Farming with friends

Our tiny farm is growing. We grow lots of grass and weeds thrive.while the fruit trees are thriving and the berry bushes are pumping out tasty treats the veggies leave something to desire. Turns out our soil is great for fruit but needs a little nudge in order to grow beautiful veggies. We are taking steps to address the soil needs, notably adding cow manure from a friend farm down the road. 

That said, we are considering teaming up with friends farms next year to offer a CSA ( community supported agriculture weekly food box). Here are a few photos of what one might look like. 

Upstairs ceiling

Well the wood ceiling is finally going in on the second floor. We liked the pine slat look we tried at our old house so here goes round two. His time we know what we are in for. 

High tunnel

The high tunnel is part way done. 

20X40 high tunnel for growing winter greens. We also made a small fence area to rotate the goats   

The barn

So, as promised: a photo of the barn in progress. 12x16 it is a great little place to keep the goats and milk hem out of the rain upstairs will be creative work space and an office 

Pretty pictures, sweaty days

The blackberries have arrived, and I am sad to say will be leaving soon. This year was the best wild picking either of us had encountered. Much to my horror, I learned that snakes live in blackberry patches. Wrangler also enjoys them, but keeps a watchful eye on the thorns. We have been catching her eating blueberries right off the bush. Goodness, I love that pup. 

everything update

Well, I have been out of school for the Summer and thus lack the constant internet used to update this blog. A little catchup here. Siding; still not done but getting more done by the week. Toilet; arrived in the mail yet still to plumb/ build the base ( composting toilet with a "dirty grey water" drain). The patio; has gravel down. the furnace; the hole is dug and a trench dug for running the hot air into the house. landscaping: this is always first to be done. Lowes had a deal on dying plants and so we bought trees and shrubs, flowers and herbs, as well as a few lime trees. The geo thermal concept is designed and the hole is dug yet we lack all the supplies to finish it yet. The garden has been struggling due to excess rain and a cool cloudy Summer. We are working to build soil fertility and chalk this year, as well as the past two, up to building tilth and nutrient density. Oh, we also built/ are building a barn. Pictures of all projects to come.

Cucumbers drool, pickles rule

    It is the middle end of June and the canning hath begun. Few things bring such joy in a warm sticky kitchen in the middle of summer as the sweet sound of lids sealing. Last week our kitchen was filled with the smell of warm vinegar and fresh dill. Twenty pounds of cucumbers were baptized into the elite club of pickles. I have never been fond of cucumbers in their raw state. I consider it just plain cruel to include them in a salad or any other dish where they will be recognized...but pickles oh my, yum.
   Patience now taunts me daily. Resisting the little gems was proving to be a challenge, and so they have all been tucked into the depths of storage. Dear January, I think you are going to love these little spicy pickles, lets hope I can wait at least until October.