WHAT’S UP ON THE FARM?
Weather in the past month: Snow: 11.5" Rain: 0.25"
Freezing Rain: 0.10" High temp: 69° (2/3/21) Low Temp: 5° (3/12/22)
Here we are at the cusp of Spring and all I can do is shake my head and keep planting seeds! We listened to stories of invasion in Ukraine as we enjoyed unseasonably warm March temperatures, followed by devastating tornadoes, and then snow all within 36 hours! Our hearts go out to those affected by violence, both by man and by nature. We were so lucky to miss the tornadoes last week, the closest one was about 14 miles south of the farm, but we know folks who weren't so lucky. So we support those people as best we can and, like I said, keep planting seeds.
The biggest task of the past month was the turnover of the big high tunnel. All the spent crops were cleared, soil amended and new crops either seeded or transplanted. 
At the start it always feels like a rather Herculean task for just one person and it takes me about a week from beginning to end, but like so many things, getting started is the hard part. It's a bit shocking to see empty beds in the tunnel, but they don't stay that way for long, some of the new seedings are already germinating.
Besides the high tunnel work, you probably won't be surprised to hear that sowing seeds has been a large part of our focus in the past month. We've sown flats of celery, lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, chard, kale, collards, peas, and LOTS of flowers! We also direct seeded lettuce, arugula, choi and mustard in the tunnels and transplanted chard, kale, choi and misome. There are baby plants coming up everywhere! It's a good thing spring is just around the corner, because our nursery space is about to explode!
Besides the high tunnel work, you probably won't be surprised to hear that sowing seeds has been a large part of our focus in the past month. We've sown flats of celery, lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, chard, kale, collards, peas, and LOTS of flowers! We also direct seeded lettuce, arugula, choi and mustard in the tunnels and transplanted chard, kale, choi and misome. There are baby plants coming up everywhere! It's a good thing spring is just around the corner, because our nursery space is about to explode!
what a difference a month makes!!
Beyond plant care, we have managed to do a few other things, like ordering supplies, fine tuning our planting plans, posting ads for our farm crew and attending online meetings. But it isn't all work...I've also been taking advantage of the snowy weather whenever possible to get in a bit of cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The alpacas aren't too sure about that activity though.
One of the highlights of our winter is the annual farmers' retreat with our Gang of 5 Farm friends. We alternate hosting the event and this year we were thrilled to spend the weekend with the group at Grinnell Heritage Farm. In fact, that's where we were during the storms that spawned the tornadoes. We've never had to head for the basement during that event before, luckily all was well. Big thanks to my parents for taking care of the farm so we could go!
We're hiring!
Do you know someone who might be interested in spending a season outdoors in a beautiful setting, working with great people, eating great food and getting lots of physical exercise? Is it you?? A son or daughter, niece, neighbor or friend? Send them our way ASAP, we'd love to talk to them about the possibilities!
CSA 2022: The first delivery is scheduled for June 7th and we have space available for new members! If you are interested in joining us this season and haven't already done so, you can email us at mail@bluegatefarmfresh.com and we'll get you set up. Know someone who might be interested in a season of fresh, healthy, delicious food? Send them our way!
Want to get some great local food in the meantime? VegEmail deliveries continue every two weeks throughout the winter. You can order your farm-fresh produce, preserves, seasonings, (plus Ebersole Cattle Co. eggs & meats and Lost Lake Farm LLC cheese in DM) from the comfort of home (and pick up tasty beverages from Peace Tree Brewing Co. at the same time!) It's like a farmers market in your Inbox! If you want to order and aren't already getting email announcements about the deliveries, be sure to let us know!
what a difference a month makes!!
One of the highlights of our winter is the annual farmers' retreat with our Gang of 5 Farm friends. We alternate hosting the event and this year we were thrilled to spend the weekend with the group at Grinnell Heritage Farm. In fact, that's where we were during the storms that spawned the tornadoes. We've never had to head for the basement during that event before, luckily all was well. Big thanks to my parents for taking care of the farm so we could go!
We're hiring! Do you know someone who might be interested in spending a season outdoors in a beautiful setting, working with great people, eating great food and getting lots of physical exercise? Is it you?? A son or daughter, niece, neighbor or friend? Send them our way ASAP, we'd love to talk to them about the possibilities!
CSA 2022: The first delivery is scheduled for June 7th and we have space available for new members!
If you are interested in joining us this season and haven't already done so, you can email us at mail@bluegatefarmfresh.com and we'll get you set up. Know someone who might be interested in a season of fresh, healthy, delicious food? Send them our way!
That's about it from us this month. Thank you for making it all the way to the end of the newsletter and for joining us on all our farming adventures. It is such a privilege to live in this beautiful place and to raise safe, healthy food for so many amazing people. We wish you all the joys of the season and a bright new year!
Is a monthly newsletter not enough for you? Do you want to read more about our life on the farm and see more pictures? Follow us on Facebook at Blue Gate Farm or on Instagram at bluegatefarmfresh. CSA members can also connect with other BGF members to share recipes or ask questions on our FB community page at Blue Gate Farm Community.
If you have any questions or comments, be sure to let us know.
Best from the farm,
Jill & Sean (and the whole BGF crew)
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| Luci & Sky |
