in the dirt, urban plot

Spring update

Posted on by annabel
08
Jun

After a couple weeks of high 70s to low 80s, we’re back to spring-like weather and I’m loving it! The farm looks really super after a recent rain. Everything, including the weeds, is growing. The weeds are more out of control than I’d have hoped and certainly more than I like, but my new part-time work schedule allows me to stay on top of them. Some of the beds on one end seem to be full of tiny shoots of purslane, which is a pernicious, albeit edible, weed that once it takes hold is really hard to eliminate. Our strategy is to prevent it from getting too big and to certainly prevent it from going to seed. We’ll also refine our soil occultation process (prepping beds, watering them and covering with black silage tarps for several weeks/months) to try to eliminate and prevent stirring up these weed seeds.

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The small weeds around the celery are purslane. I’ve been using a collinear hoe to remove and cultivate around transplants. 

Some recent farm investments have been really worthwhile, including insect netting (Proteknet Biothrips from Johnny’s) to protect against leaf miners, cabbage worms, and flea beetles. It’s pricey, but worth it and I think we can make it last by careful handling practices.

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Biothrips insect netting over beets. 
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Tiny plot of SPIN beds with most in full production.

0 thoughts on “Spring update”

  2. Ellen Gabel says:

    I’m in awe of your garden and gardening skills! We’re enjoying greens and radishes from our garden and waiting to see what a few volunteer squash are going to turn into…I’m guessing pumpkins. Take care!