Phew - finally finished! Please check out my brand-spanking new website at winonafarms.com. Probably will be tinkering with it here and there, but for the most part, I'm pretty happy with it. It's been 15 years since I did any kind of web-design work (back in college! EGAD!) Things have changed a bit since then, but I was able to pull somethings together to make them work out to my liking. Sorry for the smartphone/tablet people, probably not real 'mobile' friendly. I'll make sure that's a go for next iteration. For now, I hope you can enjoy the pretty tomato pictures and my new favorite font - Nyala.
***
So, looks a little wet outside, eh? And windy? Well, yes. It blew the top off one of my poly tunnels. Thankfully, not to much damage occurred, and the plants made it thru okay. Better than that 27 degree freeze last week. Damn! That's a bit chilly. Lost a few flats of plants that morning. Such is life, I suppose.
Before all this rain hit, we did get an excellent weekend of sunny and fairly warm weather. Keep in mind, we didn't get one of those days until the end of April last year - and it was only 1 day! It was a gift to get 2 back-to-back in the middle of March. It took full advantage by planting peas, potatoes, strawberries, carrots, radishes, beets, and onion starts. Always good to get the first seeds of spring into the ground.
I mail-ordered a whole bunch of strawberries (80 plants!) of four varieties - Hecker (day-neutral), Tillamook, Benton, & Shuksan. Not only am I looking forward for the bounty of fruit, I plan on potting up the daughter plants for sale in 2013. I'm quite interested in the Hecker variety. It supposedly is a heavy producer of large fruit over the season. Time will tell, but I'm excited about the tasty berries!
***
I'll have my stand up at Barbur World Foods later this week. Looking forward to getting some plants into peoples gardens. Lot's of good looking greens and brassicas are ready for transplant. I've also got a few other things I'm working on. One of which is helping the Neighborhood House in Multnomah Village. Details on that in a few weeks, but I'm very excited about this opportunity.
Hope all is well and your hatches have been battened down tight to wait out the weather. Take care!
cheers,
zach
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Getting Started
This post is inspired by Troy, who called me up this week wanting to talk about plants. He purchased a few things from me last year and was very excited about the upcoming gardening year. In fact, he wasn't willing to wait for the plants to be ready - he went about starting his own seeds.
I find this very inspiring. One might think, as a nurseryman, that this lessens potential business that I may generate if people are starting their own seeds. While initially this may be the case, I think it is net win in the end for all parties. People who take the time to start their own seeds greatly increase their knowledge of gardening and how to best nurture seedlings along until they are ready to be set outside. They begin to learn the signs of a healthy plant or a stressed plant. What (and how) seedlings react to as far as soil, light, and temperature are concerned. How to protect young seedlings in the early days. Tons and tons of useful knowledge.
Now, it's wholly possible that Troy will jump in the ocean and become a full-blown nurseryman like myself and start everything that he intends to grow in his garden. I would bet that this most likely won't be the case. I do think he'll continue to grow things himself, but he'll likely purchase a few plants that he may not have time to grow or perhaps can't find the seed for. It's in this case where someone like me - who puts tremendous value in the quality of seedlings - will benefit. Troy and others like him will be armed with the knowledge of how to choose healthy vigorous plants. While that may or may not be from me, my plants will be at least in the mix for consideration.
Good luck to Troy and all you self-seed-starting gardeners out there. You increase the quality of what is expected for starts and for that I thank you!
With that said, here are some tips for people wondering how you can go about starting your own seeds.
1) Soil - For a professional grower, almost all seeds are planted in what is called a 'soil-less' mix. Essentially, there are no nutrients or minerals available to the seed in the media. It's been shown that seeds germinate better in an austere growing environment, as fertilizers and other pathogens naturally found in any soil can inhibit the sprouting process. But, you aren't a professional grower (yet.) My first year of starting seeds, I just used normal potting soil. I probably didn't get the expected germination percentage, but I got a few of everything I planted. The only recommendation I would offer is try to choose a soil that has the least amount of wood/forest product incorporated into it. I find that seedlings don't like it (my guess is that it's too acidic.)
2) Pots - I used pots from plants I purchased in prior years that I saved. If you don't have any on hand, you can procure some pretty easily. Almost every nursery has a recycle bin for these pots. I have scrounged many a pot and flat from these bins. However, if you want something brand new, I'm pretty sure these same nurseries will stock normal 3-4" pots. Craigslist is also a good way to score some cheap pots too.
