Potato flowers
Like the subject says, we are attending all markets now! Next one coming up, Ann Arbor tomorrow! It will be our first time at the Wednesday market and if the folks are anything like the crowds at our other markets, we are bound for a great time.
Back at the farm, the balancing act continues. Although we haven't gotten enough rain to alleviate the irrigation grind, we did get a 0.04 inch splash on Friday, which was enough to germinate our buckwheat cover crop. The primary purpose of a cover crop is to improve overall soil health as well as manage weeds and pests. We seeded buckwheat in the fields that we will be planting during July, August, and September to prevent erosion, suppress weeds, and add organic matter until we are ready to plant there. Buckwheat is particularly competitive, with its broad leaves and vigorous growth so it is a great cover crop to use in a weedy field like ours. It is also wonderful because beneficial insects that consume pests like aphids and mites love its nectar producing blossoms. We are hoping to use buckwheat to deplete our Canada Thistle hoard but for now, it is preparing the ground for all of our fall eating.
Regardless of the weather, we are getting a lot done out here in the heat! Our onions are getting weeded, bit by bit. We still have a ways to go but we think we will be done by the end of the week. We laid down ground cloth to plant our final tomato, eggplant, and peppers into. We hilled the potatoes again! They are looking pro and are even flowering, indicating the first potatoes are forming under the soil. And, although this isn't something we did, the first squash and cucumbers are manifesting on the plants.
All good things heading our way! Come out and get some goodies at market this week!
All the best,
Helen & Jim plus the Lake Divide Farm Crew
Back at the farm, the balancing act continues. Although we haven't gotten enough rain to alleviate the irrigation grind, we did get a 0.04 inch splash on Friday, which was enough to germinate our buckwheat cover crop. The primary purpose of a cover crop is to improve overall soil health as well as manage weeds and pests. We seeded buckwheat in the fields that we will be planting during July, August, and September to prevent erosion, suppress weeds, and add organic matter until we are ready to plant there. Buckwheat is particularly competitive, with its broad leaves and vigorous growth so it is a great cover crop to use in a weedy field like ours. It is also wonderful because beneficial insects that consume pests like aphids and mites love its nectar producing blossoms. We are hoping to use buckwheat to deplete our Canada Thistle hoard but for now, it is preparing the ground for all of our fall eating.
Regardless of the weather, we are getting a lot done out here in the heat! Our onions are getting weeded, bit by bit. We still have a ways to go but we think we will be done by the end of the week. We laid down ground cloth to plant our final tomato, eggplant, and peppers into. We hilled the potatoes again! They are looking pro and are even flowering, indicating the first potatoes are forming under the soil. And, although this isn't something we did, the first squash and cucumbers are manifesting on the plants.
All good things heading our way! Come out and get some goodies at market this week!
All the best,
Helen & Jim plus the Lake Divide Farm Crew
Just finished hilling the potato field for the second time
Buckwheat seedlings hard at work protecting the field
The next field is prepped and ready to get planted
The first planting of tomatoes is looking happy and healthy
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