Well, another day has started, and the list of things to do is as long as ever. And while I know I’ve been less than diligent about updates, I’m sure all of you understand just how busy I am these days, especially with the chickens.

AROUND THE FARM
As far as general announcements go, first off, let me say thanks to those who came by the farm this past weekend. I hope you’re all enjoying the eggs.

Second, since I have opened up more than a month before I normally would, I have to stress that it will still be some time before I have any real amounts of veg to put out for sale. While there are some crops that are much further along than in the past, the weather conditions here on the mountaintop preclude me from getting a whole lot in the ground as early as I would like.

Third, the stand hours will be the same for over Memorial Day weekend – open Saturday and Sunday.

IN THE FIELD
Most of the main field area has been tilled, with less than a third left to be plowed. The weather has made this a very difficult proposition this year, with the limited number of days when I can actually do the work. Still, progress is being made, and it will all be done shortly.

A whole bunch of additional crops have already been planted or seeded, including Potatoes, Snap Peas, Cilantro, Radish, Scallions, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale, and Onions. Over the course of this week, I will also be planting Tomatoes, Cucumbers, and Zucchini. So, all in all, the field is filling out quickly.

Of course, with the veggies going in, the bugs have come out already. The little flea beetles have been doing a number on the Broccoli plants, and I am responding to them with the usual natural and organic treatments. I’m sincerely hoping the rapid emergence this year is not an indicator that the bug situation will wind up being over the top this year. Guess I’ll just have to wait and see.

FROM THE COOP
The chickens seem to be doing quite well. Dealing with the chickens is quite an interesting experience. The eggs are slowly getting bigger and bigger.

One hen the other day decided to make a break for it. When I opened the door she got the better of me and made for the hills. Took about 20 minutes to catch her and get her back into the safety of the coop and pen. The only thing that helped was that she circled back to see what the other chickens in the pen were doing and if they had gotten any treats that she might be might be missing out on getting.

When I say the safety of the coop and pen, I am quite serious. There are great number of predators in the area, including bear, coyote, fox, fisher cats, weasel, hawks, osprey, and a bald eagle. Right after I got the chickens and had them come outside the very first time, within minutes a fox popped out of the tree line to take a peek and observe what these potentially tasty new additions to the neighborhood were up to and if they were easily accessible. Needless to say, they are not easily accessible – fully sealed and secured coop, and double-layer fenced pen with both behind high-power electric fencing. (Note to all – DON’T TOUCH THE ELECTRIC FENCE)

OTHER GENERAL INFO
As I said above, the stand will only be open on Saturday 10 – 6 and Sunday 10 – 4, including over the holiday weekend. There will be no additional hours this week, so please plan accordingly. While I would like to be open extra hours already, I simply have too much other work to accomplish over the next few weeks. I’m hoping you all understand.

I think that will wrap it up for this update. If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email or text. Calling right now will likely only go to voicemail due to work with the tractor, and will delay a response.  Lastly, be sure to start checking the What’s Available page as it will once again be updated on a regular basis.