[singlepic id=159 w=320 h=240 float=left]We’ve always heard that “April showers bring May flowers,” but we want a new take on that: May showers bring superpowers. We have spent the past few weeks challenged by the rain to get as much work done as possible. It has allowed for some great progress though as plenty of plants have been transplanted during good weather and many new seeds have been planted. A quick update on the progress with our tomato plants is that nearly all have been successfully transplanted outdoors. They are taking well to their new homes and enjoying the full and direct sun. A large part of those are benefiting from the sheet mulching project going on above their roots. This is a large undertaking that includes volunteers.[singlepic id=140 w=320 h=240 float=right] We have been laying out cardboard and layering on several inches of mulch for the past few days. We are more than halfway done with the tomato section, but following will be the same process on the rest of the half acre.
Two closely related projects saw their completion this month. Fencing was put up, the chalet installed, and a door and frame installed, completing the chicken run. The ladies were moved outside two weeks ago and couldn’t be happier. We did find the next day that two chickens decided to bust out of the joint, but once they realized they wanted back in and that climbing out is possible, but the return trip is not, they quickly changed their tune (chickens tend to not leave the areas in which they know they have a ready source of food and water). [singlepic id=141 w=320 h=240 float=left]A black soldier fly larvae composting bin was also completed and set inside the chicken run. These bins, made of large plastic totes, help to compost yard and kitchen waste, but also produce and trap black soldier fly larvae. These small juvenile black soldier flies are rich in protein and calcium. Their natural instinct is to climb up during the larvae stage of development so through the use of small ramps out of the bin you can effectively trap them to feed your chickens.
Earlier this year we put down carrot seeds twice hoping for some germination but nothing came up. A month or so passed and we decided to dedicate the beds to other crops. Now we have a bed of beets with interspaced carrots and a row of potatoes with carrots coming up the sides. A quick internet search leaves us hopeful that these mistakes will bring us great results as carrots are said to be great companions for both beets and potatoes.[singlepic id=148 w=320 h=240 float=right] Another mistake in the garden is the two apple trees we found growing at the remote garden. We used two small branches pruned from our apples trees, which had been cut and discarded for a few days, to mark the separation between potatoes and lettuce. A few days later while walking the beds we noticed new growth coming from these branches. New roots are forming and the trees will be transplanted out of the rows and to a more suitable home in a couple of seasons.
Now for some extra exciting news. The Lick Run Community Market will be opening Sunday June 9th. We will be setting times shortly and will make sure to keep every updated through email (if you have not done so, sign up for email updates on the right side column). If you are a vendor and are interested in a spot please contact us. We want to thank L.E.A.P. and Brent Cochran for his continued support and help through this process. The past month has been a time for us to market some of the over [singlepic id=149 w=320 h=240 float=left]wintered crops and a few of our early spring arrivals. Leeks, mustard greens, green chard, kale, perpetual spinach, and radishes have been available for sale here and there as we have spent some time at local markets. We have been thankful for the exposure but are looking forward to pressing on with Lick Run’s vision of community.
All the best,
Rick and Hunter