Ask Me « Seasons Eatings Farm

12 Responses

Bonnie Roskamp, on July 6th, 2009 at 11:59 am Said:

We have just started raising turkeys.How and when should we clip their wings? They are flying and we have already lost one.
Viv, on July 29th, 2009 at 2:47 pm Said:

Planning on purchasing a high hoop/quonset style greenhouse kit for growing greens, carrots, a la Eliot Coleman and a few early tomatoes a la the local Amish farmers.
The 12×24 size works best with 6ml anti-drip poly covering. I have the wiggle wire priced out as well.
I am thinking about adding roll up sides. Is it worth the $? (We are in central PA)
Does anyone completely uncover a 12×24 size structure without damaging the poly?
Thanks-love the bolg.
V
Robin, on July 29th, 2009 at 6:56 pm Said:

V, do you get a lot of heavy snow in the winter? A gothic arch is much better for snow removal than quonset. That said, our new 18 x 88 is quonset. We’re going to use 2 x 4’s with a groove cut for the rib as supports to be on the safe side.

Roll up sides are worth the expense especially if the ends are mostly enclosed. I’m going to have one roll up on the new hoop. The difference in circulation and temperature control is worth the extra money and time.

I don’t know anyone who takes the poly off except to change it. It’s not hard to put on and wiggle wire makes it easy to take off. When I change the poly I plan the summer crop to be something that doesn’t need the extra warmth. The poly comes off in the spring and isn’t replaced until before frost. Letting the rain in to help lessen nutrient build up, especially if you use a lot of compost or fertilizers, is a big help.
Viv, on July 30th, 2009 at 7:53 am Said:

We can get any winter weather and last year we had alot of ice. I take it that the 2×4 supports are vertical like a tent poles.
The Amish farmer I visited with yesterday is struggling with nutrient build up and its resulting slow growth. He is researching crops that will pull the salts from the ground and hopefully give him a product for market.
Thanks.
Viv, on August 22nd, 2009 at 3:27 pm Said:

Robin, Ordered the greenhouse yesterday. I will have the roll up sides . When I came to your website today I just noticed that you have Nolt’s as a link, that is where I ordered my hoop house thanks to last year’s catalogue someone shared with me.

Where would you buy seeds this time of year?

Thanks for your help.
Robin, on August 23rd, 2009 at 11:44 am Said:

You can order from Fedco online for a while longer. Orders are filled on Wednesdays this time of year. I order from Johnny’s too. They’re expensive but they’re fast.
Taylor, on September 8th, 2009 at 2:49 pm Said:

I’ve been presented with an opportunity to start a small farm for a local restaurant- very exciting!

The land I’m going to be using is about half an acre. It was used as a garden up until about 5 years ago and the soil is beautiful. A lot of it has turned to mown grass at this point, but there are still some patches of pretty heavy, tall weeds. I’d like to start now to prepare to plant next spring, but I’m not sure where to start.

Any suggestions on how to prepare an area for use in about 7 months?
andy hazzard, on September 11th, 2009 at 8:31 am Said:

wondering where you got your wheels the local chain link fence guys quoted me $61.00 per wheel for the exact same kind you have… that cant be right, I will not rest until I can pay less than that.
Robin, on September 11th, 2009 at 1:46 pm Said:

Taylor, I’d start by removing weeds that have seeds then turning the soil under. Take a couple of soil tests now rather than waiting until spring. Act on those results. I’m adding as much organic matter to my acre as possible. You can consider a green manure crop to help control weeds and improve the soil.

Andy, that’s not my greenhouse. That belongs to Eliot Coleman. He purchased it from Rimol greenhouse. Rimol will will give you a quote. $61 sounds ridiculous!
BEN, on September 13th, 2009 at 6:12 pm Said:

Hi there

I wondered if I might pick you brain about something?

We just acquired 2.5 acres, and are planning to grow for 4 of us next year as well as running a bunch of trials, before expanding the following year to small market garden.

Our land has had cattle on over summer, and previous summers, and has just been mown. I had grand visions of maximising soil fertility over autumn/winter before we start any major sowing. Should I (a) have someone with tractor plough, manure, then sow a cover crop of green manure to be tilled prior to planting (b) have a couple of pigs go to work ploughing and manuring as they go. I have something which I could convert into housing and a moveable fence. (c) leave it alone, then cultivate the area I need in spring?

Any advice much appreciated!

Ben

PS. check out our blog :

http://rockheadsmallholding.blogspot.com/
BEN, on September 13th, 2009 at 6:23 pm Said:

Hi there

I wondered if I might pick you brain about something?

We just acquired 2.5 acres in Cornwall, and are planning to grow for 4 of us next year as well as running a bunch of trials, before expanding the following year to small market garden.

Our land has had cattle on over summer, and previous summers, and has just been mown. I had grand visions of maximising soil fertility over autumn/winter before we start any major sowing. Should I (a) have someone with tractor plough, manure, then sow a cover crop of green manure to be tilled prior to planting (b) have a couple of pigs go to work ploughing and manuring as they go. I have something which I could convert into housing and a moveable fence. (c) leave it alone, then cultivate the area I need in spring?

Any advice much appreciated!

Ben
Cindy, on September 15th, 2009 at 9:41 am Said:

Hi,

I have been desparately looking for a 12′x12′ piece of polycarbonate for my 8′x’4 hoop house. Do you know of where I can locate this and, if possible, locally in the Lower Mainland?

Any assistance you can provide would be GREATLY appreciated.

Cindy