Sunday, June 13, 2010

Up on the Hill


Today was the second round of using comfrey leaves as green manure for the potatoes. Green manure, also called a cover crop, is a great way to add nutrients to the soil. Comfrey is a valuable source of fertility to the organic gardener, adding potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus as well as Vitamins A and C.


A layer of comfrey leaves placed around a crop will slowly break down and release the plant’s nutrients. First we placed a “blanket” of comfrey leaves around each of the potato plants and then hill the soil around the base of the plant.


Hilling helps to keep the potatoes from poking through the soil and becoming green from the sun. Pulling the soil from between the rows up around the plants creates a natural irrigation ditch. We should have a fine crop of potatoes in a few months!

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Lettuce and Spinach...But Wait, There's More...


















Lettuce and Spinach




















Radishes and Carrots




















Potatoes




















Peas

Blueberries...We Have Blueberries!!




















Although the strawberry has gone to the land of frozen strawberries (Margaritas anyone?), the blueberies are just blooming right along. Note the chicken in the background in the top photo!

RIP Strawberries



Very sad news...the frost got to the strawberries...we thought they could be saved, but unfortunately, they're a goner. Poor sweet strawberry!!