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| onions sprouting in the nursery (2015) |
Two weeks away from starting onions in the nursery. The indoor nursery is powered by lights and heat. I typically use this for crops that require a very early start, such as onions, celery, and celeriac; and for starting crops that like a lot of heat as they get started in mid April, such as tomatoes.
In previous years, this nursery has been almost big enough to accommodate all of our seed starting. The hardening off shelter was adequate for the more cold tolerant plants when lettuce, green onions etc. started in mid April. However, keeping the hardening off shelter warm during cold snaps - such as a frost we had last May - was a bit of a challenge. As well, it was too small to accommodate our growing customer base.
I am building a new nursery for outside, to accommodate the additional seedlings needed for the expanding customer base. It does not require power as the indoor nursery does. It relies on sunlight for growing and heat, the insulation retains the heat for the nights. The first plants move into it in mid April.The new nursery was built in the barn (allowing me to work on it on snowy and windy days).
This past week-end, I reached the point where it was ready to be moved outside. The components were dismantled, carried outside, and reassembled. Fortunately, I've been able to keep the gravel pad clear of snow (the weather was a gift in this regard!), so it is sitting level, and does not have to melt it's way down to the ground.Here is the 'plants-eye view' of the nursery. Softwood flooring, double pane windows with steel reinforcing to protect from buck-toothed intruders, and (off camera) reflective back wall for 360 degree sun light. What more could you want?
The nursery doors still need a bit of work, and the bottom shelf needs it's insulation installed. More than enough time to complete this before the nursery is needed mid April.
Back at the office, the last order of vegetable seeds were purchased. I've been able to find a red cherry tomato called Gardeners Delight. It was recommended by the folks at Sunshine Farm in Kelowna, a seed house that I purchase difficult to find varieties (This is where I found organic parsnip seed). I'm also growing a bit of sorrel to border the herb garden with. Some folks will enjoy this addition to their salads and soups.
We have two new varieties of cut flowers to offer this year. An heirloom daisy called Zulu Prince and a mix of columbines, which apparently do quite well in cut flower arrangements.
I had looked for a hotter hot pepper, to accommodate a request from a few customers who found our Hungarian black and hot wax peppers too mild for their liking. Unfortunately, I'll have to put this off until next year, as I have too much seed from the previous years; and no room for a third variety.
For the next week or so, the calculator comes out to determine how much seed I will need for path cover, forage crop for the pigs, and fertility building. I'll have more to say about that in a week or so.
Talk to you soon,
Bob
By the way, we still have room for about ten customers. Feel free to contact me if this site has piqued your interest for a tasty variety of farm produce.