Farmer hates woodchucks.
Taking tomorrow to compose attack plan.
Farm blog observing day of silence in honor of lettuce.
About five salad bowls were ready for harvest, and plenty more was growing.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sadness and Mourning on the Farm
Farmer hates rabbits.
Farmer hates woodchucks.
Taking tomorrow to compose attack plan.
Farm blog observing day of silence in honor of lettuce.
About five salad bowls were ready for harvest, and plenty more was growing.
Farmer hates woodchucks.
Taking tomorrow to compose attack plan.
Farm blog observing day of silence in honor of lettuce.
About five salad bowls were ready for harvest, and plenty more was growing.
Animals Abound
1. Cute while on this side of the fence. (Nice rock sculpture, eh?)
2. There's been a lot of mating going on where the farm is concerned. Here's the thing. For centuries, farmers have appreciated the need of all species to shag. It's natural, and farmers are all about nature. But the real question is this: must they nibble on the zucchini and cucumber leaves while going about their business?
On a more serious note--does anyone know what these are? Are they, as I fear, the dreaded striped cucumber beetles? And if so, does anyone have any ideas about what to do about them while there are only a few? I'm thinking pull them off by hand and hope to keep the numbers small. Thoughts?
3. Oh yeah. Also, here's how awesome the farm looks! Well, except for that crappy part on the right front side. Science-in-action post coming soon in explanation.
Farm Vitals
2. There's been a lot of mating going on where the farm is concerned. Here's the thing. For centuries, farmers have appreciated the need of all species to shag. It's natural, and farmers are all about nature. But the real question is this: must they nibble on the zucchini and cucumber leaves while going about their business?
On a more serious note--does anyone know what these are? Are they, as I fear, the dreaded striped cucumber beetles? And if so, does anyone have any ideas about what to do about them while there are only a few? I'm thinking pull them off by hand and hope to keep the numbers small. Thoughts?
3. Oh yeah. Also, here's how awesome the farm looks! Well, except for that crappy part on the right front side. Science-in-action post coming soon in explanation.
Yesterday's high: 79F
Yesterday's low: 61F
Warnings: Another great day for growing.
Mood of the farm: rolling its collective eye at all the mating ("kids these days!")
Fun fact of the day: Technically speaking, the only things growing in the garden that aren't fruits (besides the herbs) are spinach, lettuce, carrots, and onions. No really. Think back to 5th grade science.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Green Thumb Sunday: Everything's About to Bloom Edition
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Farm Vitals
Yesterday's high: 72F
Yesterday's low: 58F
Warnings: Great Day for Growing Alert
Mood of the farm: still flamboyant, in honor of the festivities
Reason to consider a new career: near heart attack following tomato transplanting. But fear not--all looks well!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Farmer Only Thinks She's Smart
Well, this morning is the kind of morning that makes up the life of a new farmer, I think. I had Big Plans. Farm projects included: making some tough decisions about the tomatoes, going to Hom(o/e) Depot, transplanting tomatoes based on the tough decisions, more forceful encouragement of the peas to grow up the fence, and various other Projects.
I surveyed the tomatoes one last time before heading to the Depot, with the intention of making the decision on the way. A summary of the problem: the tomato plants growing two per pot are thriving, and one in each has started to flower. They can't keep sharing a pot, because they're adolescents now, and just like Mandrakes, they need to strike out on their own. So the question is where to put them outside of the reach of MiniChuck. Verdict: One of the plants I shocked practically to death (see this post if you forgot about those antics and my confession) isn't growing as fast as the others, and it doesn't have a strong, primary stalk. All the same, it's still growing so this decision is weighty. It may be worth putting one of the potted tomatoes there. That only left one more plant to find a home for, and since that bolted cilantro/coriander continues to mock me at every turn, that pot seemed like a good candidate for the final plant. Not to mention the fact that dumping that coriander would be extremely satisfying (it was, fyi).
The rapidly growing pots:
The smaller one:
Pour one for my homie.
On the way to the Depot, I decided that these kinds of life and death decisions are Trials of being a Farmer, and I just better get used to them if I'm going to be any good at this. I also realized that the weather was perfect for transplanting--cool (mid 60s), cloudy, and with the possibility of a shower. A sign, if you will.
