The fence is complete!

As promised, this entry shows our completed fence. I also need to say I have changed my perception of chain link fencing. I am completely serious when I say putting it up was somewhat of an art form. I definitely have a special appreciation for every chain link fence I pass. When I was doing some internet research on dismantling chain link fencing, there was a comment about people in the Midwest standing around with beer coozies admiring their new cyclone fence. It's true...and I totally understand why. This fence was difficult to put up, and so rewarding when finally done. Again, a special thanks to our fence building team and Paul for tirelessly helping us and coaching us. We are now ready to begin planting in the garden we have spent all winter planning and I can not wait. The one vegetable we don't have to fence in has begun growing, and I think we are going to enjoy our first three asparagus spears in a wonderful spring salad. We are also going to try a newfound delicacy...stinging nettles. I hear they have medicinal properties, lose their sting once cooked, and make a wonderful soup. I will let you know how it goes, as long as I am still able to type seeing as my fingers may be blistered from the nettles. (No need to worry, I will wear gloves) Now if you'll excuse me, I have a coozie to grab and a fence to admire.

March Happenings

March is here and we are getting very anxious to get things started on the farm. We are wrapping up our winter projects and getting ready for planting. Our greenhouse shelves are full and our first batch of plants are ready to be up-potted. We started our nasturtiums very early so we could be sure to have some edible flowers ready for our lettuce mix but they are busting out of their pots. They germinated so well that our CSA members are sure to have a potted nasturtium this spring. Mom and I placed the corner posts of our new garden spot today so that we will be ready to put up our fence and where to start working the ground. We had to downsize the plot a tiny bit, which means I have to tweak our crop rotation and there won't be as much spaces between the beds, but there is still plenty of room for all of our vegetables. The Iowa State extension soil tester is giving us specific recommendations for fertilization and I feel so lucky to have such a great resource at my fingertips. Finally, Holden is walking and although the fence is primarily to keep the deer out, I am glad to have it keep Holden in...he is pretty adept at walking already. It looks like we are going to have a wet March and although we are so anxious to get going our wise farmer Dan told me I can't rush nature. So true.