Scenes from the farm this May 2014

As it is rainy and cool this morning, I have time to do this post.  Here are some scenes from the farm. 

Beds made by Kamal after the field had been tilled.

Now, I can start planting.

Getting the bed ready for planting broccoli with the high tunnel in the background.

Shade cloth on the high tunnel has protected (as in kept cooler) the peas and lettuce.

Broccoli is under cover and preparing the next bed for kale and collards.

As I take this picture, behind me are 11 beds of double rows of fingerling potatoes.  Two beds of biodegradable "plastic" hold the shallots, onions and leeks.  All this planting can take place because the electric deer/woodchuck fence is up. (Many thanks to Kamal.  Without his ingenuity, I would not have a fence nor would it be solar powered.)

Planted another 110 foot bed with cabbage and Brussels sprouts.

  The first potatoes planted have begun to sprout.

Both peas have begun to flower.  Thankfully, right on schedule.  Unfortunately, the spinach has flowered too - as that means it is done. Other crops growing in the high tunnel are the following: beans, carrots, scallions, onions, arugula, radish and lettuce.  Plus, all sorts of summer crops in trays awaiting planting. 

Solar Power for the High Tunnel

It all started with the posts to hold the panels: sunk three feet underground with concrete.

I needed power to open and close the louvers of the high tunnel.  Moreover, power was needed to run the blower that provides a layer of air between the two plastic layers - making the tunnel better to withstand the wind. Kamal designed a structure to make it all work.

Circuit breaker panel in the high tunnel

Digging the trench, threading the wire from the panel into the high tunnel and now connecting the circuits. 

Blower inflating the plastic

Here's the backside of the high tunnel with power!

Solar panels with batteries