tonight. The grass has been growing so quickly the cows are falling behind on their work. Haymaking won’t be too far off!
This is the final week of the winter share. Next week starts up the regular season.
In the Farm Shares
In the veggie share: Spinach, mesclun mix, leaf lettuce, chinese cabbage, radishes, arugula, rhubarb, asparagus, potatoes, carrots, beets, parsnips, celeriac, dried sage, wheat berries, whole wheat flour and dry beans. Coming up: head lettuce, kale, chard and garlic scapes.
In the meat share: All cuts of pork and beef, half and whole broiler chickens in the freezer. Ground beef is back. Lard and leaf lard are available.
Related articles
- Full and By Farm: Grateful Spring Showers (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
- Full and By Farm: Fully Green Hillsides (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
- Full and By Farm: Seeds and Seedlings (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
- Full and By Farm: Spring Has Finally Sprung (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
- Full and By Farm: The Grass is Greener (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Your Full and By Farm post means so much more to me because I stopped and visited with you during a brief shower on my walk as part of The Great Hike on May 3. Was a high point in the hike!