January Update

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The farm took a real dive in production with the extremely cold weather at the beginning of December. It was in the single digits and even the hardiest of hardy – kale did not survive. Many of the overwintering col crops; broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage died and rotted in the field.  All of the planning in the world does not take that kind of cold weather into account. Even much of our overwintering lettuce in the hoop house died from the cold.

We are gearing up to pack the hoop houses as soon as we can with quick growing crops to have plenty of veggies for the start of the season mid April. One of our hoop houses will be dedicated to production of early tomatoes and much of our pepper crop. We are cleaning up and checking our heating blankets to start those tender seeds.

Our seedling hoop house got a new cement floor to help with necessary hygiene to combat pests. Juvencio will build new benches and we will be in business by the end of the month. Our first crops to get seeded are the onions and peppers. We will also concentrate on the early brassicas like kale and Chinese broccoli and lettuce. We have a tight schedule and need to get back up to speed.

We will hold our annual pruning party on February 23. We will start early and work until we finish. Dave Allie our resident arborist will be on hand to give a brief lesson before you climb into the old apple and pear trees and get to work. We have a pot luck as well and generally have a really fun day rain or shine. Save the date, more information to come.

If any of you have driven by the farm in the late fall or early winter you will notice that the cemetery on the corner had all of the trees taken out. We were shocked by the change in landscape and saddened, as it looks so barren. Today I had the good fortune to stop and chat with a PGE representative along with a representative from the Baptist Church of Oregon. They will work with neighbors (us!) to choose the new trees that will be planted in February.

Other good news in the world of Washington County. Elizabeth Furse has stepped forward to run against Bob Terry for a seat on the Washington County Commissioners. She is forward thinking and wants thoughtful growth with emphasis on preserving farmland. We will be hosting a house party to give you all a chance to meet her and hear what she hopes to accomplish. She will need our help both foot work and financially to get elected. For more information visit her website: http://elizabethfurse.com/ and keep your eyes out for the date and time of the house party here at the farm.

We still have space for 2014 season, so please let your friends and neighbors know, now is the time to join our community. See the member information page on the top bar.

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