Chives Many of the biennials and perennials are done making seed, the second-year broccoli, kale  and lettuce, and the chives too. Time to harvest the future! Kale seed pods with spider Kale seeds from one plant, enough for at least an acre of kale
Monthly Archives: July 2011
Brown Spot and Black Pit
Well, I had sworn not to grow potatoes again after the Blight Year of 2009 – my first year gardening. It wasn’t just blight that ruined that year’s potatoes (the tomatoes didn’t suffer too much). I also tried the potato tower method and it was Spudtacularly Disappointing. But I love potatoes. I love them so, …
First Honey Super
On 15 July the Apiguard treatment was finished (the bees cleaned out the tray) and my friend, neighbor and fellow Transitioner Andrea helped me put the first honey super onto the hive. These are the bees in the top box: great numbers and all looking healthy. Frames and frames heavy with honey. Eggs too! Andrea …
Amie’s Drawing
It’s been a while since I put up a drawing of Amie’s. She’s still at it, still wants to be a “real artist” (funny, I just saw that that last update about her art was a little over a year ago). It’s a self-portrait. As you can see she’s working on neck, shoulders, elbows and …
Solar PV Up (and not yet running)
Three days and a swarm of people and the solar array is UP. But not up and running, yet. We still need the town to inspect the electricity and the building, NSTAR to approve the interconnection, to install the monitoring system, someone to commission the system, and us to be trained in its operation and maintenance. Another week …
Almost There
It’s up and working (those cells cannot be turned off), but we’re not harvesting yet. First, some more paperwork… We’re harvesting other things, though: herbs and greens, green beans, celery, garlic, parsley, basil, and… potatoes! Much more, soon!
I Am Memorizing This One
And will declaim it! ~ Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front by Wendell Berry Love the quick profit, the annual raise, vacation with pay. Want more of everything ready-made. Be afraid to know your neighbors and to die. And you will have a window in your head. Not even your future will be a mystery …
Hive Inspection
Two weeks ago I put a tray of Apiguard in the hive. The tray was close to empty today, so I’m leaving it in for a couple more days. The usual Spring treatment is two trays for a maximum of 6 weeks (altogether). But I was late starting the treatment as my bees took a …
350 Poems – Poem 2
Poem 2 in the 350 poem project was sent on its way on 5 June and must have arrived at its destination (or I wouldn’t post it here!). I’ve not received any poems back as yet, but it’s early days yet. This poem too was sent on its way on the back of a stunning …
Edible Wild Plants Walk with John Root, and Homegrown Mallow
John Root conducted an Edible Wild Plants Walk at the organic Lindentree Farm in nearby Lincoln yesterday evening and I was there. I learned that that weed, of which I pulled thousands from the old compost heap, is Lamb’s Quarters, that it is absolutely yummy and nutritious and grew itself for free and without my …
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