3) Light(s) - You can use a sunny south-facing window if you don't live in Portland. Otherwise, a cloudy south-facing window will suffice. Plants can get a bit leggy as they reach for the light. If you have a shop light around, these work very well for starting plants. Two 4' shop lights can comfortably handle 4 10"x20" flats of plants. The added benefit is that you can keep the lights on 24-7. The seedlings grow exceedingly quick with this method. All that talk about plants needing dark? It's over-rated, at least in the initial seedling phase. As they mature, they need a dark cycle, but they will be outside by then.
4) Bottom Heat - Some of you might be aware that seeds germinate a lot quicker when the soil is warm. This is absolutely true. You don't have to go out and purchase a seedling heat mat, thought, those do work very well. The first year I started seeds, I placed the pots on the water heater. The bump in temperature was slight, but enough so that it can make a difference in getting seeds such as peppers and tomatoes to sprout far quicker. When you first sow seeds, don't worry about light. It's more important to keep the soil warm (ie, the window sill is actually quite cold and will inhibit germination.) At the first sign of seeds beginning to sprout, move them to the light source.
5) Moisture - Until seeds sprout, the best way to keep the soil moist is to cover it with plastic. You probably have seen propogation domes and that's what they are used for. However, you can achieve the same thing by putting some saran wrap over the top of the pot/flat to help retain moisture in the soil. Just be sure to remove it when you see the seeds emerging. Oh, and all those pictures you see of propogation domes with those nice healthy looking seedings? It's a lie! Plants need air movement to survive, much less grow. Don't enclose a plant in a dome like that unless you want your seedling to lean over from suffocation.
6) Potting up - After germination and the first set of 'true' leaves (which are actually the second set of leaves to emerge), you can pot up the seedlings to bigger pots. Take a knife, popsicle stick, screwdriver, or anything that you can find that can loosen the soil around the plant and allow you to lift it out of the soil. Once plucked from the original, pot it into the larger one and fill in with soil. If the plant has grown leggy (long stem between soil and first set of leaves), you can bring the soil line up to the first set of leaves on the stem. This allows for a more solid base and your plant is less after to fall over as it gets bigger.
7) Watering - water daily, but also allow the top of the soil to dry out to prevent against a fungal problem known as dampening off. This occurs when the plant stem is infected and the fungus cuts off it's water and nutrient supply and it dies a very quick death. Allowing the soil to dry each day will essentially eliminate this from occurring.
8) Air Movement - Plants can't respire properly without air moving around them (they don't have lungs!) A small fan will do the trick. Even having a furnace that will blow warm air past them every so often will suffice. Just don't isolate them in a box where the air grows stagnant and stale.
And that takes you to the time of setting it out into your garden. Each type of plant is different in the time it takes for it to be ready. Lettuce is 4-5 weeks. Tomatoes are 6-7. Peppers are 7-9. Allow 4-7 days to 'harden off' the plant before finally putting it outside for good. Start with a few hours outside the first day. Increase the second and third. Finally, if it's not going to be cooler than normal, leave it outside overnight for a couple days. By then, your plants will be more than ready for the garden.
Best of luck to you all! I hope to hear of your successes.
Cheers,
zach
I find this very inspiring. One might think, as a nurseryman, that this lessens potential business that I may generate if people are starting their own seeds. While initially this may be the case, I think it is net win in the end for all parties. People who take the time to start their own seeds greatly increase their knowledge of gardening and how to best nurture seedlings along until they are ready to be set outside. They begin to learn the signs of a healthy plant or a stressed plant. What (and how) seedlings react to as far as soil, light, and temperature are concerned. How to protect young seedlings in the early days. Tons and tons of useful knowledge.
Now, it's wholly possible that Troy will jump in the ocean and become a full-blown nurseryman like myself and start everything that he intends to grow in his garden. I would bet that this most likely won't be the case. I do think he'll continue to grow things himself, but he'll likely purchase a few plants that he may not have time to grow or perhaps can't find the seed for. It's in this case where someone like me - who puts tremendous value in the quality of seedlings - will benefit. Troy and others like him will be armed with the knowledge of how to choose healthy vigorous plants. While that may or may not be from me, my plants will be at least in the mix for consideration.
Good luck to Troy and all you self-seed-starting gardeners out there. You increase the quality of what is expected for starts and for that I thank you!
With that said, here are some tips for people wondering how you can go about starting your own seeds.
1) Soil - For a professional grower, almost all seeds are planted in what is called a 'soil-less' mix. Essentially, there are no nutrients or minerals available to the seed in the media. It's been shown that seeds germinate better in an austere growing environment, as fertilizers and other pathogens naturally found in any soil can inhibit the sprouting process. But, you aren't a professional grower (yet.) My first year of starting seeds, I just used normal potting soil. I probably didn't get the expected germination percentage, but I got a few of everything I planted. The only recommendation I would offer is try to choose a soil that has the least amount of wood/forest product incorporated into it. I find that seedlings don't like it (my guess is that it's too acidic.)
