The Annual Edible Earthscapes’ End-of-Winter-CSA work party and potluck – April 12, 2015
GROUP EFFORT
There are few things as satisfying as working together towards a common goal outdoors on a pretty day. CSA members happily volunteered to get a taste of farming by removing the row cover and weeding a perennial bed of artichokes.
MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK
Weeding is one of those chores which yields instant gratification.
TOP DRESSING
Haruka and new intern Hannah top dress the beds with leaf mulch after all the weeds have been pulled. The leaves serve as a weed barrier and fertilizer.
GREENHOUSE
Haruka waters the greenhouse plants. Jason kicks off a farm tour with an explanation of how this indispensable asset provides produce all year round.
FRONT FIELD
Next on tour was the front field, where Jason explained the use of cover crops to rest and enrich the soil.
DEEP STORAGE
The Root Cellar is another fine asset at Edible Earthscapes. It keeps vegetables fresh all year round without the use of any kind of fuel or energy.
FRUIT TREES AND MUSHROOM LOGS
We looked at the paw paw buds in their orchard and learned about growing Shiitakes in plugged logs. The fencing keeps deer from eating the mushrooms.
POND IRRIGATION
The pond holds water until the rice has been planted. Then the paddies are flooded, drowning the weeds and giving the rice plants a head start. The scarecrows stand ready for this year’s rice planting.
REWARD!
A potluck meal rounded out the day. Everyone brought something, much of which came right off the farm.
AFTER-PARTY
Anky and Chris stayed behind after potluck, having brought gifts from Machu Picchu for their long-time friends Jason and Haruka. Jason is wearing his soft alpaca hat and Haruka, a pair of lovely blue earrings.
HAPPY CATS
Kome basks in the glow of the day and Kuroda enjoys a little loving from the kids.