Spring Season 2012

Well I have to tell you.....this spring has been VERY BUSY to say the least! I don't even know where to begin!
We started with the website and facebook ( business side of things), getting the fields ready from last year; plowing a new field.....oh before even that..... we put up a greenhouse!
With fields ready and greenhouse up; we then had to plan the fields (planting), order seeds and plant, plant, plant! The weather was very helpful this spring with beautiful sunny days. One of the greatest joys I personally have is listening to the birds while in the fields. They are soooo busy getting their nests ready for up coming family arrivals. I see lots of American Gold Finches, Blue Jays, Black Birds, Mourning Doves, Sparrows, Crows, Ravens, Red Tailed Hawks, Pheasants  and many more......oh and of course...our family of Eagles!
While in the fields, they tend to fly over watching what we are doing.
Last year was our first season, so planting was the basics; one kind of tomato, one or two kinds of beans, etc. I just wanted to learn what would grow on this land. This year is quite a bit different!  To list some of what we have planned for this season:
Serveral types of Sunflowers, so far 3 different types of carrots, 2 of spinach, mixed greens, mild and spicey. We have 6 different varieties of potatoes planted. Cabbage ( seeds and transplants). Beans so far about 4 different varieties.Arugula, kale, peas, 3 different varieties of beets so far, eggplant ( not sure how they are going to do; but we'll try them). Ornamental corn and sweet corn, 4 varieties of cucumbers, about seven varieties of tomatoes ( some I started from herloom seed and some from transplants). Leeks are new this year; along with cauliflower, brussel sprouts and brocolli ( again some I started from seed and some transplants). Radish, head lettuce ( various types , like romaine, butterhead, red rapids, ice burg). Celery, onions, asparugus ( for next year), swiss chard, Summer squash ( 4 varieties), winter squash ( 2 varieties), pumpkins ( I think 4- Jack-o-lantern, knucklehead, pie, little craft ones), watermelon, cantaloupe, ornamental gourds ( for fall decorating and bird house variety), peppers ( from seed and transplants - green, red,  and 3 hot pepper varieties), turnip will be a bit later. I also started herbs this year....most from seed.  Lavendar, rosemary,basil, cilantro ( my favorite), parsley, oregano, thyme, sage, summer savory, dill,  and borage ( this is mostly for helping in the garden with insect control). And more planting to come!
 A couple of exciting things that have happened ... one-thanks to the greenhouse; when the Kentville Farmers Market opened on May 16th; we were there...with produce to sell! I was very happy and pleased that we could open with the market! That was a big milestone for us!
Another exciting thing is our CSA program. It has been received very well this year. We have filled all our shares with families that are as excited as we are to have the fresh produce every week for a 20-week share. We will delivering out first boxes in a couple of weeks and I am very excited.
We have been very busy this spring... that includes Don ( on his weekends and evenings because he works full time in the city), Adam helping with ....everything from  putting up the greenhouse to weeding), Courney with her knowledge of plants (many discussions on varieites and what we should plant), Aaron ( even though he was in St.John`s most of the spring) managed to write and record the catchy jungle for our website ( which was inspired on the farm last summer), Leah with her knowledge of computers, helped many times when I was stumped on how to ( drop a picture into a paragragh or even SAVE!). And myself...well a little of everything.
I am very excited to see the results of all this hard but rewarding work. We will be at the Kentville farmers Market every Wed. til Dec.21st and our CSA program id from June to end of Oct.  Farming.......the best ! Till later in the season! Happy eating!