2) Pots - I used pots from plants I purchased in prior years that I saved. If you don't have any on hand, you can procure some pretty easily. Almost every nursery has a recycle bin for these pots. I have scrounged many a pot and flat from these bins. However, if you want something brand new, I'm pretty sure these same nurseries will stock normal 3-4" pots. Craigslist is also a good way to score some cheap pots too.
3) Light(s) - You can use a sunny south-facing window if you don't live in Portland. Otherwise, a cloudy south-facing window will suffice. Plants can get a bit leggy as they reach for the light. If you have a shop light around, these work very well for starting plants. Two 4' shop lights can comfortably handle 4 10"x20" flats of plants. The added benefit is that you can keep the lights on 24-7. The seedlings grow exceedingly quick with this method. All that talk about plants needing dark? It's over-rated, at least in the initial seedling phase. As they mature, they need a dark cycle, but they will be outside by then.
4) Bottom Heat - Some of you might be aware that seeds germinate a lot quicker when the soil is warm. This is absolutely true. You don't have to go out and purchase a seedling heat mat, thought, those do work very well. The first year I started seeds, I placed the pots on the water heater. The bump in temperature was slight, but enough so that it can make a difference in getting seeds such as peppers and tomatoes to sprout far quicker. When you first sow seeds, don't worry about light. It's more important to keep the soil warm (ie, the window sill is actually quite cold and will inhibit germination.) At the first sign of seeds beginning to sprout, move them to the light source.
5) Moisture - Until seeds sprout, the best way to keep the soil moist is to cover it with plastic. You probably have seen propogation domes and that's what they are used for. However, you can achieve the same thing by putting some saran wrap over the top of the pot/flat to help retain moisture in the soil. Just be sure to remove it when you see the seeds emerging. Oh, and all those pictures you see of propogation domes with those nice healthy looking seedings? It's a lie! Plants need air movement to survive, much less grow. Don't enclose a plant in a dome like that unless you want your seedling to lean over from suffocation.
6) Potting up - After germination and the first set of 'true' leaves (which are actually the second set of leaves to emerge), you can pot up the seedlings to bigger pots. Take a knife, popsicle stick, screwdriver, or anything that you can find that can loosen the soil around the plant and allow you to lift it out of the soil. Once plucked from the original, pot it into the larger one and fill in with soil. If the plant has grown leggy (long stem between soil and first set of leaves), you can bring the soil line up to the first set of leaves on the stem. This allows for a more solid base and your plant is less after to fall over as it gets bigger.
7) Watering - water daily, but also allow the top of the soil to dry out to prevent against a fungal problem known as dampening off. This occurs when the plant stem is infected and the fungus cuts off it's water and nutrient supply and it dies a very quick death. Allowing the soil to dry each day will essentially eliminate this from occurring.
8) Air Movement - Plants can't respire properly without air moving around them (they don't have lungs!) A small fan will do the trick. Even having a furnace that will blow warm air past them every so often will suffice. Just don't isolate them in a box where the air grows stagnant and stale.
And that takes you to the time of setting it out into your garden. Each type of plant is different in the time it takes for it to be ready. Lettuce is 4-5 weeks. Tomatoes are 6-7. Peppers are 7-9. Allow 4-7 days to 'harden off' the plant before finally putting it outside for good. Start with a few hours outside the first day. Increase the second and third. Finally, if it's not going to be cooler than normal, leave it outside overnight for a couple days. By then, your plants will be more than ready for the garden.
Best of luck to you all! I hope to hear of your successes.
Cheers,
zach
Friday, March 2, 2012
Saturday is Market Day
Wow! It seems like it was only 2 months since I last posted! Sheesh, how time flies. Lot's of great stuff is happening here at Winona Farms. Lots of herbs are growing, albeit slowly, and the lettuce, brassicas, onions, and strawberries are ready to be planted. We are getting oh so near that magical point of the year where it's more light the dark during the day, which means time change is around the corner. Spring ahead!
Saturday marks another great rite of spring passage - my first market day of the year! I'll be selling starts in Sandy from 10am-3pm in the AEC Building, 39085 Pioneer Boulevard, Sandy, Or. I can't wait! Since it's in a building, I don't have to worry about the rain, which is a big relief for me and the market-goers. Definite win-win for all.
