Hello everyone! Spring has SPRUNG with full force at the farm. It’s wild to think that it snowed a few weeks ago and now we are seeing highs in the 70’s and 80’s! We are busy getting seedlings ready for the plant sale, planting and seeding in the fields, and preparing the PYO flower garden. In addition to the usual farm activities, Kerry (who is officially back as our full time Assistant Manager!!) and I have been taking care of some other projects before the season really picks up.
Solar well pump:
This season, you’ll notice something new at the back of the farm by the blueberries. With the help of an amazing CSA member and volunteer, we’ve been working on installing our solar powered pump for our well. After figuring out the best direction for the panels to face, we mapped out the location of the posts and panels. We’ve installed the panels in the last couple of weeks and are now working on getting the last materials needed for the submersible pump.
New farm truck:
The farm got a new (old) truck! Our original farm truck was no longer reliable and caused many headaches for us during the season. We finally made the decision to part ways and decided to donate the Chevy to WCRB. You’ll now see us bopping around in a blue-green Ford Ranger that we bought from a lovely woman in Lunenburg. She had previously bought the truck from her brother, who loved the truck dearly, and was pleased to hear that it ended up on a farm for the last of its days.
Wood Chips:
The pavilion, children’s garden, and culinary herb garden are getting fresh wood chips this spring. This will help to suppress weeds and define aisles so members know where to walk. Students from Framingham High School will help us spread them around during their Service Day in June. Looking forward to getting their help!
Blueberry Health:
Our blueberries have needed some extra attention in the last few years and we’ve finally made them a priority. A soil test last year determined that we need to apply sulfur to the soil to help lower the pH. Once we apply sulfur, we will lay new irrigation in the beds, and then mulch them with leaves to help suppress weeds. Last but not least, we’ve ordered new netting to help prevent birds from getting in (won’t keep the rabbits or squirrels out though. Oh well!)
As you can see, we’ve been super busy at the farm already! The changes and improvements we make are all important and well worth it so that our members can have an amazing experience when they visit Stearns.
Until next time,
Ember
