Sunday, May 22, 2011

Moving Right Along


Yesterday was the first day of Market and we had a great day. There were approx. 60 vendors set up and more will come as the produce comes in. We have had so much rain that the majority of the growers are behind on their planting.

Angela and I both made more money this opening day compared to last year's first Market day. I nearly broke even on what I spent compared to what I made .. this isn't always the case!

My purchases included two Jersey highbush blueberry bushes from the Brambleberry Farm, a cinnamon roll and pumpkin roll from Mary, one of the Amish vendors. I sold a skein of sock yarn to one of my Library customers. Mrs. W. has plans to knit every member of her family a pair of socks for Christmas this year ... I asked if I could be adopted until the end of 2011. =)

Mary asked if I could dye black worsted yarn for the ladies in the Amish community to make baby booties. Apparently black wool yarn is difficult for them to come by. Another lady requested pink in a soft wool yarn that she could use in baby sweaters. I love the idea of my yarns being used to keep babies warm!

My CSA idea has been getting positive feedback. The best I can determine no one in my county is offering a CSA so it seems that I would be filling a need in my community. I can still share produce and eggs with my family and donate to L.I.F.E., our local foodbank, too.

Continuing with the CSA plans, besides the Blueberry bushes, I added the following herbs : Rosemary, Sage and Peppermint. Blueberries will go in a raised bed across the south end of the hen's run. Herbs will go into the front garden. The Rosemary will be in a pot so it can winter over in the house.

Next week I expect to get my Vern's Brown Turkey Fig trees. At Brambleberry Farm these trees only get to be about ten feet tall, then almost die down over the winter. This will be perfect for my small city lot. I will plant them on the east side of my house. This is the most protected spot on my property and has worked very well for my Nectarine tree.

My ankle may be boogered but I'm still following though with my farm plans!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Great Quote

Let your food be your medicine
and your medicine be your food.

-Hippocrates

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Garden Plans

I've been giving serious thought to offering a CSA next year. If I can get some of the basics finished this summer (raised beds, berry bushes, herbs, more fruit trees, etc.) then next summer would offer more time for actual gardening.

I thought to offer a dozen eggs, a fresh bouquet of flowers, and herbs along with fresh fruits and veggies. If I can get the grunt work completed this year, use drip irrigation, row covers and copious amounts of mulch I think this project could be very doable.

My niece Heather, the Asst. Chicken Farmer/Asst. Bunny Wrangler, is suppose to pickup up a greenhouse-in-a-box for me at the Tractor Supply. I checked on Tuesday and they had one left and Lola offered to put it back for me. I love TS and the folks who work for them! My friend Sandra, at Thistle Cove Farm, purchased one of these greenhouses and I really liked the looks of it. Saving $20 off and not having to pay shipping sealed the deal for me. =)

I'm spending most of this week with my sisters at the Back Porch Friends quilt retreat. Miss Heather is tending the farm and my Daddy is checking in every now and then too.

Most of my retreat time is being spent with my left ankle propped up wearing an ice pack. I took a fall last Monday and did a number on my ankle. It isn't broken but my Nurse Practitioner thinks I have some ligament damage. This is the same ankle I had a ruptured Achilles with a few years ago. My appointment with my podiatrist isn't until the 31st. =(