Here is sample of what I'll have available: Onions (bunching, red bulb, yellow bulb, & sweet varieties), alpine strawberries, rhubarb, chard, kale, cauliflower, broccoli, mustard greens, various lettuces (letti?), rosemary, Greek oregano, winter savory, chives, artichokes, lemon mint, peppermint, catnip, and whole garlic bulbs. Lot's of yummy stuff, for sure.
However, the best sign of spring? I start planting tomatoes and peppers next week! That's the fun stuff for me. As much as I like growing EVERYTHING, I get my biggest thrills out of the tomatoes and peppers. Lot's more grafting this year, both tomatoes and eggplants. Once again, I'll have a lot of variety. If there is something you are interested in, there is a good chance I'll be growing it, or at least have a good comp variety for it.
Take care, everyone! Welcome to March!
Cheers,
Zach
Saturday marks another great rite of spring passage - my first market day of the year! I'll be selling starts in Sandy from 10am-3pm in the AEC Building, 39085 Pioneer Boulevard, Sandy, Or. I can't wait! Since it's in a building, I don't have to worry about the rain, which is a big relief for me and the market-goers. Definite win-win for all.
Here is sample of what I'll have available: Onions (bunching, red bulb, yellow bulb, & sweet varieties), alpine strawberries, rhubarb, chard, kale, cauliflower, broccoli, mustard greens, various lettuces (letti?), rosemary, Greek oregano, winter savory, chives, artichokes, lemon mint, peppermint, catnip, and whole garlic bulbs. Lot's of yummy stuff, for sure.
However, the best sign of spring? I start planting tomatoes and peppers next week! That's the fun stuff for me. As much as I like growing EVERYTHING, I get my biggest thrills out of the tomatoes and peppers. Lot's more grafting this year, both tomatoes and eggplants. Once again, I'll have a lot of variety. If there is something you are interested in, there is a good chance I'll be growing it, or at least have a good comp variety for it.
Take care, everyone! Welcome to March!
Cheers,
Zach
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Welcome 2012
Ever since I stopped planting seeds for starts last summer, I've been waiting to begin once again. It was near the end of August when I wrapped my operation up and I've planted my first seeds of the new year this evening. Can't think of a better way to welcome in 2012.
My first 'real' year of selling starts was excellent. This year, I have even bigger plans and hope to be growing many more varieties for you to try in your own gardens. I enjoyed the time I spent at the Tigard & Aloha Famer's Markets last year. I learned a tremendous amount and have grand ideas on how to utilize my space a bit more efficiently. I'm looking to get into some new markets around town. My experience with Barbur Foods has shown me this is a valuable way to get my plants out into the market.
I had a really great year with my tomatoes. On a whim, I tried my hand at grafting heirloom varieties onto virus-resistant and robust rootstock. In my garden, it was quite easy to tell the difference between the traditional plants and the grafted plants. The grafted plants grew far more quickly, had more fruit, ripened earlier, and generally were just a much healthier looking plant. I guess there is something to that idea after all!
After essentially getting shutout with vine-ripe fruit in 2010, I enjoyed a bumper crop this summer as I pulled in nearly 300 pounds of tomatoes (both from conventional and grafted plants.) Lot's of salsa, tomato sauce, and dried fruit still remain from the bounty. My basil was also a dependable crop, with frozen pesto cubes still waiting to be warmed for a tasty winter pasta.
While those are all positive things, it's worth noting that 2011 wasn't 100% candy-apple great. Spring and early summer rain plus chilly temps put a crimp on sales early on. In my own garden, it pretty much doomed any hope I had of growing corn and melons. Peppers didn't like it much either. I did get a bunch of hot peppers to ripen, but the cool conditions made it hard to get a good crop of bell peppers and larger hot peppers like poblanos and anaheims to ripen up. However, my one crowning achievement was to get a number of Manzano peppers to ripen. These are bar-none my favorite peppers. A notch below habaneros in heat, the citrus-y flavor is absolutely dynamite in salsas.
Another addition to the farm is a small Solexx greenhouse. With another La Nina predicted, this will be a great tool in the spring to keep the starts protected as they make their transition to the cruel outside world. Knowing me, I'll fill it up in no time and will be needing something twice as big. Guess I better find myself a few more markets so I can afford such pleasures!
That's it for now. I leave you will a picture of 12 freshly seeded flats of herbs. These mints, sages, rosemary, & thymes will take a while to get market ready. Early January is a good time to get them going. It makes for an easy start to the season.
Happy New Year!
Cheers,
Zach
My first 'real' year of selling starts was excellent. This year, I have even bigger plans and hope to be growing many more varieties for you to try in your own gardens. I enjoyed the time I spent at the Tigard & Aloha Famer's Markets last year. I learned a tremendous amount and have grand ideas on how to utilize my space a bit more efficiently. I'm looking to get into some new markets around town. My experience with Barbur Foods has shown me this is a valuable way to get my plants out into the market.
