Experiments with our new seeding equipment

Experiments with our new seeding equipment
Jorge making soil blocks... with supervision

Farm Update
 
After an especially challenging season last year we had decided not to make any major changes and just focus on refining what we do for 2024.  While we totally blew that decision out the window before mid-March (details on our surprise greenhouse extension to come) we have made some great refinements. 
 
Seeding is definitely one area we needed to improve on.  We have had an increase in our production since we started our wholesale program and attending Kitchener market in 2022.  Diversifying our sales outlets makes the farm more sustainable as a business, but it has become very clear this year that we are at a scale where we can't dedicate so much time to hand-seeding transplants.
 
It currently takes at least 2 days in labour hours to start transplants every week.  We use soil blocks instead of plastic cell trays because we like the reduction in waste and how healthy the transplants are in that system.  The block maker we have used for years is great, but labour intensive (notoriously a very sweaty job on the farm!) and last week we seeded 90 trays.  That also means our team hand seeded over 10, 000 blocks in a day.
 
The goal is to use a drop seeder.  Its a very simple tool that seeds an entire tray in just a few motions.  The challenge is that we had to find a new soil block maker that is compatible with standard drop seeders.  We found one, but its been a lot less straightforward than we thought to figure out.  Right now were using a combination of these old and new systems, but since most of our fall crops are being started now, were actually running out of time to test it out this year.  Seems like were moving in the right direction though, which is great because we have a mountain of trellising and field work we need to get to!
 
MIDDLE RIVER MUSIC FESTIVAL
 
The date is fast approaching!  The wonderful sights and sounds of our music festival is happening again, this time on August 24.
 
We are super excited to be hosting our festival again, complete with a very exciting line-up guaranteed to get you out of your seats and dancing! And while you are welcome to bring your snacks and beverages, we will also have our fan favourite, New Leaf Planet-Based Foods on site slinging some delish food!
 
As usual, the doors open at 2pm and the festival goes til 11pm. Kids under 12 are free.
 
You can purchase tickets here:
 
FARM STORE NOTES
 
THINGS TO NOTE FROM US:  This week we have green peppers!  There are also an increase in red tropea onions!  Also called a torpedo onion, they are an heirloom and taste like a milder red onion.  The bulb can be used as you would a red onion or shallot, and the tops can be used as green onion.  Green onions are also in abundance right now.  In addition to being a fresh garnish, the whole onion can be sauteed or blistered.
 
Fresh garlic is also being harvested now!  Fresh garlic is uncured so it should be stored in the fridge.
 
Zucchini is in full swing.  We have more XL-sized zucchini (great for baking) and larger sized baskets of regular zucchini available.  
 
From the field we have fresh garlic, carrot bunches, beets, kohlrabi, cabbages, broccoli, fennel, greens, head lettuces, zucchini, radish, green onions, red tropea onions, choi, kale, chard and herbs.  From the greenhouse/hoophouses are tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant and jalapenos.
 
 
FROM OUR SUPPLIERS:
 
Blueberries: pints from Bluegroves (Eagle) and flats from Blueberry Hill (Rodney)
 
 
Through Pfenning's: Ontario tomatoes and mushrooms.  Travelling from further away; apricots, apples, citrus, ginger, turmeric.
 
HOPE Eco-Farms (Aylmer): Mini watermelons, Galia melons, green beans and eggs.
 
Bakery: Artisan Bakery (London) is available until it closes out on Tuesday morning.  La Houlette de vie (St. Thomas) naturally leavened/sourdough breads also available.
 
Dairy: Milk, yogurt, and curds are from Mistyglen Creamery (Belmont).  Please note: bottles and jars need to be rinsed well before being returned.
 
Pantry: Kombucha packs and fire cider are from Booch (London) and cold-pressed sunflower and hemp oil are from Mat's Fine Oils (Staffordville)
 
 
Peppers finally have big fruit!  We sell some green peppers at first to lighten up the plants

Weekly pickup / delivery schedule:

Farm pickup will be Thursday from 4 to 8 pm. 

Deliveries will be Thursday or  Friday in London / St.Thomas.  We will send out the schedule Wednesday night.

Refer-a-friend:  If you refer a friend and they sign up for our 2024 main season please send me a note and I'll give you a $25 credit as a thank-you on your account!
link:
Note that if you you will no longer get reminders about your subscription!

Common Ground Farm 6986 Middle River Road St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 3S9
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