The only trouble with nice Spring like weather in January is the fact that it won’t last and the cold is coming back. But we’ll take what we can get and beyond comfort last weeks temps allowed us to do some much needed seeding and watering. The week didn’t quite start off so nice, not only was it a chilly start but the Sunday before last a ghastly sight was discovered in Durham. Something no four season grower wants to see, visible from hundreds of feet away a large tear in the cover of a high tunnel. It was a sight so horrible Joel had no choice but to walk away for the afternoon vowing to return tomorrow. The next day with what we hoped was enough poly batch tape and a plan the majority of the day was spent in the rafters of the tunnel meticulously taping away. Luckily this tear, though some 20 feet long was not in a bad spot and we had just enough tape on hand to do the job, so for now the tunnel is safe. This and another tunnel in Middlefield both have the oldest covers on them, approaching or past ten years and are overdue to be replaced. So in a way this tear is a good thing highlighting the need to replace these covers when the warmer weather returns.
Meanwhile though the colder weather may be returning as the week rolls on things on the farm are certainly heating up. We are turning up the temperature in the heated garage/grow room that will for the next few months be our main germinating and early growth location for all the veg you love. Reorganizing the space should allow us to have about twice the table space for starts and literally give us a head start as the season gets going. The trays of bok choy and lettuce seeded last week have already sprouted and this week again has a list of many seedings to start. There is talk of when to start the first herbs and tomatoes over coffee and even the first interviews for this year’s crew are being tentatively scheduled. Things seem as though they are ready to go all out but we must practice some restraint and patience as we weather the cold of the season.
We are saddened to mention the loss of one of the founding Members of the Good Food Community that exist Saturdays in New Haven. Chuck Haralson owner of Sugar Maple Farms was a vendor along side Star Light and David every Saturday for 18 years. His honest and straightforward attitude and heart sweeter than the honey he sold will be dearly missed. Sugar Maple Farms plans to continue operations and it warms our hearts that Chuck’s legacy lives on.
Have a Great Week