All was not as it seemed, however. On the drive home, there appeared a Threat of Rain. Fine, I thought; then I wouldn't have to water the transplants. After unpacking the car and removing the stunted tomato plant, the showers started, and a quick glance to the sky made me wonder whether we were now under Threat of Hail. Long story short is that I finished the job as quickly as I could, but not without getting myself and Maisy completely drenched. I hope it was the right call. Time will tell, as they say. It was way too rainy to get pictures of the final product, but of course I'll post those soon. Here's what I could capture.
There's the farm. Pretty, isn't it? ;)
Farm Vitals
Yesterday's high: 83F
Yesterday's low: 65F
Warnings: "special weather statement" (aka threat of rain and hail for unsuspecting new farmers)
Mood of the farm: skeptical of its farmer
Reason to consider a new career: if this post doesn't answer that question, i don't know what would...
I surveyed the tomatoes one last time before heading to the Depot, with the intention of making the decision on the way. A summary of the problem: the tomato plants growing two per pot are thriving, and one in each has started to flower. They can't keep sharing a pot, because they're adolescents now, and just like Mandrakes, they need to strike out on their own. So the question is where to put them outside of the reach of MiniChuck. Verdict: One of the plants I shocked practically to death (see this post if you forgot about those antics and my confession) isn't growing as fast as the others, and it doesn't have a strong, primary stalk. All the same, it's still growing so this decision is weighty. It may be worth putting one of the potted tomatoes there. That only left one more plant to find a home for, and since that bolted cilantro/coriander continues to mock me at every turn, that pot seemed like a good candidate for the final plant. Not to mention the fact that dumping that coriander would be extremely satisfying (it was, fyi).
The rapidly growing pots:
The smaller one:
Pour one for my homie.
On the way to the Depot, I decided that these kinds of life and death decisions are Trials of being a Farmer, and I just better get used to them if I'm going to be any good at this. I also realized that the weather was perfect for transplanting--cool (mid 60s), cloudy, and with the possibility of a shower. A sign, if you will.
All was not as it seemed, however. On the drive home, there appeared a Threat of Rain. Fine, I thought; then I wouldn't have to water the transplants. After unpacking the car and removing the stunted tomato plant, the showers started, and a quick glance to the sky made me wonder whether we were now under Threat of Hail. Long story short is that I finished the job as quickly as I could, but not without getting myself and Maisy completely drenched. I hope it was the right call. Time will tell, as they say. It was way too rainy to get pictures of the final product, but of course I'll post those soon. Here's what I could capture.
There's the farm. Pretty, isn't it? ;)
Farm VitalsYesterday's high: 83F
Yesterday's low: 65F
Warnings: "special weather statement" (aka threat of rain and hail for unsuspecting new farmers)
Mood of the farm: skeptical of its farmer
Reason to consider a new career: if this post doesn't answer that question, i don't know what would...
Friday, June 27, 2008
You Know What This Means, Don't You?
Early Girls Overcome Their Early Experience Just in Time to Show Some Pride
Farm Vitals
Yesterday's high: 86F
Yesterday's low: 61F
Warnings: Enough with the grass pollen already. Glad to see a gentle rain.
Mood of the farm: flamboyant
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Farm Food Makes Everything Taste Better
I'm no Top Chef, so ignore the plating, but OMG this was delicious! The salad had farm salad greens and spinach in with the other spinach, grilled chicken, onions, corn, and pineapple, and a few sunflower seeds for good measure. Patio rosemary in the potato packets (Maxwell, 2008).
Mmmmmmmmmmmm.
Mmmmmmmmmmmm.
Okay Okay It's the Herb Report
Settle down, people. I had no idea there was so much interest in the Herb Report. Mostly, I assumed once again that interest in the herbs went in the same category as everything else about the Farm--humoring me because you know I'm obsessed, and you're all good friends/strangers. Or you're a master grad school procrastinator like me. But lo and behold, I received emails about the lack of a thorough Herb Report, and face-to-face questioning and expression of Disappointment (one even featuring a claim that the herbs were feeling left out and would stop growing). So without further ado...
