The first till of the season.

We watch in wonder as the new tiller shows us its magical skills.  Hopefully, this labourer will reduce some of our workload as we carve out our veggie beds for the season.

Already, the overwhelming feeling of too much to do has come.  But, I am trying to keep things in perspective because, after all, the days will pass whether I get everything done or not, right?  The weather has been great and we are on our field early this year.  The garlic did make it after all.  Gardening always makes me realize how resilient plants are and it never ceases to amaze me.  I believe that when I am seventy I will still wander around the garden in spring and say to myself and the plants, “Wow, we made it through the winter.”  Saying that, I still put a fire on this morning because of the North wind blowing away and our house holds onto the damp like a wet towel balled up in the corner.  Oh, and did I mention the good ole blackflies are about.  Fun, fun!

 

 

Anticipation.

Our garden season of 2012 is officially started!  Teeny sprouts are poking their way up to the light.  I have a hard time holding myself back from planting too much too early.  So, right now, I must be happy with leeks, green onions, spinach, lettuce, herbs and I just had to try a few early Siberian Red tomatoes.  Today I noticed, when I was out purchasing some more seed trays, that the stores are ready too.  All the garden products are on display and I was not the only one perusing the aisles.

This year we are going to be back at the Sault Ste. Marie Farmers’ Market and I am looking forward to it.  I really enjoy talking about vegetables and getting some wonderful, inventive ways to prepare fresh food from the garden.  It’s an education and a chance to share a passion.  Yes, of course it is hard work and we have to get up pretty early to be there but is the sort of work that doesn’t seem like work to me.  It reminds me of those long hours I used to work at a fruit and veggie market back home.  Although sometimes I wished I was tree-planting like everyone else, I enjoyed the customers and I think I was training for later.  Who knew that one day I would be selling my own veggies?  Thanks, “Chickens”, for hiring me.  It is an experience I think about often.

CSA Open for Registration

For all those thinking about eating healthier, don’t forget about your local farmers who are already starting seeds and sketching out garden plans.  Join a CSA and help yourself and struggling small farmers around you.

Winter Tracks.

As usual when I go out with the camera I unconsciously take pictures of lanes, roads, tracks etc.  I am not sure why but I like the effect here.   This is my favourite kind of winter day; cool and sunny.  Still, when I walk on our land, I don’t really believe I live here.  It is amazing when a childhood dream of becoming a farmer actually comes true.  Thanks for all the support from everyone.  We appreciate it!

Sunlight Splendor

Happy Winter!

We find ourselves in January 2012 with  somewhat more rested physical selves and clearer visions.  The “New Year” for me doesn’t start in January anymore.   I have finally stamped out the “school-imprinted fresh start September” and now, Springtime is when I feel ready for a new year.  I  think working outside and being on the farm has helped me get there.   Last night I went out to feed the chickens their scraps around 5pm and they were getting ready to go in for the night.   Happy to see the leftovers, they quickly changed their route to fight over the tomato ends and crusts and lettuce greens.  Every day, I see how making use of the daylight and working with weather makes a lot more sense and fits with our own natural rhythm.  One can go in after a day outside and feel a rest earned, instead of going home after sitting in an office and feeling restless energy and the lack of sunlight.  I know that every day can’t be like this for most people, including me.  Sometimes I do have to sit inside and look at a computer screen while the sun shines but I think I am luckier than most.  For some reason each season seems brand new each time it comes.  Have a great winter and try to notice how sunny it is in January and February.  Breathe in the fresh cool air after being inside.  It is revitalizing.

Planting at Paschendale

The past few days as I slog around the farm with huge cakes of clay mud on my rubbers that refuse to shake off, I envision what it was like for soliders during World War I vicariously stepping on bridges of wood through the mud.  When I think about them I feel ashamed about wanting to give up the idea of planting our 2000 cloves of garlic.  This field continues to challenge us.  As it stands, there are 400 cloves of garlic in their trench already planted with a few inches of mulch on top for safe keeping, waiting for early spring.  At least, that is what I hope they will do.  I hope they do not get too wet and rot and go soft in their mud beds.  We did everything we could to lighten up our clay soil.  I see now we did not do enough.  I dream of next June (about when the field will be dry enough) when  a huge load of sand will sift into the clay soil and make our fall and spring planting bearable.  But until then, we must perservere.  Today I stole nice dry soil from my backyard garden and robbed the coop of its golden chicken droppings and spent my morning spreading and mixing this elixir into the good ole clay field.  We have a plan to tarp the planting area if need be.  I will not let a drop of rain fall on that field until all the garlic is in.  Thank you to the powers that be for the wonderful sun and strong winds today.  I didn’t even care about the hay dust and chicken shavings flying about.  We are closer and closer to completing this task and hopefully the next time I post all the shiny red cloves with their silvery skin will be put to bed until spring when we will weed them at least ten times until harvest.  But I will not think of weeding right now. I will think about all the people who do not make it homesteading and how I don’t want to be a part of those stats.  Good luck to anyone else who is slogging it out there be it tulip bulbs or garlic – just think of how you’ll feel when they come up in the spring.

Fall Reflections

Rested, relaxed and looking forward to next season I thought it wise to delay a new blog until I had time to reflect.  Although the garlic is not in yet, my herbs are not quite put to bed and our house is a mess due to a slightly necessary renovation, I still feel the relaxation of winter on my soul.  I look forward to cooking elaborate dinners for friends and having time in the mornings before work to play with young Sam.  I have already begun to pile all my garden books in strategic locations around the house for relaxed perusing (do I need all Eliot Coleman’s books?) and my filing is going to get done.   We have taken time for a holiday, spoiled ourselves with a few new tool purchases and we are getting settled in for a few good tv series (right now “The Pacific” – excellent).  Although I dread the winter commuting ahead for work, we are missing Luke at school everyday and we suspect an even busier garden season ahead, all are contented as can be at HOME on the farm.  Happy fall!