Our to-do list changes day to day with the weather. There are plenty of projects to keep us busy. All of the hoop houses and high tunnels must be prepped for planting. Repairs are made. Field clean-up begins as the weather becomes more suitable for outside work. There are seedlings to re-pot and seeds to start. We even had some unexpected tractor repairs. Not our favorite task.
The seedling hoop house is now packed with plants. Our transplants are looking fantastic so far.
- peppers: bell, mini-sweet, jalapeno, Italian roasting, poblano, cayenne
- tomatoes: 15 varieties including heirloom, plum, slicing and grape
- tomatillo
- broccoli
- cabbage: red, green
- eggplant: Japanese, Turkish, Italian, globe
- swiss chard: white, red, yellow
- kale
- cauliflower: purple, white
- bok choy
- onions: red, yellow, white
- scallions
- shallots
- leeks
- lettuces: 12 varieties
- herbs: basil, parsley, shiso,
Planting in the high tunnels
This past weekend, we transplanted the red cabbage and swiss chard into one of the high tunnels. The deer around our property have been a challenge the past few seasons, and they love eating our swiss chard. We are trying something new to avoid this damage. We are planting it in a high tunnel. We are covering it with a special netting to keep pests away. We are also using fencing on the high tunnel opening to deter the deer.
We are waiting for these last few cold nights to transplant the tomatoes and peppers into the high tunnel. We are hoping to plant them next week. We can plant earlier than outside in these structures since they have some frost protection. Additionally, we can cover them with an extra row cover if necessary. This is important if the nighttime temperatures drop too low.
From the field
Farmer Joe has managed to get most of the cover crop tilled into the beds. This adds organic matter, improves the soil structure, and feeds the microbes. This is a task that requires cooperation with the weather. The soil moisture must be just right when using the tractor so we don’t damage the soil. The cover crop must be incorporated. It takes a few weeks to break down. Then, the beds must be prepped again before direct seeding or transplanting.
We had our first equipment breakdown this month. The tiller gear box seized up. We tried to replace it with some spare parts we had off of an older one. But, we had to order a new one from the company. Fortunately, it arrived earlier than expected. Now we are delayed by rain. We are waiting for the soil to dry out enough to use the tractor again. The rain expected for this weekend is not going to help. Bring on the sunshine!!
The snow peas were planted before this last rain we had. We expect to have the snow peas ready to harvest at the end of June or early July. I will post some pictures when they sprout.
From the Office
- If you joined the CSA this season with a monthly payment plan, your first payment of $100 is due. Please make the payment by May 10th.
- If you joined with a deposit for a bi-weekly share, your remaining balance is due at your first delivery.
- If you joined with a split payment for a weekly share your balance is due August 1st.
Any questions feel free to ask. You can reach Joely by text at 607-697-3197
Here are some photos of what has been happening around here the past month.
The high tunnels and hoop houses have been prepped and prepared for planting. We till, amend with minerals, spread organic compost, and cover with landscape fabric to prep it for planting.
Seedlings in the seed starting hoop house. This is heated with a radiant heater at night and sometimes during the day if it is cold and cloudy.
Preparing the soil for planting. The cover crop is worked into the soil and breaks down for a few weeks before planting. We use the tiller on the tractor for this…when the equipment is working. We sometime have large boulders surface that need to be removed.
Our main growing field is broken down into several plots with grass strips in between. The beds run north to south. The grass strips help slow down water during a heavy rainfall and give us pathways to cross the field. We are located on the west side of Seneca Lake and all water flows toward the lake to the east.
Tiller repair…
Rhubarb, Garlic and some lovely spring flowers to brighten your day. Oh…Pearl and Otto too.
We can’t wait to see you all in June!
Get your copy of the 2025 CSA Member Handbook – HERE
