Potatoes and Peas

Last weekend we were able to plant our potatoes and peas.  We started out with 75 pounds of seed potatoes from Johnny’s Seed and on Friday cut them up so that each piece had at least one eye.  We planted three varieities, a russet, Yukon Gold and a red potato called Red Norland.   This year we cut them two days prior to planting so that the cuts could heal over a bit.  Last year we cut and planted on the same day and our production was way off so this year we cut and again let them dry for two days.  In addition, last year we planted in mid May and this year we moved it back two weeks to about the time we have planted in prior years.  I think the soil temperature and the head start they get on the weeds are both helpful to there production.  This year we planted 700 feet of potatoes in total.

In addition, to the potatoes we also planted 600 feet of peas.  We planted three varieites of those as well  including a variety called Penelope from Johnny’s Seed. We would have liked to have planted  green beans but the soil and air temperatures are still too low for them to germinate and grow well in our climate.

The high tunnel continues to evolve into a better tool every year.  In additon to having trays of seeds started in there I have begun to plant carrots and spinach.  I am trying to obtain a rotation whereby I plant them every two weeks and once they start producing in 60 days we will have a continuous supply for ourselves and our customers.

The lists are long this time of year so I will try to be better about giving regualr updates.  In other news we have 50 new Austerlop egg layers that were delivered about three weeks ago.  The litter of pigs born in February have been weaned and we are expecting our first litter from our Berkshire Gilt.  She was breed with our resident Tamworth Boar and we are hoping this will prove to be a good cross for meat production.  Our first batch of meat birds are due to arrive next week and garden planting will be here before you know it……until next time…