Week 7, Summer 2023
Hello all, Malia and Lev here bringing you all the recents happenings on the farm this week:
One of our key projects recently has been mulching all our perennial trees to ensure their optimal growth by keeping competitive weeds at bay. To achieve this, we're using a combination of substrates like cardboard, hay, and rockwool. We've been sourcing cardboard locally, cutting them into sizable pieces, and placing them around the tree tubes with a hole in the center. To secure the cardboard, we layer straw on top, extending it to about 3 or 4 feet. Lastly, we add a layer of rockwool with some water, forming an insulative shield. These layers offer protection from weeds and enhance nutrient absorption for our trees!
Turning our attention to tree care, Daniel and Lev have been diligently applying Neem Oil, a natural pesticide and fungicide, to safeguard our trees from various pests like aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and more, while also preventing fungal issues. We ensure to apply it in the cooler morning hours to avoid any damage to the leaves under the scorching sun. Additionally, we've been closely monitoring our cucumber plants and our kale, which unfortunately attract certain pests and are a good spot for egg-laying.
On the harvesting front, this week has been abundant with green beans, snap peas, cabbage, and fennel. Despite facing some challenges with our silphium plants, we're thrilled to see a few resilient ones thriving. Furthermore, Nadav and JR discovered a hidden asparagus patch behind the hay bales, and they are dedicated to nurturing and revitalizing it by clearing out the area.
Our horticulture endeavors continue as Malia is eagerly planning to introduce some pepperoncini plants, an Italian cuisine staple. Finding the perfect sunny spot for these plants is her current mission to ensure their successful growth.
Preparation for our Perennial Soil Health Event on Wednesday was a team effort. We tidied up the farm, organized tables and tents for a delightful picnic-style lunch, and even had the pleasure of catering delicious food from Crystal and the Dragonfly Cafe. The event was a resounding success with engaging presentations by Acacia, Lexi, Daniel, and JR, drawing participants from various agricultural fields, all enthusiastic about regenerative agriculture. The event also marked the debut of our newly constructed composting toilet, beautifully hand-painted and decorated by Miriam. After a long but fulfilling day, we unwound by visiting Johnny's pool for some much-needed rest and relaxation.
On Thursday, some of us ventured to the Kankakee State Park to visit alpacas and goats, and take a second to appreciate the beautiful nature around us. Those who stayed behind rewatched a 2000s classic show: H20! Friday we had a super cool experience with Zoe’s context conversation all about Amulet making, where we learned about the historical uses of various herbs and plants and the energies and protection they provide when used in an amulet. We harvested some fresh ingredients from the farm for the activity, such as strawberry leaves, fennel, comfrey, red clover, alfalfa and we all added our amulets onto a community garland that is now hanging in the house!
