Farm School Winter Series Week Five

 Farm School started out with temperatures in the 50's,

but it soon warmed up and 

oh, what a treat to spend the day outdoors under sunny skies.

Our routine status check resulted in viewing a garden poppin' at the seams.

Everything is going full force as we transition from winter to spring crops.

 This parsley is growing right out of the pots

and will soon be transplanted to accommodate their need for more space.

It smells SO fresh!

A newer batch of peas are growing strong.

Faye and Lynn sold out of all the peas they brought 

to the farmer's market this past weekend.

The brussels sprouts are doin' what comes naturally.

I'm so excited to see this up close and personal!

The first of the okra has been planted already

and is germinating.

Okra is a summer staple here,

but Lynn is getting a head start by seeding it now.

We've been transplanting tons of lettuce in the past few weeks

to replace the bolting crops.

Lynn has over 200 lettuce plants going right now,

so that his customers won't have to wait for these tender morsels.

The scallions we planted a few weeks ago are catching up to

the first batch we planted a few weeks earlier.

Faye and Lynn not only sell at the market,

but have folks coming right to the farm for their produce.

This half bushel of mixed citrus was awaiting a regular customer's arrival.

Our main job on this day was to make up some soil.

We've shown the process before.

Perlite is mixed with

hand-screened peat moss,

and dirt.

It's all combined in this contraption,

until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

The melange is then stored in tubs until needed.

This mixture is used for all transplants and directly seeded plants.

The results speak for themselves.

The Amaryllis is readying for blooms.

A friend stopped by and brought them a few things.

One was this unusual plant that was a mystery to me.

Faye pulled off a leaf and gave me a whiff.

Mmmmmmm, it sure smelled good,

but it didn't give me a clue as to what is was.

How 'bout that?

Faye told me that the Christmas cactus comes in several colors.

It was a surprise to find out that this can be grown as a house plant

or outdoors even in cooler climates.

Robins have been visiting this winter 

and joining the myriad of bird species who call this peaceful place home.

It's so amazing to me that this expansive garden

is maintained and nurtured by one man,

and his two "garden fairies" as he calls Faye and me.

The work is never ending.

My hope is that he can see that what he does matters.

It matters.

And that's enough.

Farm School got its start here.

Green Thumb Thursdays