The mint seems to be growing, despite the ridiculous amount of weeds I have neglected to pull. I'm chalking it up to George, because I certainly haven't been providing any attention...
Here are more recent photos of the Thai Basil and Sweet Basil, which you can see are extremely happy. Farmer N has been using both to great effect!
Here's one of the cilantros, bolting its little brains out. Have I mentioned how much I dislike coriander? It was good while it lasted, I guess, but this farming gig provides a lot of Learning Opportunities. And one of the primary herb lessons I've learned to far is that Minnesota is just too hot for growing cilantro outside in the summer. Spring, sure. Fall maybe. But not the summer.
Friends, I'd like to admit that the Herb Report is forcing me to tip my hand regarding an area of the Farm I haven't even told you about yet. It's true, you and MiniFarm have not been properly introduced. I could explain all the reasons why, but I think instead, I'll just introduce you. I hope you don't have too many Feelings about being left out of part of the Farm. MiniFarm, meet the good people of the internets. Good people of the internets, meet MiniFarm, circa June 11th and 26th.
What's that you say? It looks like a bunch of weeds? And I took the pictures from different angles like a tool so you can't tell what's going on? I know, I know. It's one of the reasons you haven't been introduced. Here are a few close-ups of what's growing there.
More bolting-its-brains-out cilantro from my patio in the left corner of MiniFarm.
Green onions, with giant flowers.
Alright, now this one is really interesting. Most of the plants in this area are transplants, generously donated from SG, and this particular one she received from the wilds of somewhere. I don't know. It's a wild onion. But when I transplanted them (look in the first picture above), the leaves immediately died--the the papery, tan leaves in the bottom of the landscape picture of MiniFarm. Just yesterday, when I went to water, I noticed that this little shoot sprouted up while I was away! I'm excited to see what it will look like, and to taste the wild onions next summer.
Also living in MiniFarm, but not close-up pictured: garlic chives and green beans (you can see them in the overview pics). Both are a little worse for the wear because that part of MiniFarm turns out to be the very best place to rest on a hot day, because the dirt is cool. I mean, if you're a dog, not a person, and especially if you're a dog who likes to be close to her mama while she's Farming, cleaning out the garage, or gardening. Probably if you're one of those dogs, you'd look like this in your excitement over Harvest Day:
Farm Vitals
Yesterday's high: 87F
Yesterday's low: 71F
Warnings: Pollen still kickin'
Mood of the farm: The tomatoes are starting to flower!!!!!
Farming Math Lesson: [mosquito bites + hockey practice(shin guards*sweating)]/90 minutes = the least comfortable experience I've had in a while
The mint seems to be growing, despite the ridiculous amount of weeds I have neglected to pull. I'm chalking it up to George, because I certainly haven't been providing any attention...
Here are more recent photos of the Thai Basil and Sweet Basil, which you can see are extremely happy. Farmer N has been using both to great effect!
Here's one of the cilantros, bolting its little brains out. Have I mentioned how much I dislike coriander? It was good while it lasted, I guess, but this farming gig provides a lot of Learning Opportunities. And one of the primary herb lessons I've learned to far is that Minnesota is just too hot for growing cilantro outside in the summer. Spring, sure. Fall maybe. But not the summer.
Friends, I'd like to admit that the Herb Report is forcing me to tip my hand regarding an area of the Farm I haven't even told you about yet. It's true, you and MiniFarm have not been properly introduced. I could explain all the reasons why, but I think instead, I'll just introduce you. I hope you don't have too many Feelings about being left out of part of the Farm. MiniFarm, meet the good people of the internets. Good people of the internets, meet MiniFarm, circa June 11th and 26th.
What's that you say? It looks like a bunch of weeds? And I took the pictures from different angles like a tool so you can't tell what's going on? I know, I know. It's one of the reasons you haven't been introduced. Here are a few close-ups of what's growing there.More bolting-its-brains-out cilantro from my patio in the left corner of MiniFarm.
Green onions, with giant flowers.
