Chicks Hatching & Melons Growing

Village Farm Team,

We got to meet our new chicks this week! Of the 16 eggs we incubated, 12 of them hatched this past week. Once the chicks hatched and their feathers dried out, we moved them into their brooder. A heat lamp allows them to keep warm until they develop the ability to regulate their own body temperature in the coming weeks. Since the pecking order is established very early among a flock we are already starting to see a dominant chick emerge. We know they will grow up fast so we’re soaking up as much of the fluffy cuteness as we can.

In just a week’s time our watermelons and muskmelons have shown some amazing growth. Though some of our watermelons are already pretty sizable, it’s not just size that we use as an indicator to know when they are ripe. The main indicator actually lies on the vine rather than the fruit itself. Once the tendril that is closest to the nodule on the vine that the fruit is growing from begins to turn from green to brown, it’s time to harvest. Another indicator is to check the bottom of the melon that has been in contact with the ground. Since this part of the melon doesn’t get sunlight, it’s typically pale green in color. Once it begins to turn yellow or tan that typically signifies the fruit is ready to eat.

We wanted to take a moment to express our gratitude and appreciation for one of our hardest working farm volunteers. Ethan is always willing to be of service, helping us regularly with the daily tasks on the farm like watering the greenhouse, weeding, and raking the chicken run. There’s a lot that goes into operating a farm so we’re really grateful to have Ethan eager and willing to help out! Feel like getting more involved on the farm? Send us an e-mail and we’d be more than happy to chat about volunteer opportunities.