Bee Hive Inspection

Jack decided to go for a more thorough hive inspection because one hive looked like it might swarm due to overpopulation. Jack decided to use the strong hive (Juniper) to strengthen a weak hive (Marigold). All went well, I got stung once when I had my gloves off but it's nothing compared to being stung by a yellow jacket.

Cabbage, and lots of it!

Today we transplanted about 450 plants of cabbage to the field. A good day of work even with the hot sun. Let's hope for some rain soon!

Cabbage Transplants

Transplanting

Transplanting

Here they come...

The peas and radishes are starting to emerge from the earth...

Peas

Radishes

Horse Manure Day

The friendly folks at Three Sisters Farm have made available to us an unlimited supply of horse manure. We will be composting the horse manure which in turn will provide the soil with incredible fertility.

Three Sisters Farm (http://www.ponypowernj.com) runs a therapeutic horseback riding program and is located on Ramapo Valley Road. We will be helping them start a three sisters garden in May.

Composted horse manure

Jack unloading the manure

Pedro and Jack unloading the manure

A hungry horse at Three Sisters Farm

Sun Valley farmers after a long day of work

Bee Hives

Jack decided to go for a quick bee hive inspection since it was such a nice day out. A bee ended up inside his shirt sleeve but he was lucky enough to get the bee out without being stung!

Planting day

It was a beautiful day out today and we managed to get a lot of planting done. Beds of beets, carrots, peas, radishes and spinach were planted today. We also prepared a few more beds for tomorrow's planting, turnips. Jack invited two volunteers to the farm this morning and we were glad they came and helped us in the morning.

Jack tills the soil as Jeanine and Pedro level it off with rakes.

Jack and Pedro preparing a bed as the volunteers watch.

Harrowing the field...

The field was harrowed today and tomorrow farmer Jack, Jeanine and Pedro will spend the day planting several rows of vegetables. The bees (as well as the farmers) are enjoying the warmer temperatures.

Farmer Jack harrowing the field.

The bees are certainly ready to start pollinating.

Field Blessing

The Field Blessing took place today at the Sun Valley Farm. It was a unique experience and we feel blessed that so many of you joined us. 

It may have been a cloudy gray day, but the energy from the group was very positive and made it a special gathering. We hope that you came away from it feeling that you experienced something special; we certainly did. 

Here are some pictures (taken by Pedro) of our gathering. You can reply to this post and show us the pictures you took. For a larger view, click on a picture.

The Field.

Farmer Jack smiles for the camera as CSA members walk down to the field.

CSA members looking over the field.

Farmer Jack gets ready to talk about the importance of bees.

The bees were active even though the temperature was only in the 40s

Farmer Jack giving a passionate speech about bees. You can see a bee flying in front of him, just to the right of the EMS logo on his jacket.

CSA members gathered by the greenhouse to hear what farmer Jack had to say.

CSA members heading back to the field.

CSA members formed a circle with farmer Jack, Jeanine and Pedro for the Field Blessing, which was performed by Jeanine's husband, Craig.

Deer enjoying the beautiful land.

Thanks to PD. Schmidt and Steve Fowls who sent in the following pictures:

From right to left: Farmer Jack, Farmer Pedro, Farmer Jeanine and Pastor Craig. (PD. Schmidt)

Farmer Jack giving a tour of the field before the blessing.. (PD. Schmidt)

The Field. (PD. Schmidt)

The compost pile which needs a bit of work.

The Field Blessing Circle. (Steven Fowls)