Never let it be said that “any soil will do”when growing vegetables! These pictures of the amazing growth in the raised beds in Section A testify to the power of excellent compost and consistent watering. The “black gold” compost that was used to fill these new raised beds back in September gave these plants a headstart that plots without such a foundation never get.A good thing to keep in mind when orders for the spring delivery of compost are being solicited! …it all started with… …empty but full of promise…Sept. 5th …that compost even SMELLED magnificent…Sept. 10th …in the ground […]
Monthly Archives: January 2012
8 posts
(for the Janaury TWATL) If you have always wanted to know how to grow your vegetables and plants organically, this is your chance to learn … both in the classroom and “in-the-soil”. Georgia Southern University is sponsoring this comprehensive six-week program that will take place in the classroom at Skidaway Methodist Church and in the soil at Skidaway Farms. Learn about soil biology…composting…seed starting techniques…how to handle pests…how to develop good compost…and so much more! The program will be taught by Kelly Locamy, Master Gardener and Director of the Savannah Urban Garden Alliance (SUGA). Kelly holds a Certificate in Permaculture […]
FIRE ANTS at the Farm… There’s not a Farmer among us who wouldn’t offer several of their favorite vegetables to the Farm gods to eradicate fire ants from their plot! Would that it was that easy. The FDA estimates the USA spends more than $ 6 billion a year on fire ant control and crop and livestock losses! Yes, they are useful to the environment…eating fleas and dead animals while turning the soil with their incessant tunneling. However, what they have to offer is eclipsed by the pain they cause us when attacked…THAT is not something anyone wants to ever […]
A few Sundays ago, close to 30 Farmers gathered at Delegal Marina to share ideas on the future of the Farm. Needless-to-say, a good time was had by all! Holiday colors…perfect!!! The hors d’oeuvres were scrumptious…goat cheese wrapped with a delectable cranberry crunch…a smoked trout dip with green onions and fresh herbs spread over sourdough rounds…and an eggplant-tomato-herb blend that took the crowd by storm! We Farmers DO know a thing or two about fine eating! The Governance Committee members were on-hand to update the group on the Online Registration System; the plans for a Tool Storage Shed at the […]
As of 1 o’clock on Friday, Janaury 6th, the irrigation system pump was turned back on. A stalwart crew of volunteers checked the pipes and hose bibs for any damage from the cold snap….there was none to be found so the system passed the test! They also checked to make sure all drip system hose bibs were turned to the “ON” position…except those systems whose owners had taken their timers home during the frost alert. It would be a good idea if you have a drip system to inspect it while it runs next time you are at the Farm […]
Open the south gate and step one foot into Skidaway Farms and you will tread on the pathway named for Dr. Charley Caldwell. Yes, he was Blake’s father…and Skidaway Farms benefactor, Nancy Dancu’s husband…a surgeon trained at Harvard who cherished the hours he got to spend cultivating his orchards and tending the vegetables on the family farm in Danville, Kentucky. Doc Charley passed on in January 1999 but his memory is now marked at the Farm by the wide boulevard that leads to Valley Crest Square. The Caldwell men had been farmers as far back as anyone could remember…planting nut […]
The “a.p.b.” email that was sent to all Farmers today resulted in a busy crush of folks at the Farm covering their most fragile plants to combat tonight and tomorow nights’ predicted cold snap. Luckily, the coastal islands don’t suffer too many catastrophic frosts in the winter…while it may dip below 32° it seldom stays there long enough to crack hose pipes and the like. However, plant life can be destroyed…so it’s always best to wrap what you want to protect from Mother Nature’s cold shoulder with frost cloth or plastic or a bed sheet or two. Frosts aren’t all […]
A simple…heartfelt message from your fellow-Farmers on the Governance Committee: “Stay safe…and warm…and full of cheer as the 2012 season comes into view. A happy and bountiful harvest to us all! See you at the Farm!”