Thursday, March 28, 2013

No Dining at a Farmer's Table

2012 On the plains in Northern Arizona, two families joined forces and began the trials and tribulations of building a small family farm with nothing in the bank but love.

To tell the truth it's not been a week since my last Tortuga Thursday update. I'm writing this one early since we're headed out of town tomorrow for the river and three free hotel nights in Laughlin, Nevada. I'll have limited Internet access. And I'll be oblivious to what's happening on the farm anyway so may as well log my update today.

The tiller broke. Not everything that's been happening is good. This refurbished tiller was a happily received wedding present for Lance and Christie. It's seen a few hours here but gave out on the last pass through the fourth quadrant. Hopefully, a friend Lance knows in Flagstaff can repair it. We have a great neighbor that will loan us his to finish up.

That same neighbor has the tractor attachment he borrowed to run over all the land again. Not only do we have some veggies sprouting inside in trays but the weeds are sprouting at a faster rate outside. Good neighbor.

Frank got the pump house built. Not really a house. More of a cover. But much needed.

The trays covering the dining table and the table behind the couch are showing signs of green. They are such tiny little things. No wonder last year we had trouble with some of them. Lance has rigged some lighting over the trays. No big dinner parties for us for awhile. This year, everything will start in trays in the house then get moved to the greenhouse next month.

The sweet potato slips will arrive late May and will go directly in the ground. Last year we had a late frost that really damaged our potato growth. Keeping fingers crossed that isn't the case this year.

Speaking of the greenhouse, the plastic that will be the cover is due to arrive on Thursday while we are gone. Frank will have a project to help with when we return. The watering system will arrive also while we are gone. Frank is going to have plenty to keep him busy when we return.


6 comments:

  1. Heck, I've only got about three trays of sprouted seeds - yours are positively prolific.

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    1. Yes, Maddy, my son never does anything half way! And we hope to do some commercial farming soon, if not this year.

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  2. Those trays of seeds are a beauty to behold! That's a lot of work, too!

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    1. Thanks. It is and my son is the work horse! Planting them all in the ground will be even more work but great rewards reaped.

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