Farmer’s Footsteps
We finally have irrigation on the farm! It has been a challenge getting everything buttoned up but we are now able to water our fields. Such a relief.
(Here is Magda looking relieved)
It was fun learning how to put everything together and troubleshooting the numerous problems we ran into. At one point we had the entire system laid out on the floor of the PVC aisle at Lowe’s. Somehow, we still needed to return the next day for a different fitting. In the end, it all works and it doesn't leak (very much). That’s what matters.
Our three IBC totes all connected and hooked up to a pump.
Thanks to all of this work (and our new Sumi Soaker that we are absolutely smitten with) we have been able to actually plant. So far, we have planted our kale and chard, and our first rounds of green onions, lettuce, napa cabbage, radish and turnips. It is beginning to feel more and more like a farm instead of just a dirt plot. I love to spend a chunk of each morning walking between the rows and stopping to check out individual plants when something catches my eye.
“Oh, this one’s not doing so good…Why is this one leaning like this? …Looks like the leaves are a bit less yellow on this one.” And so on and so forth.
Make it stand out
The Sumi Soaker in action! We love the small droplet size and the rectangular spray pattern. It really is the ‘Holy Grail of Irrigation’ even if Magda’s sister makes fun of us for saying that.
Doing these morning walks reminds me of something a mentor of ours always used to tell us: the best fertilizer is farmer footsteps.
At first, I just interpreted this as just a fun little saying farmers tell themselves. This same mentor always encouraged us to wake up early to walk the fields. Noticing and observing what was happening on the farm was the best and only way to become a better farmer he would say. Generally, I ignored all this sage wisdom and, instead, decided to catch some extra z’s.
As time went on, I began to appreciate the importance of a morning walk between the rows. So much of being a farmer is attentiveness; noticing the things that are so easy to miss. Even more than that; it is being able to be present. To fully absorb and appreciate the things around you. A yellowing leaf on lettuce plant, the orioles singing in a nearby tree, a cluster of squash bug eggs on the underside of a leaf
Honestly, it is in these moments when I take a second to take notice that I feel the most alive. When I’m not on the farm I try to take this way of viewing the world with me and maybe leave some farmer footprints behind.
Our little tomato seedlings. They had a bit of a late start but they are growing alright.
This next big infrastructure challenge we have in front of us is constructing our walk-in cooler. Recently, we purchased a 6’x10’ enclosed trailer that we intend to insulate and refrigerate with a Cool Bot system.
Now that we have plants in the ground it really does feel like we are putting down tracks while the train is running. But we aren’t slowing down yet! We also need to get our wash n’ pack designed and put together. Plus, a spot to store all of our hand tools would be nice. AND we got half of the farm that still needs beds shaped and composted. It’s going to be a fun couple of weeks!
Stay tuned for more details regarding volunteer opportunities and also be sure to check out our YouTube channel for some awkward, irregularly uploaded video content. I cannot even begin to describe how uncomfortable it feels editing footage of yourself doing stuff. But at the same time, it is so fun to watch our progress. To see how far we have come.
Be sure to let us know what you think!
All the best,
Zach and Magda