I had a really great year with my tomatoes. On a whim, I tried my hand at grafting heirloom varieties onto virus-resistant and robust rootstock. In my garden, it was quite easy to tell the difference between the traditional plants and the grafted plants. The grafted plants grew far more quickly, had more fruit, ripened earlier, and generally were just a much healthier looking plant. I guess there is something to that idea after all!
After essentially getting shutout with vine-ripe fruit in 2010, I enjoyed a bumper crop this summer as I pulled in nearly 300 pounds of tomatoes (both from conventional and grafted plants.) Lot's of salsa, tomato sauce, and dried fruit still remain from the bounty. My basil was also a dependable crop, with frozen pesto cubes still waiting to be warmed for a tasty winter pasta.
While those are all positive things, it's worth noting that 2011 wasn't 100% candy-apple great. Spring and early summer rain plus chilly temps put a crimp on sales early on. In my own garden, it pretty much doomed any hope I had of growing corn and melons. Peppers didn't like it much either. I did get a bunch of hot peppers to ripen, but the cool conditions made it hard to get a good crop of bell peppers and larger hot peppers like poblanos and anaheims to ripen up. However, my one crowning achievement was to get a number of Manzano peppers to ripen. These are bar-none my favorite peppers. A notch below habaneros in heat, the citrus-y flavor is absolutely dynamite in salsas.
Another addition to the farm is a small Solexx greenhouse. With another La Nina predicted, this will be a great tool in the spring to keep the starts protected as they make their transition to the cruel outside world. Knowing me, I'll fill it up in no time and will be needing something twice as big. Guess I better find myself a few more markets so I can afford such pleasures!
That's it for now. I leave you will a picture of 12 freshly seeded flats of herbs. These mints, sages, rosemary, & thymes will take a while to get market ready. Early January is a good time to get them going. It makes for an easy start to the season.
Happy New Year!
Cheers,
Zach
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
'Tis Tomato Season!
Every August, I take off for 1-2 weeks to help my uncle harvest. Since I've been a wee little tyke, I've only missed one harvest. I've been helping in the field since I was 13 and I can't imagine not going back and partaking in the harvest anytime soon. Who amongst you would take vacation time to go back and work 12 hour days in dirt, dust, and itchy chaff willing? Yes, the bug just won't ever let go.
However, a funny thing happened when I went on vacation - the prodigal summer came back home. I think it only took two days of me being away for the good sunshine to hit. At first, I was kinda upset (re: pissed off.) Farmers in general tend to grind axes about the weather. And, what better axe to grind, than to bemoan the summer without a day of 90+. Of course, when that nice high pressure system decided to stick around for a month, I soon acquiesced, knowing that my garden was going to be L-O-V-I-N-' it!
Amazing what some heat will do for them 'maters. It's just been brilliant. I've retrieved a large bowl like that pretty much every night for the past couple weeks. After a disappointing 2009 season, and the record cold and rain from this spring/summer La Nina, this was a significant change for the better. Even that week long coastal front passed and were back to the warm luxurious 80's. How it warms the cockles of my heart!
I've gotten a good share of tomato varieties to ripen and here are few of my favorites:
I'll have more pics later, but that's a pretty good sample. I've dehydrated a number of them, as that is my favorite way to consume them (just an intense tangy treat to gnaw on - about a million times better than jerky.) My wife made a huge batch of tomato sauce last weekend and we've obviously eaten a lot of them fresh as well. With this warm weather, they will keep rolling in for at least another couple weeks, which is great. I've got a couple varieties that I got planted late that I'm dying to see ripened (Red Brandywine and Marvel Stripe.) Hopefully I'll have an update on those in a week or two.
Until then, enjoy the summer!
Cheers,
Zach
 |
| My brother and I traded off driving this behemoth on the outskirts of Grangeville, Id. |
However, a funny thing happened when I went on vacation - the prodigal summer came back home. I think it only took two days of me being away for the good sunshine to hit. At first, I was kinda upset (re: pissed off.) Farmers in general tend to grind axes about the weather. And, what better axe to grind, than to bemoan the summer without a day of 90+. Of course, when that nice high pressure system decided to stick around for a month, I soon acquiesced, knowing that my garden was going to be L-O-V-I-N-' it!
Amazing what some heat will do for them 'maters. It's just been brilliant. I've retrieved a large bowl like that pretty much every night for the past couple weeks. After a disappointing 2009 season, and the record cold and rain from this spring/summer La Nina, this was a significant change for the better. Even that week long coastal front passed and were back to the warm luxurious 80's. How it warms the cockles of my heart!
