Finally, after one of the severest winters in recent history, we're seeing signs of spring! However, we are having a little winter relapse today, but forecasters promise a return to spring-like temps the rest of the week. We've started some of our early spring activities on the farm.
“Little Plastic House”
Bill constructed his "little plastic house,” which is a miniature temporary greenhouse, made out of 4 pieces of heavy wire shoved into the ground to form an arch and covered with thick plastic mended with duct tape. The four sides of the plastic are anchored in the ground by wrapping 2x2 boards in the ends and covering with dirt. A slit is cut in the plastic to allow watering and prevent condensation. Bill planted lettuce, spinach and Swiss chard. We should be enjoying tasty salads and chard by early to mid-April.
Flowerbed Pyrotechnics
Bill torches the iris bed in early spring to control iris leaf spot, a fungal disease that over-winters on the dead leaves. Burning kills the spores. Burning also kills iris borer, a destructive insect that over-winters in its larvae, or “worm” stage, in the rhizome above ground. Goodbye disease and pestilence; hello gorgeous iris!
Bill will burn our native grass pasture in mid-April. More on this pyrotechnic task later and with pictures!
Mole Patrol
One of Cricket’s favorite spring activities is “mole patrol.” Her keen ears hear the underground activities of these yard-wrecking rodents. She frantically digs in hot pursuit of the mole, while the mole is also frantically digging to escape the jaws of death. If the mole goes too deep, Cricket loses the trail.
"Darn! I'll get you next time, you little varmint!"
Tulips, daffodils and hyacinth are up!
The cattle are eagerly anticipating the arrival of spring and luscious, green grass to graze.
More "Rites of Spring" will follow!
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