Counteracting the Fallout

To deal with the potential fallout from the problems in Japan and to address the excessive moisture we are facing this Spring, I undertook a sequential spray of all the BD Preparations on our vegetable growing lands. Barrel Compost with basalt meal and eggshells and the BD Compost Preps was the first spray on Thursday afternoon of the 14th. This day was great because the moon was just entering the fire sign of Leo, a good time to counter excessive water forces. On Friday morning, I stirred and sprayed the Horsetail Prep (508). This is my favorite spray, dealing with polarities of a fermented silica product. That afternoon, I stirred for an hour the Horn Manure Prep (500) and it stopped raining during the time I stirred and sprayed. The following morning, I stirred and sprayed the Horn Silica Preparation (501) and the clouds were beginning to break. I was tired and relieved that I had accomplished this task, but my heart was going out to the Japanese plant workers who are sacrificing their lives to forestall a worsening situation. Biodynamic farming provides me hope that we have the tools to make our soils breathe with healthy immune systems.

Bees

The new bees arrived yesterday and I inserted them into their new hives, in spite of the winter weather.  We should now have four hives, one of the hives is at the Affinity Guesthouse in Cowichan Bay.  We are using top bar Warre hives, as they are a little more bee friendly and require less management.

Welcome to the 2011 CSA

Still January, but my mind is in the Spring.  I will be spreading homeopathic doses of lime on the frosty ground and also getting ready for the 3 Kings Spray.

February News

Most of the first spring crop is planted in the greenhouse.  Leeks, Onions, Broccoli, Lettuce, the list goes on.  We are on schedule and the vagaries of weather should not be a problem.
Today, I will disc one of our fields after spreading compost and spraying the Horn manure preparation.  There is a Taurus moon and the forces of soil activity are particularly strong to receive this gift of the 500 Prep.  We have had a high pressure system for about a week, and the soil is drying enough to get the tractor in.  Rain is expected soon though.
The Barn is moving along and we are happy to have Noah, our neighbor, on hand for at least a few weeks to help complete the first floor.  It will be insulated and the walls complete by mid March.  It will make a beautiful distribution shed and make our farming operation more efficient.
We just bit the bullet and purchased hay equipment. It is a huge cost and substantial investment, we hope to have paid off in 3-4 years.  The CSA has made it possible for us to work towards developing a more sustainable  and integrated farm.
Our apprentice, Kate, is a wonder woman and will make a great farmer. She is already a great cook and learns quickly. We are extremely grateful to have her here.  She has had to work alone often, as I am having to focus on getting the barn done.  We have had many more inquiries to apprentice and we are trying to process all the applications.
Sincerely, Farmer John

Spring is in the Air

It may officially be winter, but my seeds arrived yesterday, our new apprentice arrives next week, phase 1 of the Barn is nearly complete, and February is now upon us.  I will be working in the greenhouse next week, and for many months to come.  Onions and Leeks are on the agenda and so are massive amounts of potting soil, inoculated with some stirred Biodynamic preparation. If you have some time to lend a hand, call my mobile at 710-1410.
Until then, Farmer John and Katy