I've gotten a good share of tomato varieties to ripen and here are few of my favorites:
 |
| Vintage Wine - Striped Brandywine, excellent tomato |
 |
| Amana Orange |
 | |
| Azoychka - tasty Russian heirloom that is yellow with light red streaking |
 |
| Black Krim - DELICIOUS! |
 |
| Green Zebra |
 | |
| Radiator Charlie - beautiful fruit, grew it as an after-thought, but so glad I did |
 |
| Virginia Sweets - very intrigued by this near 2lb-er |
I'll have more pics later, but that's a pretty good sample. I've dehydrated a number of them, as that is my favorite way to consume them (just an intense tangy treat to gnaw on - about a million times better than jerky.) My wife made a huge batch of tomato sauce last weekend and we've obviously eaten a lot of them fresh as well. With this warm weather, they will keep rolling in for at least another couple weeks, which is great. I've got a couple varieties that I got planted late that I'm dying to see ripened (Red Brandywine and Marvel Stripe.) Hopefully I'll have an update on those in a week or two.
Until then, enjoy the summer!
Cheers,
Zach
Friday, August 5, 2011
Ah, Summer!
It's been nearly 2 months since my last post. What can I say? I've been working on my tan! It's only because I'm German/Irish that it takes so long to acquire a decent tan. But, alas, one has to put in the work for such beautifully bronzed skin.
I joke, of course. I've been crazy (CRAZY!) busy. It seems like a long time ago, but it rained A LOT this spring and early summer. So much so that trying to do any yard work was futile and borderline masochistic. Now that the rain has stopped and the sun has been shining, the whole yard went 'supersize' on me - especially the weeds. It's a battle of attrition this year, as didn't get a jump on it in March like I normally can, so it's just trying to keep things under control as best as possible. Hopefully next year will give us some rainless spring days to get some pruning done before July.
Not to rain on the parade, but I read an article that conditions are ripe for a second La Nina this winter. Of course, 'they' say that the second one isn't nearly as brutal as the first. Then again, isn't that like saying the second dip in the recession isn't as bad as the first? They are both pretty hard to swallow, no? Anyway, I'm enjoying this fairly warm sunshine as much as possible as it may be a while before we see it again once the fall rainy season hits.
I still have plants out in front of Barbur Foods. I was pleasantly surprised at how many tomatoes I sold in July. I thought for sure that I would see not a single one moved, but they kept getting swept up. They are quick ripening varieties (Gold Nugget Cherry, Sun Sugar Cherry, Stupice, Manitoba, & Legend), so they will produce ripe fruit before the nasty weather comes. I'm happy that people are giving them a chance to get some tasty fruit that late in the season. I still have a lot of basil as well. That's really sold well the past couple months and my own basil plants in the garden are going bonkers too. Hello Pesto!
Even with the record cold/wet spring, my tomatoes are doing great. I've got tons of fruit set and have even picked a few already. This is in sharp contrast to last year. It wasn't until this time when I saw the first tiny little tomato set. Just deplorable, it was. I'm very excited for all the tasty orbs coming my way this year. It's gonna be beautiful!
Peppers are largely a different story...as in, they took forever to perk up. The ones I planted in May have mostly been replaced and even the ones I planted in June are just so-so. Only the ones I planted in July actually look great. They were all to happy to show their displeasure of such a harsh spring and early summer. Still, I've got a few plants (in pots, not surprisingly) that are doing great. I've got a few Manzanos with fruit on them, and an Aji Amarillo that is just covered with fruit. It won't be a banner year, but I'll get a good number of peppers to keep me (and my salsa) hot and happy.
In a sad bit of news, we lost Turbo, our Rhode Island Red that ate the chunk of metal. Her hijinks eventually caused her downfall, as the sharp edges perforated her reproductive tract and she ended up not being able to lay eggs. She ended up going toxic due to the rotting yolks that she wasn't able to pass. A sad day for sure.
That of course, led to my wife and I getting some new recruits! Baby chicks - how fun!
We went with a black sex link, an Ameracauna, and another Rhode Island Red. Funny thing, though. I think the dude at the store screwed up and we got a Welsummer instead of an Ameracauna. I was looking forward to the blue eggs, but I guess today our choice is chocolate brown.
That's all for now. It's been a fun year and I'm really (REALLY) happy to have the sun to play in the past month. I'm excited for the tomatoes that will be coming my way in about a week. Zucchini, cukes, beans, and tomatillos are right behind them. It's taken a bit longer, but it'll be a good harvest.