Alright, now this one is really interesting. Most of the plants in this area are transplants, generously donated from SG, and this particular one she received from the wilds of somewhere. I don't know. It's a wild onion. But when I transplanted them (look in the first picture above), the leaves immediately died--the the papery, tan leaves in the bottom of the landscape picture of MiniFarm. Just yesterday, when I went to water, I noticed that this little shoot sprouted up while I was away! I'm excited to see what it will look like, and to taste the wild onions next summer.
Also living in MiniFarm, but not close-up pictured: garlic chives and green beans (you can see them in the overview pics). Both are a little worse for the wear because that part of MiniFarm turns out to be the very best place to rest on a hot day, because the dirt is cool. I mean, if you're a dog, not a person, and especially if you're a dog who likes to be close to her mama while she's Farming, cleaning out the garage, or gardening. Probably if you're one of those dogs, you'd look like this in your excitement over Harvest Day:
Farm Vitals
Yesterday's high: 87F
Yesterday's low: 71F
Warnings: Pollen still kickin'
Mood of the farm: The tomatoes are starting to flower!!!!!
Farming Math Lesson: [mosquito bites + hockey practice(shin guards*sweating)]/90 minutes = the least comfortable experience I've had in a while
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Pride and Joy
This is it, people. The farm was planted on May 24th, and here we are, on June 25th with the very first harvest. Just a month of love and attention, and what do we have? A midnight harvest of bounty! Well maybe not midnight, and maybe not bounty, in the truest sense of the word, but it's definitely a harvest. And I'm definitely excited to eat something I grew. I think tomorrow, I will grill corn and chicken to slice on the salad greens and spinach harvest, along with sunflower seeds and some dried cranberries. Getting hungry already!
Herb Reports Are Overrated Because It's Almost Harvest Day!
Alright, I've been promising an herb report for ages, but I am way more excited that today is the first Harvest Day! Lettuce and spinach will be emerging from the garden and onto a salad plate near you (or near me, at least!). It's the best day of the Farm so far. I'll of course have copious amounts of photographic evidence.
But in the meantime, here is a picture of some of the herbs so I haven't completely broken my promise to you people of the internets. The latest update is that cilantro is a big tease, and not the good kind. Just when the weather makes me want to eat cilantro at every meal, the cilantro plants bolted! Who wants to eat coriander, anyway? Lame.
Farm Vitals
Yesterday's high: 87F
Yesterday's low: 62F
Warnings: The grass pollen is kickin'.
Mood of the farm: Probably a little nervous that I'm so excited about getting near it with scissors.
Reason to consider a new career: None. Reason to go into farming however, is the unrestrained joy I felt upon hearing these words, "Well, it's only 2 or 3 acres, but you'd get to drive the tractor and the tiller if you want to." (!!!!)
But in the meantime, here is a picture of some of the herbs so I haven't completely broken my promise to you people of the internets. The latest update is that cilantro is a big tease, and not the good kind. Just when the weather makes me want to eat cilantro at every meal, the cilantro plants bolted! Who wants to eat coriander, anyway? Lame.
Farm Vitals
Yesterday's high: 87F
Yesterday's low: 62F
Warnings: The grass pollen is kickin'.
Mood of the farm: Probably a little nervous that I'm so excited about getting near it with scissors.
Reason to consider a new career: None. Reason to go into farming however, is the unrestrained joy I felt upon hearing these words, "Well, it's only 2 or 3 acres, but you'd get to drive the tractor and the tiller if you want to." (!!!!)
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
George and MiniChuck, Ready for Their Closeups
1) I'd like to officially welcome George to the Farm. He's going to be a real help.
2) It's a member of the Chuck Family! We had a little photo shoot yesterday, and I think this one really does MiniChuck justice.
There have been a variety of other wildlife events on the farm lately, but they are far far far too disgusting for me to relay them. Farming is a dirty job in ways I never anticipated. Thank you to Farmer/Consumer H for braving the stench and demonstrating her, um, disposal skills. Also thanks to Farmer/Consumer N for putting the Farm to good use. Farm basil + caprese salad = happy bellies. That's the math lesson of the day.
I'll be on a pilgrimage to find Dunkin Donuts coffee, I mean doing Important Scholarly Work. See you Wednesday, when I will finally post the Herb Report.
Farm Vitals
Yesterday's high: 81F
Yesterday's low: 59F
Warnings: Pollen Alert
Mood of the farm: Thinking about flowers, in light of all that pollen, I hope!
