On the Farm

If you haven't seen next week's forecast yet...you might want to take a look. Its going to feel like summer! This is very exciting, but also confusing for our mental state as farmers. We will have to remind ourselves that it is still spring and we are not behind in our planting schedule. 

We are coming out of a winter where there was not much frost in the ground and so far this year there has been much more precipitation than the last two springs. The MKE riverbed near the farm is flooded and our lower soils are fairly saturated. We have appreciated the mild thunderstorms, which we didn't have much of the last couple of years. As long as there is moisture in the soil, lightening is great for plant growth.

So far this spring we have been working exclusively in the hi-tunnels. With warm, dry weather on the way next week, we are optimistic that we will be able to begin working the soil outdoors. Spring requires farmers to be flexible and adaptive. There have been years when we have been able to plant in early March and other years that we haven't been able to plant outdoors until May. We appreciate when we are able to begin working outdoors in April because if we have to wait until May, the tasks have really built up and we have to work extra hard to catch up. 

Spring Share Forecast-What to expect:
Microgreens grew faster and are more abundant for the upcoming share than the last. Spinach is tender but has large leaves. It has a delicate flavor and is great for throwing in almost any dish. Cilantro is abundant and tasty-this may be the only share it is offered for. The kale has grown-it is from the same planting as last share, but the leaves are larger. Arugula will be a modest serving and has small leaves as of today, but we anticipate they will size up a bit before next week. 

This will be the last share onions and cabbage are available. We should have carrots, potatoes, beets and mushrooms for the last share at the end of April. As of right now it is looking like we should have the following fresh stuff for the last share: radishes, spinach, lettuce mix, pac choi, green garlic, and mustard greens.