Now about that corn I planted...I think the adage goes "Knee high by the 4th of August," right? Fingers crossed...
Cheers,
Zach
I joke, of course. I've been crazy (CRAZY!) busy. It seems like a long time ago, but it rained A LOT this spring and early summer. So much so that trying to do any yard work was futile and borderline masochistic. Now that the rain has stopped and the sun has been shining, the whole yard went 'supersize' on me - especially the weeds. It's a battle of attrition this year, as didn't get a jump on it in March like I normally can, so it's just trying to keep things under control as best as possible. Hopefully next year will give us some rainless spring days to get some pruning done before July.
Not to rain on the parade, but I read an article that conditions are ripe for a second La Nina this winter. Of course, 'they' say that the second one isn't nearly as brutal as the first. Then again, isn't that like saying the second dip in the recession isn't as bad as the first? They are both pretty hard to swallow, no? Anyway, I'm enjoying this fairly warm sunshine as much as possible as it may be a while before we see it again once the fall rainy season hits.
I still have plants out in front of Barbur Foods. I was pleasantly surprised at how many tomatoes I sold in July. I thought for sure that I would see not a single one moved, but they kept getting swept up. They are quick ripening varieties (Gold Nugget Cherry, Sun Sugar Cherry, Stupice, Manitoba, & Legend), so they will produce ripe fruit before the nasty weather comes. I'm happy that people are giving them a chance to get some tasty fruit that late in the season. I still have a lot of basil as well. That's really sold well the past couple months and my own basil plants in the garden are going bonkers too. Hello Pesto!
 |
| Genovese, Red Rubin, Thai, Red Lettuce Leaf, & Serata Basil |
Even with the record cold/wet spring, my tomatoes are doing great. I've got tons of fruit set and have even picked a few already. This is in sharp contrast to last year. It wasn't until this time when I saw the first tiny little tomato set. Just deplorable, it was. I'm very excited for all the tasty orbs coming my way this year. It's gonna be beautiful!
 |
| Stupice and Black Krim - not bad for middle of July! |
Peppers are largely a different story...as in, they took forever to perk up. The ones I planted in May have mostly been replaced and even the ones I planted in June are just so-so. Only the ones I planted in July actually look great. They were all to happy to show their displeasure of such a harsh spring and early summer. Still, I've got a few plants (in pots, not surprisingly) that are doing great. I've got a few Manzanos with fruit on them, and an Aji Amarillo that is just covered with fruit. It won't be a banner year, but I'll get a good number of peppers to keep me (and my salsa) hot and happy.
In a sad bit of news, we lost Turbo, our Rhode Island Red that ate the chunk of metal. Her hijinks eventually caused her downfall, as the sharp edges perforated her reproductive tract and she ended up not being able to lay eggs. She ended up going toxic due to the rotting yolks that she wasn't able to pass. A sad day for sure.
That of course, led to my wife and I getting some new recruits! Baby chicks - how fun!
We went with a black sex link, an Ameracauna, and another Rhode Island Red. Funny thing, though. I think the dude at the store screwed up and we got a Welsummer instead of an Ameracauna. I was looking forward to the blue eggs, but I guess today our choice is chocolate brown.
That's all for now. It's been a fun year and I'm really (REALLY) happy to have the sun to play in the past month. I'm excited for the tomatoes that will be coming my way in about a week. Zucchini, cukes, beans, and tomatillos are right behind them. It's taken a bit longer, but it'll be a good harvest.
Now about that corn I planted...I think the adage goes "Knee high by the 4th of August," right? Fingers crossed...
Cheers,
Zach
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Rip Van Winona
It seems it's been forever and a day since I've showed my face on these internets! How long have I been sleeping? Ha - that's a funny thought. Sleep. When I'm dead! (This is also known as winter.)
I've signed up for a couple more Sundays at the Tigard Area Famer's Market. Come on down and check us out. The produce vendors are now there and you can get all the ingredients for a fresh meal. Not to mention some plants for meals later on this summer! Splendid idea if I don't say so myself. Market opens at 9am and goes till 2pm.
http://www.tigardfarmersmarket.com/
***
While the temperatures are warming, we can't seem to get an extended period of sunny days. Even so, the garden has been growing steadily. I've got fruit setting on tomatoes (Black Krim & Stupice) and the peppers are beginning to bloom. I'm amazed at how my grafted tomatoes are doing. They are 1-2' farther along than the conventional plants. I guess that actually works! They are all blooming and a couple have set fruit already. This is all excellent news. Last year, I didn't get a tomato to set fruit until August 1st! THAT SUCKED!