Reason to consider a new career: Weak stomach in face of Wild Non-life Stench. Ugh.
2) It's a member of the Chuck Family! We had a little photo shoot yesterday, and I think this one really does MiniChuck justice.
There have been a variety of other wildlife events on the farm lately, but they are far far far too disgusting for me to relay them. Farming is a dirty job in ways I never anticipated. Thank you to Farmer/Consumer H for braving the stench and demonstrating her, um, disposal skills. Also thanks to Farmer/Consumer N for putting the Farm to good use. Farm basil + caprese salad = happy bellies. That's the math lesson of the day.
I'll be on a pilgrimage to find Dunkin Donuts coffee, I mean doing Important Scholarly Work. See you Wednesday, when I will finally post the Herb Report.
Farm Vitals
Yesterday's high: 81F
Yesterday's low: 59F
Warnings: Pollen Alert
Mood of the farm: Thinking about flowers, in light of all that pollen, I hope!
Reason to consider a new career: Weak stomach in face of Wild Non-life Stench. Ugh.
Green Thumb Sunday: Dogs Play on the Farm Edition
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Gardeners, Plant and Nature lovers can join in every Sunday, visit As the Garden Grows for more information.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Everybody Loves a Volunteer
Okay... Here is your volunteer update.
Volunteer #2. Pulled.
Volunteer #5. Not pulled, for curiosity and other scientific purposes.
Well, the volunteer situation was not really as exciting as I had hoped. Suburban Farmer and some other Anonymous individual had it right about the weeds. And about 1, 2 (possibly), and 5 being the same plant. Though I do think it is interesting how much smaller #2 is than 1 and 5... Anyway, much as I'd like to give the big victory to Anonymous because s/he complimented my pie, I'll have to give it to Suburban Gardener, because I actually know who she is. Though for the record, two days in a row where I admit Suburban Gardener is right or the winner is really pushing it. Don't get used to it, SG! If the Powell Procedure was involved, I'd totally be right.
Hey--in other news. H managed to get a great photo of the albino squirrel that has been hanging around in the general vicinity of the farm lately. Evidence and commentary, particularly regarding the special ability of the albino to make dogs go crazy available here.
Farm Vitals
Yesterday's high: 83F
Yesterday's low: 52F
Warnings: Summer might be here for real.
Mood of the farm: Patiently growing.
Reason to consider a new career: Farmer has been known to get a little, uh, disregulated in regards to the Farm.
Volunteer #1. Pulled.
Volunteer #2. Pulled.
Volunteer #3. Also pulled.
Volunteer #4. Definitely pulled.
Volunteer #5. Not pulled, for curiosity and other scientific purposes.
Well, the volunteer situation was not really as exciting as I had hoped. Suburban Farmer and some other Anonymous individual had it right about the weeds. And about 1, 2 (possibly), and 5 being the same plant. Though I do think it is interesting how much smaller #2 is than 1 and 5... Anyway, much as I'd like to give the big victory to Anonymous because s/he complimented my pie, I'll have to give it to Suburban Gardener, because I actually know who she is. Though for the record, two days in a row where I admit Suburban Gardener is right or the winner is really pushing it. Don't get used to it, SG! If the Powell Procedure was involved, I'd totally be right.
Hey--in other news. H managed to get a great photo of the albino squirrel that has been hanging around in the general vicinity of the farm lately. Evidence and commentary, particularly regarding the special ability of the albino to make dogs go crazy available here.
Farm Vitals
Yesterday's high: 83F
Yesterday's low: 52F
Warnings: Summer might be here for real.
Mood of the farm: Patiently growing.
Reason to consider a new career: Farmer has been known to get a little, uh, disregulated in regards to the Farm.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
My How You've Grown
Friends, Farmers, Pioneers, and Countrymen!
I returned to the farm last night after a six day hiatus, and I cannot even begin to describe the changes. If I'm not careful, I'm afraid this post could stretch on for days and days. So to get everyone up to speed, I thought a newspaper headline approach might be best...
