Hello Everyone,It’s been about a month since the flooding rains of April, and since that time we’ve received less than ½ an inch of new rain. While it’s too soon to start crying drought, these dry conditions combined with several very warm days for early May, have been making things a bit difficult for us. Although there is still adequate moisture a few inches down, the soil surface has become very dry. This condition makes it difficult for new transplants to take root as well as delaying the germination of the many varieties of veggies that I am currently planting directly into the field. We have planted most of the 7,000 brassica and lettuce plants. Many of these we have had to water in after planting to insure their survival. Most of the peas that were planted are up and growing nicely. Unfortunately 2 early varieties of sugar snap peas did not germinate, most likely due to bad seed. This represents about 1200 row feet that should have produced 300 lbs of peas and means that the pea season will be a bit later and shorter this year. We have planted about 1,000 lbs of seed potatoes, with another 800 to go. I have the ground ready, and I hope to finish with potatoes by the end of the week. We will also be transplanting the first 900 tomato plants and about 700 eggplants in the next week. It’s also time to begin planting beans, zucchini and other summer squash, as well as cucumbers and melons. Many thanks to those who came out for the volunteer work day this past Saturday. About 1800 tomato and celeriac plants were transplanted; we covered a greenhouse, and transplanted several hundred lettuce plants out into the field. I truly appreciate the help, and I think everyone had an enjoyable day in the country. If there is anyone who was not able to attend, but would like to come out and lend a hand over the next 2 weekends, contact me at kruegerjohn@earthlink.net. That’s all ‘til next time! Meantime, hope, pray, or keep your fingers crossed for some rain.
–Farmer John