Spring 2011- May Journal

This is my first of many journal postings to archive our progress at creating Epitherrien Farms, a 5 acre, mini-farm, 20 miles south of kansas City MO. We have built a chicken coop, which currently houses 7 hens and 1 silkie rooster and will expand with 25 more chicks scheduled to arrive at the end of this month. Steve has transformed our horse corral to a 80' by 80' organic garden. The asparagus and strawberry bed is a permanent bed in the otherwise tilled area. The bed measures 70" by 6' and asparagus should be ready to eat next year (the third year). We created a duck stall in the barn, which is divided with a brooding area and an adult nesting area. Our picturesque farm has a pond and is guarded by two farm cats, Stubby, who is blind and was born on the farm. And Blackie, who is a young fiesty, female who loves to dig, roll and play in the dirt and must give a helping hand at all times. Blackie and Stubby have a hate, hate relationship! They give us hours of entertainment and annoyance! But what a scene it is to see Stubby running across the field after Blackie, who doesn't know Stubby is blind, a quick cut in the opposite direction would relieve her of Stubby's chase!

It is mid-May and our spring has been more like a Canadian spring, rather than a Zone 5, sunny and warm spring. Too bad I am not growing English roses! Planting has been slow, with the cold weather. Radishes, potatoes, onions, carrots, peas, hearbs and several types of greens, (collards, chards, spinach vine etc.) have been doing well. One lonely artichoke plant and several lettuce plants that didn't die over the snowy winter are looking very healthy. We had our first salad from the lettuce on Tuesday night. Green leafy with a bit of dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, olive oil and very thinly sliced red oinion was all that was required! Fresh indeed!

Last night I planted 14 tomatoe plants, 6 peppers and 4 eggplant, all of different varieties. I will record the best producers this year. Tonights task is to build a scarecrow, as the blackbirds have already found the tomato plants. One was nibbled down to a twig already this morning. (No we don't own a gun and will not use them for target practice).
Next in the ground will be the 4 trays of beet seedlings (I just adore beets) and the 3 sisters planted in the beautiful raised planter boxes that Steve built for me. They are 6 foot square with little seats in each corner for easy reaching. These will all go in this weekend. By Memorial Weekend I hope to have everything planted and fabric added over the ripening strawberries.

That's it for now, I'll update soon and I ask for advice on one problem, I have a worm farm that has been producing castings and tea by the boat loads but I have a fly infestation. How do I keep the flies out? If anyone knows please help!