Looks to be a bumper crop of grapes this year. Last year was a very poor harvest - only 2 bunches! Lot's of blooms are dotting the new branches right now. I'm excited to make my legendary grape jam this fall. It's addictive (the jam, not the canning.)
Another thing I tried this year was to transplant carrots. I'd heard all the warnings that they transplant poorly and they would die quickly, but I'm never one to listen to age, reason, and experience. I've got to dig that hole myself. I'm glad I did, because these carrots are the BEST carrots I've ever grown. Enormous straight roots, strong chartreuse tops, and all neatly in a row. It was a bit of extra work, but I started another flat of them to transplant this week. If they are going to come out like that, I'll put in the extra 15 minutes to transplant each one individually.
Of course, not everything is going according the master plan. The corn I planted 2 weeks ago still hasn't sprouted. It's a supersweet variety and it needs 70 degree soil to germinate. I thought after a couple 85 degree days, it would take off like a house on fire. Sadly, that was just a tease and the soil is staying in the low to mid 60's for now. The peppers I planted in the middle of May are looking tepid at best. May need to replace them, but a few are showing signs of life. I'm also not seeing a lot of fruit on the apple, pear, cherry, and plum trees. The vicious cold spring played a big part in that. That's okay, as it will likely be a nice harvest for them next year.
The best news, of course, is that we are expected to have excellent weather for the summer solstice. There are few things that affect me more than to have crappy, rainy weather on the solstice. It's the greatest day of the year, simply because it's the 'longest'. I (heart) the sun and I long to enjoy it for as much as possible. To have it covered up by clouds just pisses me off. Like taking a new toy away from the birthday boy. Temper tantrums ensue!
Alas, it's time to do some plant stuff. Potting up basil and lettuce tonight. Getting things ready for my cart in the morning at Barbur Foods, and prepping for Sunday's market in Tigard. Good times! Looks like we get sun tomorrow. We'll see...
Cheers - take care everyone
Zach
I've signed up for a couple more Sundays at the Tigard Area Famer's Market. Come on down and check us out. The produce vendors are now there and you can get all the ingredients for a fresh meal. Not to mention some plants for meals later on this summer! Splendid idea if I don't say so myself. Market opens at 9am and goes till 2pm.
http://www.tigardfarmersmarket.com/
***
While the temperatures are warming, we can't seem to get an extended period of sunny days. Even so, the garden has been growing steadily. I've got fruit setting on tomatoes (Black Krim & Stupice) and the peppers are beginning to bloom. I'm amazed at how my grafted tomatoes are doing. They are 1-2' farther along than the conventional plants. I guess that actually works! They are all blooming and a couple have set fruit already. This is all excellent news. Last year, I didn't get a tomato to set fruit until August 1st! THAT SUCKED!
Looks to be a bumper crop of grapes this year. Last year was a very poor harvest - only 2 bunches! Lot's of blooms are dotting the new branches right now. I'm excited to make my legendary grape jam this fall. It's addictive (the jam, not the canning.)
Another thing I tried this year was to transplant carrots. I'd heard all the warnings that they transplant poorly and they would die quickly, but I'm never one to listen to age, reason, and experience. I've got to dig that hole myself. I'm glad I did, because these carrots are the BEST carrots I've ever grown. Enormous straight roots, strong chartreuse tops, and all neatly in a row. It was a bit of extra work, but I started another flat of them to transplant this week. If they are going to come out like that, I'll put in the extra 15 minutes to transplant each one individually.
Of course, not everything is going according the master plan. The corn I planted 2 weeks ago still hasn't sprouted. It's a supersweet variety and it needs 70 degree soil to germinate. I thought after a couple 85 degree days, it would take off like a house on fire. Sadly, that was just a tease and the soil is staying in the low to mid 60's for now. The peppers I planted in the middle of May are looking tepid at best. May need to replace them, but a few are showing signs of life. I'm also not seeing a lot of fruit on the apple, pear, cherry, and plum trees. The vicious cold spring played a big part in that. That's okay, as it will likely be a nice harvest for them next year.
The best news, of course, is that we are expected to have excellent weather for the summer solstice. There are few things that affect me more than to have crappy, rainy weather on the solstice. It's the greatest day of the year, simply because it's the 'longest'. I (heart) the sun and I long to enjoy it for as much as possible. To have it covered up by clouds just pisses me off. Like taking a new toy away from the birthday boy. Temper tantrums ensue!
Alas, it's time to do some plant stuff. Potting up basil and lettuce tonight. Getting things ready for my cart in the morning at Barbur Foods, and prepping for Sunday's market in Tigard. Good times! Looks like we get sun tomorrow. We'll see...
Cheers - take care everyone
Zach
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