February 24, 2010

We have green things sprouting! In the coldhouse, under plastic Homer planted lettuce, spinach and radishes. And all have sprouted! Salad for sale soon!

February 16, 2010

All poultry remain in the greenhouse. There have been some chicken fights out there as the flocks are mingling. Cold and windy today, but the predicted snow has not happened. As the snow melts it would be good if the roof and gutters stay intact, as we have a lot to do thid year to prepare for the growing season. 10+ turkey pens need to be built, all of the chicken pens need to be reassembled, compost spread, seeds planted, watered, etc. C'mon warm weather!

This Friday we will talk to the 5th graders at Berkshire Elementary School about Sunnyside Farm. Also found out today we can register the name here in York County, and will file that paperwork today. Then go open a checking account, see about getting set up for taking charge cards, schedule appointment with accountant..

Valentine's Day

Snow predicted again. and in "significant amounts". We have a path way tamped down in the snow to get to the greenhouse, where we have most of the poultry. But the driveway..thank goodness for 4 wheel drive, we have been using it!
Planned out the vegetable seed purchase. Trying to get as much as possible from Southern Exposure Seed Exchange before they run out: their organic, open pollinated vegetable seed stock is just what we want to use. And supporting this company that keeps the old vegetable varieties is exactly what we want to do. And so do many others, because they do run out! By mid-March we will set up our plant incubator..peppers, eggplants and tomatoes will start there followed by artichoke, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage & cauliflower.
Next week we take delivery of 6 Buff Ducks..an American breed that will grow to be a tan color, solid duck. We are scheduled to receive 5 females and 1 male. Duck eggs, and maybe a few babies are in our future!
We woke early this morning to the fox calling. Got up to discover foot prints around but no access gained to our birds. This deep snow has every animal out of sorts, and this is the time of year the fox really turns to our flocks to sustain themselves. From now until things really thaw out they will be howling outside our windows. Time to reinforce fences, make certain electric is always on and maybe set some snares..

organization

Cleaning up the office, getting files ready for taxes, updating records. Next I think I'll drop a brick on my foot..about the same level of fun.

Snow again?!

Predictions of another 12"+ of snow. We can't move the chicken pens because the snow is already too deep, so it is an emergency transport of the birds into the covered greenhouse. They can withstand a few inches that melts within a few days, but weather forecasts show subfreezing temperatures for another week or so. So under cover they go! We are using empty storage tubs to transport them, slow going across the snow..heavy and clumsy. And the birds are at the furthest point on the property from the greenhouse. Will be moved before snowfall.

February 8, 2010

Tax filing needs to be done, along with registration with the state for the company and the vehicles. Glad it is a snow day and everything was canceled..I can catch up!

Homer has gotten the cold house (unheated greenhouse) under cover. It is warm as toast out there during these sunny and bright days. We are guessing the sun reflecting off all of the snow piled around it helps produce more solar gain and insulate. He is in there in short sleeves and shorts as he works to complete building the salad bar tables. Spinach, lettuce and radishes will be in dirt by the end of the week. We will use dirt to grow, not hydroponic!

Spent 2 days at the PASA conference. Learned lots, met other farmers and people who care about what they eat, how it is grown/raised and where it comes from. Learned about turkey genetics, business plans, no weed gardening, growing rabbits and more. So inspirational!