Hilling Potatoes

Potatoes produce more potatoes if the soil is "hilled" up around the main stem or stalk of the potato plant. Potatoes are actually tubers and the taller the soil, the more taters that will grow on the plant! They actually grow up the stalk. So today was hilling day for the potato plants. Some of the plants are budding up to bloom. If you look closely toward the middle of the row of potatoes you can see the three bushes that had an extra helping (the wheelbarrow spilled) of composted chicken manure. It looks like the whole garden would love some extra spillage!

In order to hill the potatoes, the soaker hose was moved away and extra soil was raked up to the base of the plant. There is 8-12 inches of soil that form the hills. Some of the lower leaves were buried in the hill and weeds were pulled along the way. The plants were heavily watered yesterday. The soaker hose was replaced next to the stem of the potato plants and we are hoping for a bumper crop of yukon gold and red potatoes!

Field Corn Harvest

Our neighbor grows acres and acres of corn. Some of it is sweet corn, some is field corn and some is even a-MAZE-ing corn! There is about 275 acres of corn all around our small farm. At this time of year, the farmer harvests the field corn which is 10-12 feet tall, into silage or chop which is chopped up bits of corn stalk and ears of corn. This corn ferments and turns into a delicious treat for the milk cows.


Before picture...you can see our barn at the far end of the picture.


Going...


Going...


Going...


Gone!
Nutrients will be returned to the soil with the green miracle, otherwise known as manure! Cover crops will be grown, hay will be baled and by June the corn will be sprouting again.

In Between Harvest and Canning

In our other work around the farm, the boat shed has been completed. It will hold three boats and trailers, and if the boats are stacked it will hold more! Tim and River Friend Wayne put it all together.


Now the gear is protected from the weather and the dropping of walnuts and out of the way for wood stacking. The work goes on!

Greeting Party

With all of the excitement of the new batch of pigs arriving at the farm, the hens wanted to get in on the action. All animals seem to know when there is something new on the farm and the chickens are no different. The went into the big pasture and sort of pushed and shoved one another to go first and see what all the commotion is about.


Once they got to the back of the barn, the bravest hen stood at the entrance to the new additions. The hens were proud and determined to see the new pigs.

What happened next, we never expected! The little pigs discovered the chickens and mistook them for their own personal tubby toys! Those pigs chased the hens all over the pasture. It was the funniest site to see. The chickens, of course, wanted nothing to do with the pig chase and left with their feathers only slightly ruffled!

Blue and Purple

Oh, the warm sun shine has been shining on our shoulders and we are certainly enjoying all of the blossoms that are also reaching for the sun. At this time of year, anywhere on the farm smells sweet. The flowering trees have gently scented the air and as we walk out to get the mail, the lilac greets us with her sweet smelling flowers. This pretty bush has been shaped into a tree with years of pruning by Tim and the old fashioned flower reminds us of slower times and white lace. Find some flowers and be sure to take the time to smell them!