The Hightunnel is done! Here on Growing Boys farm we are so glad to have the hightunnel (also know as an unheated greenhouse) up and planted for winter. There are lettuces, spinach, carrots, onions, cabbage, greens, and radish all planted in neat little rows enjoying a nice warm fall and hopefully growing big and strong. Big and strong so we and maybe some of you can enjoy them all winter long. About a year ago we read a book about a farm who was growing veggies all year round. All Year round! Who doesn't want fresh salad in the dead of winter? Then we were blessed with on oppertunity to get our very own hightunnel. Now we will also be growing all year round. Some people say walking into the hightunnel is like walking into a nice spring morning. Let me tell you yesterday it was like working in the dead of summer, 40 deg outside the tunnel and 90deg inside. I could have planted carrots in my bathing suit (although I didn't). We are so thankful for all the help we had in putting up the hightunnel. Believe me it was not an easy task to put up a 30x72' building with just us four, so when friends and family showed up to help we were elated. Thank you all so much. And maybe we can pay back the favor with fresh veggies this winter. Don't forget winter market is the 2nd Saturday of every month at the Extension Office. I'm sure the other farmers will have lots of fresh goddies too.

The Dozer

I've read recently that to keep a healthy soil structure we should minimize tillage, ya know don't dig in the dirt too much and kill all the worms and bugs. Should we be scared because I think this is gonna mess with our soil structure. Actually I'm just poking fun at the men here on Growing Boys Farm. I've heard that men love their toys and my fellas are no different. 4-wheelers, tractors, anything with wheels and a motor but when the bulldozer pulled into the drive, we'll you can imagine the look on their faces. We really did need the bulldozer to handle some drainage issues around the new barn (I know I haven't shared pictures yet) and the greenhouse spot needed some leveling done. I guess boys and their toys come in handy, the fellas here like to remind me of that sometimes.

Summers End

Shew, It seems like forever since summer started. Who knew 200 tomato plants would take over our families lives. We'll they almost wore us down but fall is in the air and we are feeling the need to slow down. SLOW DOWN no way there is still wood to cut and gardens to finish getting ready for winter and don't even get me started on the new greenhouse that was just ordered. It's always so bittersweet when summer comes to an end.

Tomatoes

You know a tomato is big when you can eat it for lunch, supper, and breakfast the next morning. We'll this guy sure was big. 2 1/2 pounds, and yes it was actually one tomato it just grew a little strange! If the tomatoes on the vines are all this big we are gonna need some help eating them. I hope Bounty of the Barrens Market goers are hungry for tomatoes. My favorite way to eat a tomato is for breakfast covered in white gravy, but I also love them on a blolgna sandwich, and they are really good plain with a little salt on top. I also have a good tomato pasta salad recipe. Now I like my tomato peeled and that seems to be a big debate around here. Do we peel the tomato or not? My husband likes his cucumbers peeled which never crossed my mind untill we were married. So in our house tomatoes and cucumbers both get peeled in the name of compromise. Tomato Cucumber Pasta 2 extra large tomatoes chopped 2 cucumbers chopped 1/4 cup olive oil 1/8 cup balsamic vineger 1tsp salt 1 tsp pepper 1tsp garlic 1tsp oregano 2 cups cooked pasta (I use a veggie tricolor my kiddos call it wacky noodles or worms) Combine all in a large bowl and toss Grate a little Aged Cheddar Kenny's Farmhouse Cheese over the top enjoy

Newest Addition to the Farm

We have a new addition here at Growing Boys Farm. His name is Bo and he is an adorable golden retriver puppy. We have missed not having a dog around the last little bit and we had looked a few times at the local shelter but just hadn't found the dog for us. Thanks in part to Stoney Creek Farms we found Bo, and I knew he had to be our new dog. He was just too cute not to bring home. My Daddy says that's why baby things are cute so you fall in love with them before they cause too much trouble. I think this saying is also true for children. Bo's new home is on our front porch and so far he has been pretty good about not doing his buisness on it which I am very thankful of. And as of this moment nothing has been chewed to bits although I'm sure it is coming. But I guess that will be a small price to pay for the companionship of a dog. We hope Bo has a long and happy life at Growing Boys Farm and we hope he learns to do his buisness in the weeds and we hope he doesn't chew up everything we own and we hope he quits howling for us to come out at 5 in the morning and.. you get the idea. Just wish us luck through the puppy stage.

Thanks Ms. Terri

At farmers market it's so nice to see people each week and to really get to know them. There are the ladies who buy flowers each and every week sometimes for a friend and sometimes just to cheer themselves up. There is the guy who always buys his wife lettuce because it's "her favorite". And then there is the self proclaimed "bag lady" who comes each week with camera bag in tow. She stands and chats, we talk about kiddos and such and then she always takes the most beautiful pictures. I get to see what our farm's bounty looks like through the eyes (and camera lens) of another. I am greatful for these beautiful photographs. We have made such wonderful friendships at our local Saturday morning farmers market and for that I am the most thankful. Photograph taken by Terri Bacon

Goings on at the Farm

We have baby chicks here at Growing Boys Farm. Now before there are any conclusions jumped to we do not practice any type of confinement animal factory farming. The chicks just had to be put in the barrel while there brooder (house for baby chicks) was being cleaned. Have you ever smelled 38 baby chicks after a week? They really begin to stink. 38 baby chicks, yes I counted, I couldn't help myself but I guess it's ok because they had already hatched. I can count my chicks after they hatch. The tomatoes are allllmost ripe. So close you can taste it. I can't wait for delicious heirloom tomatoes. Flowers are in full bloom. The field seems to have exploded with color. Growing Boys is officially growing flowers for weddings now too. Our first wedding is in July and we are really excited to be part of the special day. We sure are keeping busy this summmer...and loving every second of it. Sometimes when I'm up to my elbows in weeds with dirt all over my face I just like to stop, look around, and remember how blessed we are to all be together on this little place.