By host on 4/28/2008

Like many CSA farms, we start most of our produce from seed, inside a greenhouse. We do this for two reasons. First, we order seed from carefully selected growers in order to obtain high quality seeds in favorites and heirloom varieties. 

 

Second, planting from seed in the protection of the greenhouse gives our veggies a head start. Seeds that are planted directly into cold, wet soil will sometimes rot before they are able to sprout. Similarly, if young plants are set o ... Read More »

By host on 7/21/2007

Saturday is one of our CSA “picking & packing” days, so there is quite a bit more going on in the fields than on some other days. The animals are conscious of the extra movement and respond by becoming more animated than usual.

 &l ... Read More »

By host on 7/10/2007

 

Hot air pours in through the windows early in the morning. We run from room to room, shutting the windows against the heat. The weather report has indicated that the temperature may reach triple digits today, so we need to be proactive in order to protect the crops and animals.

 

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By host on 6/10/2007

Mmmmm, broccoli seedlings! Bean and pea shoots! Fresh cabbage leaves! The menu is extensive, the battle is on, and this year, the rabbits are particularly sneaky .

Peaceful coexistence may not be an option this year, so we must either make the garden inaccessible to the wretched little hopping rodents, or distasteful to their appetites.

We could try organic potions made from fermented garlic mash, hot pepper flakes, and various other smelly concoctions. The urine of foxes or other predators has been suggested, but the collection of such products has been reported to be inhumane. Chicken wire fencing surrounding the entire garden is a possibili ... Read More »

By host on 6/4/2007

By now, I'm sure we have all read the (very timely) front page article in Sunday's Columbian. I am impressed with Dean Baker's research and writing. I am pleased with the way he captured the essence of what CSA farms are trying to accomplish. Jim, I believe I could actually hear your voice in some of the writing!

In the article, commissioner Boldt's statement that much of Clark County’s best agricultural land "is already under houses" begs a question. Because it is true that the exquisite agricultural soils in Felida and Lakeshore are being paved and covered with houses, shouldn't we do everything that we can to protect the remaining agricultural land? Would it make sense to build on the remaining agricultural land just because the process is well underway on the other side of the county? My Mom used to say something about the stupidity of jumping off a bridge because everyone else did…

The article states that all three commissioners “...still favor fold ... Read More »

By host on 4/14/2007

Storytree Farm Member News

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By host on 3/23/2007

Today we learned that aminopterin, a substance used in rat poison, was likely the cause of the agonizing deaths of at least 16 cats and dogs who ate contaminated pet food manufactured by Menu Foods in Kansas and in Ontario, Canada. Aminopterin is not allowed for rodent control in the U.S. because it can cause cancer and birth defects in humans as well as kidney failure in dogs and cats. (Ironically, it is used in the U.S. to treat Cancer.)

The FDA said that wheat gluten (imported from China) is used to thicken the gravy in wet pet food. It is widely believed that this contaminated wheat gluten is probably the source of the poison.

We are horrified, but not surprised by this news. There are safety standards in place in the United States which would hopefully prevent such contamination in domestic food supplies, but how can we verify standards and practices in China? & ... Read More »

By host on 3/12/2007

Good reasons to eat local food. Read More »

By host on 3/4/2007

 While sipping my coffee early this morning, I observed a robin yanking a fat worm out of its hiding place deep in the moist soil.  Subtle changes signal the demise of winter and a new beginning for all things living.  The air feels a bit different lately; subtly gentler. Daffodil shoots protrude several inches from the ground in clumps, each one bulging with an immature flower just beneath its tip.  In the evenings, I like to open the windows a bit and listen to the shrill chorus of frogs. For me, frog songs are the happiest and most hopeful sounds of the late winter. 

 For months, we’ve pored over at least a dozen of the most beautifully photographed and illustrated seed catalogs in order to select varieties most suitable for our climate and growing conditions. From bush beans to zucchini, we await the many packages that will carry the genesis of this year’s anticipated harvest. 

 O ... Read More »

By host on 1/9/2007

 

Just before midnight on Christmas, our two beloved dogs decided to go out and discover the world. Maggie, who is part Border Collie, is usually the instigator when it comes to adventures. Murphy, who adores Maggie, constantly remains by her side, following her everywhere. Together, they can cover an amazing amount of real estate in a very short while.

 

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