Mmmmmm sunset
Good morning!
Last week was just as they predicted, rain (and some hail) fell at the farm for two days straight and it was incredible. Mike and I took a couple days off and our bodies were so rested when Thursday rolled around.
I was anxious to get the plastic on the moveable tunnel last Monday before the storm and made a caffeinated decision that we should go for it in the morning, as the sky was calm. It was touch and go for a little while as we had to pound in T-posts and make a couple last might adjustments and we were waffling if the wind was going to stay calm long enough to make it happen. Luckily, we're surrounded by amazing friends (also farmers) who showed up and within 30 minutes the plastic was on. Thanks guys! We couldn't do this without you! I spent the next couple days finishing the end walls and doors and we planted two beds of tomatoes on Friday! Once this upcoming cold snap passes we'll plant the other beds with peppers and basil. Mmmmm hmmm.
Carrots are starting to size up in the high tunnel
Speaking of this cold snap, it's supposed to be FREEZING on Thursday night. A few days ago they upped the rainfall for this coming Wednesday and the temps were supposed to drop to 30 degrees or so for a few nights. Big deal. Even with those temps we decided to push back our big brassica planting until next week, why push it? BUT NOW they saying 25 degrees. Goodness gracious. Most things in the field will be fine (as long as that number doesn't continue to drop) but the tomatoes will have me worried. I'm going to be blanketing as much as I can with extra layers of row cover during the cold nights in hopes that things don't get too cold or freeze. Lets be honest, I shouldn't be surprised. What's May in Colorado without some winter like weather?
Snow peas blooming!
In other news, the snow peas just started blooming in the high tunnel! Woohoo! They're so gorgeous and it's exciting to see blooms at the farm. The carrots, beets and turnips are sizing up in the high tunnel, and the tomatoes are adjusting to their new space and beginning to grow.
Little Gems looking lovely... get ready CSA Members!
The early crop block is looking good! I caught up on weeding over the weekend and am excited about the diversity we should have for our CSA Members in 3 weeks! That's right, CSA Harvests are only 3 weeks away and we are excited to start harvesting and seeing you all on a weekly basis!
CSA Members, please remember to check the farm emails. We're sending out weekly emails with info and links for you. And, remember to join the Mountain Roots Produce CSA facebook group, where our CSA Community will be sharing recipe ideas, asking questions, etc.
Fresh greens taste so good!
We've started stretching fence! We have one line up and a lot of staples to hammer in but it looks great! I'm so excited for the fence, it's going to make the farm feel secure and my stress levels will be much lower this season without having to worry about deer. We started building the second moveable tunnel yesterday, now that the first one is up and feels solid I think the second one should go up rather quickly?! We may have to throw a party in a couple weeks to celebrate once these building projects are complete!
The cover crop is growing quickly now and is hypnotizing to watch as the wind blows
Mike has been busy setting up irrigation and doing tractor work. He shaped the cabbage beds and space in front of the high tunnel for me yesterday and he's shaping the rest of the field later today. Yes! I will be seeding a few crops this morning, ahead of the coming rain. Arugula, mustards, radishes, beets, colorful carrots, herbs, etc. We were going to transplant the next succession of lettuces and bok choy, but we may hold off until the cold weather passes.
Mike shaping beds in front of the high tunnel last night
OK! I need to get moving. Have a wonderful day and enjoy our seasonal weather this week!