Potting Up Tomatoes & Installing Purple Martin Houses

February 1st, 2023

The warmth of the greenhouse has proved to be perfect for our tomato seedlings this year as it’s already time to pot them up! “Potting-up” is a process that involves removing the seedlings from their trays and replanting them in larger four-inch pots as you can see above. This allows more space for their roots to develop while we await their March field transplanting date. We typically plant our tomato seedlings as deep as possible when potting them up since the buried part of the stem is able to shoot out additional roots. This helps encourage a stronger root system which will allow the plant to be stronger, healthier, and more productive.

We’re installing a couple of Purple Martin houses on the farm just in time for their scouts to begin returning to our area in early February. Purple Martins are the largest type of swallow in North America and will provide some great benefits (and bird watching!) on the farm. They’re aerial hunters which means they will eat pesky flying insects like mosquitoes. And, they’re known to harass and keep away large birds and raptors which will be great for the safety of our chickens. If you’re curious and want to learn more about these fascinating birds, make sure to come to our next Bird Walk this Sunday, February 5th at 9am! You can reserve your spot here.

Farmer Spotlight

If you’ve visited the farm or farmers market over the past couple of years, you’ve probably been greeted by Farmer Nick’s jovial smile. Believe it or not, Nick did not grow up eating many vegetables! While he absolutely loves enjoying the vast variety of vegetables he grows now, when he was a kid he mostly ate potatoes or corn. It wasn’t until he took his first farming job in Connecticut that he began trying everything he grew. Those first few vegetables made a huge impact, both in taste and his career path. Nick continues to farm because he loves getting his hands dirty (literally!) and being able to steward the land by growing responsibly. If you see him around the farm, make sure to ask him about the connection between a crop’s nutrient density and soil health!

Upcoming Events:

• Farmers Market on Saturday, February 4th, February 11th, February 18th, and February 25th from 9am-1pm

• Bird & Nature Walk on Sunday, February 5th at 9am (reserve your spot here)

• Bird & Nature Walk on Sunday, February 19th at 9am (reserve your spot here)

• Meet the Farm Tour on Sunday, February 26th at 1:30pm (reserve your spot here)

Currently in Season at the Farm Stand: Carrots, Brussels Sprouts, Kale, Lettuce, Collard Greens, Napa cabbage, Scallions, Watermelon Radishes, Cilantro, and Parsley.