Two visitors to the Farm noticed a Farmer struggling while trying to sift her soil. They stopped to chat with her and suggested using a solid framed sifter as this had worked for them. When the Farmer said that she would have to build one for herself, the two visitors smiled, bid her good day …then went to the store…purchased supplies…and started working. The next day, they returned to the Farm and presented that lucky Farmer with a gift – a wooden sifter! Such kindness extraordinaire! These two visitors remain anonymous but what they have left behind does have a […]
Farm Posts
271 posts
Squash Attacked! The leaves of one Farmer’s summer squash was being eaten by something not visible and the blossoms were shriveling up and dying. So, she dutifully tried an anti-squash vine-borer concoction … which did not work fast enough. Alas – all her squash plants fell prey to the invisible foe and had to be pulled to keep the rest of her plants safe. One Farmer suggested a new tip: a new way of growing summer squash is to put the plants in cages like those used for tomatoes. Growing the plants vertically rather than sprawled on the ground apparently […]
Supper at The Farm The May 15th “Supper at The Farm” is getting closer! Farmers were heard going on today about the great food Cha Bella Restaurant always supplies… much thanks to Chef Matt and his staff! Tickets are on sale…. everyday …at the Landings Real Estate Office on Bartram Road. Don’t miss out on your first Harvest Celebration! It’ll be so nice to eat while strolling amongst the vegetables and fruit … a perfect end to a Farmer’s day! (4/12/2011)
Walk around the Farm and you can see some amazing plots …glowing veggies…no weeds…well pruned plants… perfect furrows and trellises. The work of very experienced hands is on display in these plots! The Farm counts several Master Gardeners and many more Gardeners-Extraordinaire with years of know-how on our roster. We are lucky to be able to watch them work and now several are willing to volunteer their time to help Farmer-wannabees get their plots in order. If you have a friend who wants to join the Farm but hesitates because they have no experience, then Skidaway Farms can remedy that! […]
On Our Last Day… The children had lots of caretaking to do on their last day in their Winter garden. Beets and Broccoli Raab were harvested… But there was a surprise in the garden- When DID this great carrots appear? So everyone’s dinner will have some of these orange beauties on the table tonight! And then the carrot tops and beet greens were added to the compost bin…along with some cornmeal to help get rid of the fire ants that were found hanging out in the bin! After cleaning up and a trip to Farmer Paul’s plot to help with […]
The talk at one plot today was about coffee grounds today… and how earthworms love them! And anything that makes earthworms happy makes for happier soil. You can add grounds directly to the soil… scratch it into the top couple inches or just sprinkle the grounds on top and leave it alone. Mother Nature takes over … things start to decompose … and your plants start to notice! One Farmer makes coffee ground “tea”. Add two cups of used coffee grounds to a five-gallon bucket of water…. lets it steep for a few hours or overnight… it makes great liquid […]
Broccoli The Broccoli harvest has begun! Some of the heads are fully six inches across! One Farmer suggests cutting the center head before it gets much bigger … then additional heads will grow yielding a “second crop”. Broccoli and béarnaise sauce… yummy! And the greens are a tasty side dish as well… a little olive oil and a quick stir-fry made one Farmer claim they are better than spinach! (4/10/11)
Isle Of Hope Visitors Visitors to the Farm from the Isle of Hope were overwhelmed by it all today! Perhaps even a bit envious! They were heard to say they just might move to Skidaway Island just to be able to join! (4/9/11)
Those HEAVY rains got some Farmers wondering how to keep their plants from getting root rot beneath their weed fabric. So much water … some say close to 5 inches or rain over 3 days … and not enough sun had the soil saturated … and with the fabric keeping the soil from drying out, one Farmer was dealing with his plants crying for relief from their wet feet! Giving the plants a bit more room at their base from the fabric may be the answer … just in case the Farm gets another deluge. (4/2/11)
Earthworms were the topic this morning at the Farm. As good as our soil may be, it will only get better with worms working it 24-7. One organic farmer has bought earthworm eggs…. Amazing! Put ‘em in the ground like you would a seed… and soon the little critters will hatch and do their thing. They drill tunnels that break up hardpan and help soak up a drenching rainfall. Each worm generates its weight in castings in a 24 hour period – good for balancing the ph in your soil. And, supposedly, earthworms can churn out 15 tons of worm […]
A couple of Farmers have begun to trim the rye grass growing next to their plots. It makes great mulch and it’s there for the picking! The advice is to spread it thinly – it will decompose and help loosen the soil for drainage. And we could all use a little more nitrogen in our plots! (3/16/11)
Several plot-neighbors have decided to share plot-walks between their plots. Half a foot on my plot line next to half a foot on your plot line gives us both a one foot walkway. Brilliant! (3/17/11)
Our walkways are turning a gorgeous green on St. Patrick’s Day. Nothing like some good winter rye grass to put a glistening green glow on a morning at the Farm! Once the rye grass starts to fade to brown, the clover seed already planted under it will begin to germinate. Nice planning by Valley Crest to keep our walkways looking good. (3/17/11)
We have some mighty fine plot-art and sculptures at the Farm. But special kudos must go to our first “scarecrow” – her name is Gerianna – the white hair gives away the source of her name (geriatric!). After she went up, the proud owners tipped a glass to her and then paid homage to the powers that be that Ms. Gerianna will really keep those nasty black crows away. One Farmer swears these crows are perched in the trees laughing amongst themselves as we humans toil away cultivating a “pantry full of crow food”. Please, Ms. Gerianna, Please …. Please […]
Good Day Farmers, This is our third monthly newsletter and we are looking for an Editor. If you would like to become a critical part of the new organization and and have time each month to organize a newsletter, please contact me: Blake Caldwell (598-5365 or 404-964-8409) . This Saturday!!!!!! Gate-Opening Celebration Saturday, February 5th (Rain date Feb 12th ) Music at 1:30 Remarks at 2:00 PM In the Garden – McWhorter Road Refreshments by Cha Bella Hester and Zipperer and Olde Savannah Gardens will have vegetable plants for sale Schedule of Events: People have been asking so I […]
The Dirt Jan 2011 Good Day Farmers, This is our second monthly newsletter and we are looking for an Editor. If you would like to become a critical part of the new organization and and have time each month to organize a newsletter, please contact me: Blake Caldwell (598-5365 or 404-964-8409) . Save the Date Gate-Opening Celebration Saturday, February 5 th (Rain date Feb 12th)2:00 PM In the Garden – McWhorter Road Live music, Refreshments by Cha Bella Hester and Zipperer will have vegetable plants for sale Free Hay Rides-Bring the Children Everybody Welcome Get Involved! (Second Request) Several […]