Today, I learned how to use a chainsaw! - How to start it, how to cut with it, how to sharpen it, how to be safe with it (that's for you mama.) I love the fact that I am getting to learn so many little things that I probably would never do otherwise. I also helped chop a good amount of wood...nice fresh alder, and learned the proper stacking technique.
I also began preparing a couple beds in greenhouses for early carrots. I forked the soil to loosen it, watered it, and will let it sit for a couple weeks to let any weeds present germinate. Once the weeds sprout up I'll either cut them with a collinear hoe (it has a sharp blade that you sharpen with a bastard file...yeah I know, cool name...I especially love the thought of carrying a bastard around in my back pocket when I use it) or maybe flame the bed with a torch to wilt the leaves (also very cool...but slightly tedious in a plastic greenhouse.)
So yeah! It was a full day and my body is feeling it. It was just wonderful to be outside in the sun, despite the freezing temperature. Yesterday was spent stuffing envelopes with our 2008 seed catalog. For those of you who may not know the farm also owns a seed company called Full Circle Seeds (www.fullcircleseeds.com)...you should check it out.
There is so much to say about seeds, but I'm too tired. I hope to write a post just on seed saving because it is pretty cool and an important part of farming. That will have to come later and maybe with some more slugs in the news (a reference for woonie mike)!
Spring is on it's way!
2 comments:
Well, I wanted to say that I heard there is a problem with the Top Soil on planet Earth. I hear that it is eroding at an alarming rate. And that farmers shouldn't till as much, and should just do something else, which I have forgotten about. Do you know anything about this??? I am really worried. Maybe you could get back to us on that.
Natalie, you tough adler-chopping and softy sluggyluvvy mountain mama! i'm glad to picture you selecting and divvying up seeds and drinking warm coffee on snowy mornings. i love you to bits and pieces : )
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