This massive garden was proclaimed to be an experiment from the very beginning. A few months in, it continues to be an experiment. While we were out of town, the garden explode with weeds and grass. Try as we might, we just can’t get it gone and caught up. The juggle of life with weeding is a rough one. That …
Day 103: Quarantined on the Farm
Our lives are very different from what they were in March. Aaron and I are no strangers to things changing dramatically and quickly. Still, this dramatic and quick shift wasn’t quite in our control. Given the option, I’m reasonably certain we wouldn’t have chosen it. Tonight, we strapped Isai’s car seat into the side-by-side and went on a drive to …
The Kittens are Growing So Fast
With warmer weather, we’ve gained bigger, more adventurous kittens. The kitty crew is still pretty partial to their original barn. But, I’ve got to say, I’ve loved seeing them venture to the garden and run about the out-buildings. While we were out of town, they got plenty of love and pets from our animal sitter. The extra time with someone …
Cherry Pits
Before we took off for Utah, I took an early morning to clear our tiny cherry tree of its ripe, tart little fruits. Mac joined me as a rustled about the branches. He intercepted the occasional head rub and then continued about his climbing. I had originally intended to sell the harvest as part of our pop-up produce stand at …
Coming Home to Color
After a week away, we weren’t 100% sure what to expect from the garden. We left with quite a bit of weeding needing to be done. Grass had invaded the South garden and was slowly making its way into the North. The arugula had started to go to seed – but aside from a handful of small white flowers, the leafy …
This Week on the Farm: June 15-21, 2020
We could call it a “quiet” week on the farm, but that wouldn’t quite be true. The farm was likely as busy as ever – we just weren’t here to see it. The Crossley family took a much-needed break from the farm quarantine for a road trip to Moab, Utah. While we were away, the farm still did farm stuff. …
Our First Produce Pop-Up for Harvesters
Before we could leave for our week-long vacation, we wanted to clear some of the ready-to-eat produce from the garden and orchard. We had quite a few salad greens ready to be harvested. Buttercrunch lettuce, arugula and nasturtium were all ready to go. There was no honest way I would personally eat everything that was ready to harvest. But, I …
This Week on the Farm: June 8-14, 2020
Life is nuts. Here’s the summary: We brought home a produce cart! For real. Myrtle is quietly resting in the garage while we look for ways to get her painted and freshened up. I couldn’t be more excited that she’s here. Meet her. Cedar-Apple rust is attacking some of our orchard trees. Generally, it seems to be a minimal threat …
Our First Hay Harvest
The hay was cut on Wednesday. By this morning, it was ready for raking and baling. To be entirely honest, I was not entirely prepared for exactly what kind of undertaking this would be. After years and years of growing up on a farm – I’ve seen harvests happen in a number of ways. Never, though, have I been quite this …
Herb Pots for the Chickens
I’ve done a bit of reading about various herbs and their benefits for the chickens’ health. Turns out – tossing some rosemary or mint into the boxes now and again is a great way to keep the flock healthy, disease-free and happy. Win-win-win. Earlier this Spring, Anna planted a bunch of herbs in the garden box next to our deck. …