A rough spot?

The last two days have been a little rough. We knew to expect some tough moments, for sure. But suddenly we’re faced with a lot of responsibility that is scarier than we imagined it would be. Everything is fine, but it’s hard when plans don’t work out quite like we expected (of course they won’t, but still). There were definitely moments when I wanted to call someone — anyone (my parents, our former farmer, a super hero) — to come and save us. But we’re surviving just fine. I think what has been scariest is the impact of the weather. Fast, furious spring storms have been coming through here about twice a day, and the rain and wind certainly complicate everything. We’re still in the midst of some big stuff (getting the Haygrove tunnel to work for us especially), so we’ll post photos soon.

But the good news is: thanks to two fine OBC employees (thanks Francisco and Sam!) one bay of the Haygrove is up, and we’ve begun sowing finally! Last night we sowed the tomatoes, peppers and eggplant. While we sowed, the biggest thunder storm yet poured around us, so we were incredibly thankful for the many covered dry spaces we have here at Seven Spoke Farm. We tried using soil blocks for the first time, which took some practice, but after a few trials we became proficient. Now the blocks are sitting under cover with some nice bottom heat. I think that as soon as these little seeds have sprouted we’ll begin feeling better about the whole process. It’s hard to spend so much time on infrastructure when there are no plants around yet! Today we’ll continue sowing: alliums (onions, leeks, shallots) and peas!

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2 Responses to A rough spot?

  1. Sorry to hear things are rough, glad to hear other things are balancing that out though.

    I was getting some flack from a few of the farmers on the LiveJournal grou “farmers” and thought I would share it with you too because I saw you weren’t on that list.

    http://community.livejournal.com/farmers/12419.html?style=mine

    I was thinking as I read their responses to me that they must think I’m stupid because they both started talking down to me instead of being supportive of a wanna-be farmer. I didn’t expect responses like that but I used them to my advantage in the end by really reading the good information in them and trying to see if their criticism matched reality. I mean, they’ve never met me and are questioning everything. I basically said to myself, “Let them be crabby then.” There was one I really didn’t want to comment on so I didn’t. I just told her to read the big comment and hopefully it would be informational to her too.
    I wonder if I’m going to get alot of crap from older farmers. I mean, niches have to be met as well as large groups of consumers, but these guys thought I was going to be growing rare medicinal fruit no one’s ever heard of or needs. We’re growing normal food that looks different. Maybe it even tastes better, who knows. My point was that I was being judged on ghosts. Maybe they’ll cheer up a little. Maybe not.

    Ramble complete.

  2. Oakhill says:

    Hmmmm …. I read through the series of responses to your post on that community. I definitely think some of them are valid and were probably meant in the best possible way. (Although of course at least one person obviously didn’t know much if they didn’t know the terms ‘organic’ and ‘heirloom’!!!!!)

    I’ll be interested to hear how the season goes for you two — heirlooms can be really tough to grow commercially because they haven’t always been selected for the kinds of things you want in a commercial variety: disease and pest resistance, size, quality, etc. And, in our experience, they don’t always taste better than the commercial varieties available through a supplier like Johnny’s. BUT I think that you guys will have tons of fun and grow good food. I’m sure you’ll find the varieities that do well in your micro-climate in a season or two, and heirlooms can certianly sell for a premium to the right market (which it sounds like you have). It all just depends on your goals, which I think is what maybe wasn’t jiving with the folks in that community.

    We at Oakhill wish you the best of luck!!!!!!

    —Katie

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