January 1, 2014. You wouldn’t think there is much to do on a hobby farm on January 1, but there is always some task underway here at Five Feline Farm.
This is the time of year we start planning the garden and any new plots that will be developed. Not only does this give us a jump start on the planting season, it chases away the doldrums of winter.
2014 will bring an expanded variety of flowers and vegetables in the main gardens. Tomatoes, peppers, onions, radishes, beans, kale, spinach and lettuce will be rounded out with amaranth, barley, oats, wheat, and buckwheat. Most of these seeds will be heirlooms and are already on order from Sustainable Seeds.
Some of the new plots under development will feature Native American corn varieties. Dent corns, Hopi Blue, black popcorn and a glass gem corn are among the possibilities.
Another new garden area will be planted as Three Sisters. For those of you unfamiliar with this native way of planting, let us explain. Corn anchors the planting providing a “pole” for climbing beans. Squash vines encircle the base blocking weeds and preserving soil moisture. This companion planting helps each of the crops thrive and adds to a healthy diet of the gardener.
Along with planning for the gardens comes planning for equipment.
This past summer we added a new and larger greenhouse to the Farm. Final tweaks are needed to make this a fully functioning space for tender plants. Even in the cold days of winter, we are getting to 80 plus degrees during the day but not holding any of this heat overnight. An insulating wrap around the base should help. In addition, we need to run an electrical line and outlet for the new heater. Between these two steps and tightening up some joints, the greenhouse will be up and running.
And who doesn’t want to just sit in a warm greenhouse enjoying the sunshine on a cold January day? As soon as we get a sunny day, we’ll pull out the lawn chairs and soak up some Vitamin D. Perk to having your own greenhouse.
The next major piece of equipment needed for the Farm is a towable tiller. As the planting beds expand throughout the property, a standard walk behind tiller will not be up to the task.
So the plans continue. Every step will be an improvement in this plot of land we call home.
What plans are you making for 2014? Drop us a line in the comments section and let us know what you will be doing this year.
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