On Saturday, May 23, Lindsey, Ben and I (Lauren) from the Fresh Stop Ministry headed out to Misty Meadows farm for a riveting day of planting, planting and more planting with our Farmers Ralph and Kathy. Before we headed out there, they had informed us that in their neck of the woods, it had started raining in March and didn't stop until mid-May. This bombardment of rain definitely complicated the planting process; planting when the soil is too wet just isn't advisable and rarely successful. In addition to that, after the rain, the farmers must wait until the soil is dry enough to be re-tilled (which could be several days). This poses yet another problem because certain vegetables need to be in the ground at very specific times based on their (the vegetable's) preference of climate and soil temperature. As a result, Ralph and Kathy lost a variety of crops such as arugula, parsley, cabbage, kale, lettuce, beets and onions (lots of onions!). After hearing this, I was sure to find Misty Meadows farm in a muddy, brown, swampy state with no signs of growth. However, despite the abundance of rain and much to our sweet surprise, the farm was covered with a lovely green blanket of upcoming vegetables consisting of kale (2 types), kohlrabi, green onions, bulb onions, lettuce (several types), yellow squash, zephyr squash, zucchini, cu
cumbers (slicers and picklers), approximately 2500 tomato plants (several varieties), peppers, eggplant, broccoli, potatoes, cauliflower, cabbage, napa cabbage, peas and swiss chard. The three of us helped with the manual planting of four long rows of two different types of tomatoes and then with the planting of an assortment of greens using the setter. Lindsey, Ben and I had no previous experience with a setter, which is a fun-looking apparatus that attaches to the back of the tractor and assists in transplanting. We are all still trying to figure this machine out, so explaining
cumbers (slicers and picklers), approximately 2500 tomato plants (several varieties), peppers, eggplant, broccoli, potatoes, cauliflower, cabbage, napa cabbage, peas and swiss chard. The three of us helped with the manual planting of four long rows of two different types of tomatoes and then with the planting of an assortment of greens using the setter. Lindsey, Ben and I had no previous experience with a setter, which is a fun-looking apparatus that attaches to the back of the tractor and assists in transplanting. We are all still trying to figure this machine out, so explaining precisely how it works would be complicated....so I'll give you a mental image instead. It felt similar to one of those shaky rides found at a traveling carnival, but proved to be very efficient and enjoyable to ride.
As soon as the rain calms down yet again, Ralph, Kathy and any volunteers interested in helping out, will be ready to plant carrots and beets (this week), winter squash, pumpkins, more tomatoes, spinach, swiss chard, eggplant…not all at one time, but over the course of the next few months. They'll have fall turnips, but no spring turnips as it’s too late. And last but not least (one of my personal favorites), sweet potato slips will be arriving mid-June to the farm and will need to be planted! A CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS!!!!
In conclusion, the day at the farm was a complete inspiration to see how res
ilient and steadfast vegetables can be even when pummeled incessantly by large amounts of water. We encourage our blog readers to get involved with this project and with the growth of their food. There is nothing more refreshing than being out in nature, working with our hands, connecting with the land and seeing the fruits of our previous labor coming up and blanketing the ground. Soon, we will be nourished by what we have grown ourselves. Thanks again to you all for being a part of this project and a HUGE thank you to our amazing farmers Ralph and Kathy Packard.
ilient and steadfast vegetables can be even when pummeled incessantly by large amounts of water. We encourage our blog readers to get involved with this project and with the growth of their food. There is nothing more refreshing than being out in nature, working with our hands, connecting with the land and seeing the fruits of our previous labor coming up and blanketing the ground. Soon, we will be nourished by what we have grown ourselves. Thanks again to you all for being a part of this project and a HUGE thank you to our amazing farmers Ralph and Kathy Packard. If you are interested in volunteering, email Lauren at lauren.sawayer@gmail.com.