Farm Vitals
Yesterday's high: 78F
Yesterday's low: 53F
Warnings: none
Mood of the farm: joyful at the return of the farmer (if I may be so modest)
Reason to consider a new career: the spinach and carrot fiasco is a little humbling...
I returned to the farm last night after a six day hiatus, and I cannot even begin to describe the changes. If I'm not careful, I'm afraid this post could stretch on for days and days. So to get everyone up to speed, I thought a newspaper headline approach might be best...
Farmer Gower's Tomatoes Demonstrate Resilience in Non-Human Species
(page A-1, above the fold)
Just a week ago, these were the cold, stunted tomato plants I almost pulled out. Now they're out of hibernation and growing with gusto. As much as it pains me to say it because she does not need one additional ounce of encouragement, Suburban Farmer was *cough*right*cough*. Farming takes patience, and this farmer needs to find some stat.
(page A-1, above the fold)
Just a week ago, these were the cold, stunted tomato plants I almost pulled out. Now they're out of hibernation and growing with gusto. As much as it pains me to say it because she does not need one additional ounce of encouragement, Suburban Farmer was *cough*right*cough*. Farming takes patience, and this farmer needs to find some stat.
Intensive Cultivation Method Proves Once Again Farmer Has a Lot to Learn
(page A-1, below the fold)
(page A-1, below the fold)
Folks, I've already admitted my less-than-accurate impression of the probability of planted seeds growing. I get it. They grow. All of them. But now I am left with this mess, which I really have no idea how to thin. I'm going to give it a shot this weekend, and will of course keep you posted. The good news, I guess, is that the carrots have now sprouted too along with the spinach.
Beans and Peas as High as a MiniChuck's Eye, and It Looks Like They're Climbing Clear Up to the Sky
(page A-2)
Rabbits Weep at Edge of Fence Keeping Them From Lettuce Bounty
(page A-4)
I think the first salad leaves will be ready to pick in a week or two. At least the chilly spring weather was good for one crop. The Romaine will take a little longer, but not much.
Strawberries, Watermelon, Zucchini, and Onions Keep on Keepin' On
(page A-10)
Weeds Threaten to Overtake Farm, Require Immediate Attention
(page B-1, above the fold, city section)
For instance, have a look around this bunch of carrot seedlings. I know what I'll be doing this weekend.
Neighbors Report Disturbance at 419; Farmer Found Shouting, Dancing a Jig in Joy, Surveying Her Bounty
(page C-18, Police Blotter)
The farm in the first rays of morning sun, after reuniting with its Farmer and a good soak from the hose (side note: Farmer can't believe there are places where you still have to water after her excursion to the rest of the midwest). Cages placed on tomatoes that are staying for the whole summer. Tomatoes without cages better shape up or risk replacement, though the jury is still out. Herb Report and Volunteer Update later this week.
Beans and Peas as High as a MiniChuck's Eye, and It Looks Like They're Climbing Clear Up to the Sky
(page A-2)
Rabbits Weep at Edge of Fence Keeping Them From Lettuce Bounty
(page A-4)
I think the first salad leaves will be ready to pick in a week or two. At least the chilly spring weather was good for one crop. The Romaine will take a little longer, but not much.
Strawberries, Watermelon, Zucchini, and Onions Keep on Keepin' On
(page A-10)
Weeds Threaten to Overtake Farm, Require Immediate Attention
(page B-1, above the fold, city section)
For instance, have a look around this bunch of carrot seedlings. I know what I'll be doing this weekend.
Neighbors Report Disturbance at 419; Farmer Found Shouting, Dancing a Jig in Joy, Surveying Her Bounty
(page C-18, Police Blotter)
The farm in the first rays of morning sun, after reuniting with its Farmer and a good soak from the hose (side note: Farmer can't believe there are places where you still have to water after her excursion to the rest of the midwest). Cages placed on tomatoes that are staying for the whole summer. Tomatoes without cages better shape up or risk replacement, though the jury is still out. Herb Report and Volunteer Update later this week.
Farm Vitals
Yesterday's high: 78F
Yesterday's low: 53F
Warnings: none
Mood of the farm: joyful at the return of the farmer (if I may be so modest)
Reason to consider a new career: the spinach and carrot fiasco is a little humbling...
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