Blog Archives

Who gets poison ivy in February?

2/24/2016

I do, that's who! We went out to my in-laws to grab a few hay bales last weekend and I walked around the farm a bit, but mostly stayed on the driving paths. Somehow even though the poison ivy plant is dormant this time of year I managed to still get some along my jawline. I had it there once this summer and it spread all over my face. I'm NEVER going to their farm again!

Can you believe the weather we had last week? It makes you wonder if winter is over, but I know in the back of my mind that freezing temperatures and snow will still happen. It is Kansas after all... Three years ago we had snow in May! We took every opportunity we could last week to be outdoors and make preparations for this season. We pulled up old plastic mulch and drip irrigation that lined the garden beds, tomato cages, and more. Brad has started laying compost out over the beds with his new prototype compost hauler. He designed this cart from materials found on the farm to use behind our walk-behind tractor. Our old method of laying out compost with a wheelbarrow and shovel would take us a month to complete, working dawn to dusk. With his new design we will get it done in a couple days. You should see the looks we get when people are driving by. I'm sure they are wondering what the Dilts's are up to now!

We have cleaned up our seedling greenhouse and have already started to fill it. We currently have microgreens, onions, and leeks filling the shelves now, but it won't be long before we have tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, cabbages, and more taking up residence before heading out to the field. To keep the weeds down and less muddy we laid wood chips down. It looks really nice in there!

Microgreens, onions and leeks growing nicely in our lean-to-greenhouse

A little fun for you all... We have a dog who digs in the horse pile trying to find the horse. Children who dig in the wood chip pile trying to find the beaver. And then we have a goat who thinks she is a dog! Nothing strange going on around here, nope nothing strange at all!

Lady hanging out at the tray filling station!

Until next time,

Tiff

P.S. Today is farmer Brad's birthday!

0 Comments

Help us help you!

2/10/2016

9 Comments

How are your New Year's Resolutions coming along? Did your resolutions include eating healthier, shopping local, or trying a CSA for the first time? Guess what? I can help you with all three of those resolutions at once! Join Serenity Farm CSA and we will provide you with delicious, nutrient dense, freshly picked vegetables, pastured pork and poultry, certified organic wheat, and more to help you eat healthier. Are you wanting to shop local more and stay away from the big box chain store? Supporting small farms and farmers truly impacts the life of a small farmer more than you can possibly imagine. Large corporate farms are running small family farms out of business, but you can make a difference. The price of our share may seem like a lot to pay all at once, but multiply that by 100 other members and we have enough to keep the farm running for another year and continue to live out our dream of playing in the dirt with our children. Have you wanted to join a CSA, but worry that you won't like the vegetables or find it too risky? Well, I can most definitely help you with the first concern and provide recipes for some of the lesser known vegetables. Trying new vegetables tempts your palate to enjoy new flavors and possibly learn to enjoy a vegetable that you had as a child that was terribly prepared! Who remembers eating mushy broccoli? Learn how to properly prepare fresh broccoli and you'll love it for life. Joining a CSA has its risks, but don't most things that are worth doing? Our first season last year encountered many hurdles, but we still pressed forward and provided as many vegetables as we possibly could. How will this year be different? We are no longer vegetable rookies! It's a lot different growing a home vegetable garden than supplying food for 100+ families. We have made changes to our farm and CSA program this year which will enable us to be more resilient in the face of difficult weather. If you have already joined our CSA, thank you! Please spread the news and encourage your family and friends to give us a try. If you are still on the fence...give us a call or come visit us at the farm or the February 27th indoor farmer's market at 21st and Ridge. I will be there with our oldest son and we would be happy to answer any questions you might have. You can also see our vegetables up close and take some home to enjoy.

Until next time,
Tiff

9 Comments

T

I want to be the best homesteader I can be, while teaching my children at home in the school room and outside on the farm.