We shall forget that it has been over a year since the last post. We shall forget the promises made and broken about posting more frequently. Instead, we shall revel in the new year. Spring is almost upon us, most specifically denoted by the almost 400 tomato plants in the greenhouses, and the half-naked toddler (now little girl, I think) running from the rooster. Yes, it is happening. The plum trees are in full bloom, the pear is about to pop, we've had our first round of grape hyacinth, and the seed orders arrived. We've been busy adding a new greenhouse (thanks Charles!) to our rotation, and keeping starts healthy. This week, if all goes well, we may start working the soil, preparing to plant some brassicas for late Spring market and eating.
Our hens are laying quite well, even through the rain and cold (more cold than rain), and we have 17 hens. Two babies haven't started laying yet, but I expect them to begin in a month or so. I'm thinking of adding 4 birds to the flock because one of our local feed stores is getting Coco Marans, a breed that lays chocolate brown eggs. That would give us varying colors of buff, white, green, khaki (from the two baby hens), and chocolate brown. Cool? I think so, but I'm not sure I'm ready to do the chick start again. The birds have prove wily, and are mostly out wandering. When we get the gardens really going, we'll have to reconsider the pen and how to keep them contained and happy.
Market season won't begin until May 8 in Fortuna, but we're hoping to have brassicas, peas, beans, and starts at least. FORTUNA! Yes, we have been invited to be members of the Fortuna Farmers Market, the one closest to us. We are very excited about the prospect. The farmstand is really going to take priority this year, and we are planning to only be in Garberville and Fortuna markets. Now, deciding who goes to market and who opens the stand is a whole other thing...
Pictures of the new greenhouse, new fruit trees, and other exciting projects will be forthcoming. Now, don't take that for a promise...
