Corny corn corn

The corn has been transplanted and is looking good. Let's hope it stays beautiful and grows tall like it did last year. While we're at it, here's to hoping for a larger yield as well! 

The Delridge P-Patch

This spring Matilde's school was given a garden bed at the neighboring p-patch. (P-patches are lots in the city with numerous garden beds. Each bed is maintained by a different organization, person, or family. Some people grow to donate to food banks and some because they simply do not have the space at home.  We were actually on three different waitlists for years before we bought our farm.) Their garden plot is 200 sq ft AND it is less than a block away from the school.  

They expressed interest in growing edibles for their school, and I was really excited for them until I was told NO ONE in the school had any experience or knowledge of growing anything!  Somehow, I became their resident gardener. UH-OH!!  Since I will only be there another two months, I showed them a neat and free website (www.smartgardener.com) to help them plan, plant, care for, and harvest their goodies. 

Today, we were busy transplanting and planting. The kids in Matilde's class planted Yukon gold potatoes, red potatoes, tomatoes, peas, cucumbers, broccoli, radishes, and carrots. (I'm pretty sure each plant was trampled by at least one wild and crazy preschooler!) They were all over the moon to help out. I felt bad for the mom who sent her daughter to school in the fresh white pants today because they were completely brown by the time she lined up to walk back to the classroom. 

Aside from a few more veggies, I think we will be adding a digging space, a couple sunflowers, and a sign with the school's name. Any other ideas or suggestions? 

They're adorable!

These wee ones are chubby and cute!  They are all looking healthy. It's such a sweet sight to see the girls with them. They are very excited for these new bunnies. 

New beginnings.

We have two new kindles on the farm, AND we think one more is on the way! The first two photos are of the nests of our little kits. It's very exciting. We didn't want to disturb them too much, so photos will have to come later. They do look healthy and we are hoping they grow fast and fat! The last photo is of an empty nesting box, but there is a ton of fur. That's a good sign. The doe will pull her tummy and shoulder fur out to build a nice warm nest for her babies. We'll see if it's a false alarm or the real deal soon enough.  

Only bet on a sure thing.

Since we've split up on Saturday mornings, Andy with Evan to bowling and me with Matilde to tap, I have noticed that Andy has lost a few bets he's placed. Mostly things like "pick up this spare and I'll give you a dollar" or "pick up this split and I'll give you all of the money in my wallet" or "get a turkey (3 strikes in a row) and I'll get you an actual turkey"! He had made the last bet one too many times because after Evan's third or fourth turkey she demanded he pay up.  Which brings us to today. 

Meet Evan's turkey, Mr. Bowling (the third strike).  

Beets taste like dirt.

Last year they didn't grow, but these suckas are looking good. Other than pickling, what can I do with them?! 

Popeye would be proud!

Our spinach is looking good! Our little plants are really coming in. I want to eat the baby leaves, but I will patient and wait until there is enough to go around....or until there is enough for a salad! 

Getting there

Here's our apple tree. It is getting bigger and a little out of control. It sprouted after our pruning time, so we're going to wait before giving it the chop. I'll have to tie some down to keep it's shape.  I just hope we have apples next year! 

I'm back!

And so are our raspberries! I transplanted two more plants and replaced the netting, but boy did I fight those birds trying to get it up. Those girls love those leaves!  I hope they last. I miss walking out back and watching the kids stuffing themselves full of berries right off the plant. It's a good feeling. 

I forgot!

I completely forgot about Power Ranger Ghostbuster Thursday! 

They are getting very big, but still not a HUGE as the white Cornish Cross meat birds we normally buy. I think we'll stick with the CC the next few times around. 

My favorite stage!

This is my favorite stage of plant growth. I just love watching the actual seed that was planted to naturally fall off as the newly grown leaves stretch out. 

Here's what's left...

A predator, most likely a coyote, found our free-ranging Power Ranger-Ghostbuster pullets. This is all that was left of one. :( Matilde noticed she was gone and bet that it was a coyote that got to her. She did some exploring and peered under the barn which is where she found this wing. She told her class in their announcements what happened so they wouldn't have to wonder where the missing bird went. 

A year already?!

Dearest Family and Friends, 

I have met my 365 day goal! It was March 27th, so I decided to take a few days off. It has been a ton of fun and a lot of hard work, but our farm is starting to come together. We have planted, harvested, composted, culled, and loved every minute of it. Our spring planting has already begun and we have even added a beautiful pea and cuke trellis. It's a warm feeling to know that our hands have loved and cared for these seeds and animals that we will eat. Thank you for being a part of it! Thank you for sharing your comments and your own gardening photos!  I will do my best to send updates, but I do not think they will be daily unless I hear otherwise. Thank you for being a part of such a special time in our lives! 

Sincerely, 

Mrs. Smith

A cup of tea?

Worm tea that is! 

Gotcha!!