After 70+ mph winds on Tuesday, the hoop went through some modifications. It now stands about 3ft tall and and 5ft wide but is still 50ft long. It held the following day under milder breezes.
It was quite a challenge resetting rebar while carrying and nursing my 10 month old and not getting blown over in the process. The sections that held their ground under the wind were still quite comfortable-at least 10 degrees warmer than the outside air temp. In the end I know the plants sighed some relief that their pseudo habitat was restored.
We'll be planting the potatoes out this weekend! They include
Purple
Red
Russett
We had much success with the purple last year and are looking forward to the red and russett. In fact we'll be sampling some more frozen purples tonight.
The greens and broccoli are still holding on in the hoop and a couple of rows are planted with
Bloomsdale Spinach
Spicy Mesclun
Spicy Lettuce Mix
Red Celery
Valerian
It's amazing spinach only requires 35 degree soil temp to grow! Those in warmer latitudes have ample opportunity to eat and freeze copious amounts of Spinach.
The first stage of our cob oven will begin this week as well-Digging a large deep hole and separating out the soil mediums. Clay is just over a foot deep in spots so we'll be taking advantage of our local resource. Look for our Spelt Treats at the Farmer's Market:Including Artisian Breads and Ginger Snap Cookies!
On the Medicinal Plant Front
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The uva ursi still has berries in the woods. This medicinal plant literally translates to Bear Grape, Uva being grape and Ursus-bear. This is a wonderful medicinal for urinary tract infections by simply taking a tincture of the berries. It grows readily on south facing, sandy slopes and transplants easily as well. Any trailers on the periphery of the main stand can be gently clipped away (as long as roots have not grounded) and moved to a suitable habitat in your native garden. We like to harvest cuttings from sites that are being prepared for a new home or are slated for extensive logging. Might as well save the little guys and give them a new start!
1 comment :
Hi, my name is Nancy, and I met you and your husband briefly at the Columbia Falls Farmer's market. I run Locally Leavened with the sourdough pitas and artisan breads. I haven't seen you there for the last couple of weeks, and just wondered if you were planning on returning this year. I saw on your blog that you were building a cob oven -- have you finished it, and if so, how is it working for you? I'm curious to know, because I've considered building one, too -- it'd be nice to get advice from someone that's already done it! :) Thanks for your local organic farming, and by the way, your ginger cookies are marvelous! Hope to see you soon,
Nancy Baracker
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