A Biodynamic Flowform. The water performs a figure 8 in each form as it flows. You Tube has several good videos of flowforms. Seeing is easier than trying to describe the process. This one was photographed at Kimberton CSA.
Here is G9, short for Jeannine. She is an experienced farm intern and my friend. We met at a Pennsylvania Women In Agriculture business class. Out of the goodness of her heart she offered to come and help me with transplanting and weeding, all volunteer. G9 can do any task very fast, waaaay faster than I can. This potato bed got very weedy after the recent rains and she is making it look beautiful. Then a layer of straw will be added so we don't have to weed this bed again!
What a beautiful scene. This is my view while filling the water tank. A mother goose and her fluffy goslings have been taking regular outings on the pond, even venturing onto the meadow. That is the original spring house, with a new roof. Quite a hill to take a tumble if you are carrying milk pails. I think about how hard women had to labor to prepare the daily meals.
After the paper and fence were in place, a layer of wood chips are used to keep the paper from blowing and ripping. It also looks better. A friend helps Aaron, to make the job more enjoyable.
A shot of the green things. Temps went down to 35 degrees, other farms got hit with freezing. I tell you, not a good season so far. For CSA members, we are trying to get those little lettuces to grow. Tomorrow the forecast-77 degrees. This season is slow, slow, slow!
Finally the rye gets chopped. Daughter Alexandra stopped by to lend a hand, asking to try out the BCS with a Palladino flail mower. This is an excellent piece of machinery. It will mow and chop a 6 foot high cover crop simultaneously.
This is biodegradable paper mulch. We are experimenting with several weed control strategies. In the pic, electric net fencing is being laid out on top of the paper.
Paper or Plastic? or how about straw? In an effort to control weeds a mulch is used, but which one? Plasticulture is not my choice. This straw will be spread on potatoes, strawberries, rhubarb and other select crops to stem the troublemakers. Chickweed, and thistles are the worst offenders. Yes,yes I know-"a weed is simply a plant growing where it is not wanted". Well those guys are not welcome! This season a trial of biodegradeable paper mulch will be tested under the electric net fence. Weeds or vegetation touching an electric fence lowers the voltage.
A potato plant. I think this one is Yukon Gold.
Flats are bustin'n at the seams. If it stays dry for a few more days they can all be comfy in the ground with plenty of room.
Aaaarrrrggghhh!!! Something is eating my veggies!
Rhubarb is up after 2 weeks.
Red Express Cabbage
Roc D'or beans are up and loving this heat.
Artichoke
Siberian and Lacinato Kale after weeding.
Rain makes stuff grow, including weeds. The potato bed on the left is full of unwanted weeds. After some work with the scuffle hoe the bed on the right is looking better.
