MAKING SOIL BLOCKS.
We took full advantage of the SUMMER-like weather this week and started our first seeds! As we learned from Eric, our papa farmer, Jesse and I made our own soil mixture (soil, peat moss, compost, lime, and sand) and then used a square press to make "soil blocks." We poked the tiny seeds into these blocks and now, we wait for the magic of germination! I love this method of starting seeds, as it eliminates the need for little plastic pots and containers. Plus, the plants PREFER to grow this way. When the roots of these tiny seedlings spread throughout the soil, they will stop as soon as they hit air. But if these seeds were in a little pot, they grow out to the edges and then start circling around the edge, wrapping and wrapping, trying to find air. This is a huge waste of energy for these guys! When our soil blocks are big enough, they can simply be plopped into the ground, or even transplanted into a bigger block before they are ready for their big show. Maybe that's a lot of useless info, but to us, it really is the most incredible sight to see. And it is always fun to play around in the mud. Now let's just hope our little "greenhouse" treats them right!- Hannah.
PLOWING OUR WAY THROUGH.
Yesterday Hannah and I finished a massive project, even if it looks amusingly small. We plowed enough area for our potatoes and onions which we'll likely plant some time late next week (weather permitting). When I say we plowed, however, I don't mean that we got out the tractor, put on the plow implement and tore through the soil. Hannah and I flipped the dirt by hand, with the help of a small broad fork and shovel. I've never liked plowing, and especially using tractors - it feels too impersonal - so this has been an exciting alternative. The broad fork is a clever tool that, by slamming its five tines into the ground and leaning all of your weight on the two handles, you can loosen the soil enough to slip a shovel underneath. Once the soil was propped on the shovel, we would flip it by hand.Is this insane? Almost definitely. Will we be able to do our entire garden this way? Probably not. But will it make good potatoes and onions? Let's just say that if it doesn't, we had fun trying. It's a special part of the job, being this involved with the growing process, and we're happy to take on a little extra labor in order to know our land and vegetables are that much better. Yes, we are epically sore today, but in all the best ways. A lot of conventional farmers will get into air conditioned tractors, turn on the radio and go to work. When they're done plowing, they'll seed from the tractor, harvest from the tractor and barely get dirty. For us, what we do is not work: farming is a lifestyle for curious people, not a job. Plowing the dirt by hand is a history lesson, a biology class, a study of geology, a workout and a bad tan all wrapped up into one. We're moving and examining every inch (ok, most inches) of the dirt, pulling out bits of arrowheads and busting open geodes; unearthing ants nests and earth worms and toads––it often feels like our job is to simply remain kids and dig in the dirt. Fine by us. It was hard, it took two days, but we had a great time––your potatoes should tell you all about it.- Jesse.
THE COLD FRAME SOLUTION.
Since we have to start building a greenhouse again, and since we don't really have TIME to start building a greenhouse again...Jesse and I have settled on a temporary fix. The main reason for having a greenhouse this early in the season is to get our seeds started. The heat and light help the little seeds to survive these few more weeks of cold weather, giving them a jump-start before they move to the garden. We decided not to rush and throw together a flimsy greenhouse, and so we are simply building some basic hot boxes, or cold frames, or whatever you want to call them. Some seed-starters. Using several old doors and other materials found all around the farm, Jesse put one together yesterday. I think it will work very nicely! And in the meantime, we can take our time building the greenhouse of our dreams (THIS one, please).
Also, my husband is becoming quite the handyman, because he also finished Wendell's doghouse. He looks so little and lonely sleeping in there now, but one day (soon) he will barely fit in there! Terrifying, I know.
- Hannah.
IN THE DETAILS.
Living in this giant house terrified me before, as I have said. But after spending some time here, especially during the daylight hours, I have found myself incredibly inspired. This house is wallpaper heaven, overflowing with beautiful patterns and textures that are endlessly fascinating. The more time I have spent focusing on these small details, the colors and prints, the intricate woodwork, and the little items we've brought along to make it feel like our home, the more I am discovering Warrenwood to be a very happy space. This may seem completely unrelated to farming...but I believe that creativity is an important aspect of our lives. Creativity for finding a quick way to throw together a dog house or designing the layout of our garden. And the inspiration for this creativity can be found in the unlikeliest of places, be it in a line of mason jars on the counter or a wall covered in pictures of little dogs.- Hannah.
