Blog by our intern David.

Blog by our intern David.

Observations of an Unobservant Observer

So I have been on the farm now for a couple of weeks. There is one thing in particular that I have noticed keeps coming up, and that is the need for constant observation. Of everything. Observing weather, temperature, moisture, sunlight, shade, wind, bugs, diseases, etc., there are so many things you need to keep your eyes on. The art of observing is essential to farming.

Here's a practical example of the importance of observation using strawberries. Taking care of strawberries require constant observation of several of the factors I previously mentioned. They can't get too wet it will cause diseases. By the same token though, you can't let them dry out. Secondly, they must be covered some evenings when there is a threat of frost; otherwise the frost will kill them. However, you cannot just keep them covered all the time. Strawberries require, among other things, honeybees to pollinate them.

It is interesting to note the similarities between plants and kids. Both require constant attention and supervision. Both need to be feed regularly. Both need to be kept out of harsh environments. And both when mature produce unique, individual fruit.

Constant observation is a hard trait to master. Processing everything you observe and using that information is a whole other monster, but being able to do so will definitely make for a better farmer/gardener.

Linguine with Asparagus, Bacon, and Arugula

Ingredients
1 pound linguine, uncooked
1/3 pound sliced bacon, cut in half
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 (5 ounce) package baby arugula leaves
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Directions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, and set aside.
2. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and crisp. Remove to paper towels. Pour olive oil into skillet, and stir in garlic and asparagus. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add pasta to skillet. Turn flame off. Toss with arugula, lemon juice, and bacon.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Linguine-with-Asparagus-Bacon-and-Arugula/Detail.aspx

Spring is the most glorious time of year. It is the time of renewed life and energy. It is so wonderful to be able to see life start with the baby plants in February and now to see the tiny plants being planted in the ground. (Pictured above are broccoli plants we put in today). April and May is our peak planting time. We plant seeds in the morning and plants in the afternoon. In our crop rotation we are beginning the planting in some of the lower fields and will be headed to the upper fields in the next week or so.

The strawberry plants have been in full flower for several weeks and now they are finely setting fruit. We planted a large strawberry patch this year (see the picture above). I can almost taste the sweetness. Did you know that fruit is sweeter in a dry year and more tart in a wet season? We should have super sweet fruits this season.

All of our garden transplants are so excited to get planted and start producing. At our store and at Sugarbush Nursery we have broccoli, cabbage, kale, and swiss chard transplants for sale this week. And, this Saturday we will be at Earth Day in Reading and we will be selling selected varieties of tomatoes and basil as well. This will be your first opportunity to buy our tomato plants. But remember we still have another month of possible frost. The frost date for this area is May 15^th. So if you insist on planting your warm season veggies watch the weather and cover them on cold nights.

Beginning April 28^th we will be selling a full selection of tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and basil at our store and at Sugarbush Nursery. For a list of varieties see Sugarbush’s website http://www.sugarbushnursery.com/Vegetable%20Plants%20and%20Vegetable%20Seeds.htm.

And don’t forget on Saturday April 28^th I will be speaking at Sugarbush, at 11 am, on the prevention of disease and insects in the garden.

Also, on Saturday April 28^th is the grand opening of the Wyebrook Farm Market http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wyebrook-Farm/127004320678205.

We will be selling veggies in their store and their café.

Happy spring to you all and hope to see you at Earth Day on Saturday at Riverfront Park in Reading. Earth Day is a rain or shine event and we will be there no matter what the weather.

Erica

April with no showers.

April with no showers.

Hello friends. This has been quite a spring. Although, I could say that about any other year as well.

Our greenhouse is holding up nicely and producing beautiful greens and baby plants. We are well into our spring planting and a few things are popping up despite the cold nights.

Are you interested in a deal on 100% grass fed beef? Our butcher accidentally gave us too much ground beef in our last butchering. We decided to pass on savings to our customers. If you buy 4 pounds of ground beef you get a 5^th pound for free. The deal only applies at Hartz Natural Foods, 610-286-5268. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am till 6 pm.

Our CSA is full for the 2012 season. We appreciate all of you who wanted to join and support us for this season. However, this just means we will have to see your smiling faces at the Elverson or West Reading Farmer’s Markets.

This weekend we will begin selling transplants for your garden. Broccoli, cabbage, kale, and swiss chard will be available for purchase at our store or at Sugarbush Nursery. If you are planning to put in a big garden check out Sugarbush’s list of seeds and plants http://www.sugarbushnursery.com/Vegetable%20Plants%20and%20Vegetable%20Seeds.htm.

I will be at Sugarbush, on April 28^th at 11 am, giving a talk on insect and disease prevention in the garden.

Our farm intern, David (pictured above), joined us last week. I feel like he is going to be a great addition to the farm. He is very interested in farming and a hard worker. He is pictured above with the first row of spinach he planted this week.

As always we are grateful for all of your support.

Also pictured above is our new “What’s in new in the garden” sign. This is posted next to our “Garden” sign and each week we will be listing what we are planting, harvesting, weeding etc. This will be a great way to keep up with what we are doing in the garden.

If you have a subscription to Lancaster Farming Newspaper check out our article from April 7^th, section B3. Jennifer Hetrick did a beautiful job highlighting the unique relationship between Paul and I as well as what it means to be a woman farmer in Lancaster County.

Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook at B & H Organic Produce.

Many blessings to you all and thank you for your continued support,

Erica Lavdanski