Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Frost and Rain

We've had nearly three inches of rain since last week - it's been wonderful. Overnight my manure beds went from brown to green as the buckwheat sprouted forth with leaves galore. (Photos coming soon.)

But now we are in the throes of a cold snap. It was in the mid-30s last night, and I dutifully covered the newly planted tomatoes and the newly sprouted squashes. Tonight, frost is in the forecast. The row covers will remain in place until things warm up again.

Meanwhile, the pole beans are up and running (underneath their row covers). I picked up posts and stakes over the weekend and now must make more trellises. I may have to get more bailing twine.

I came home from work yesterday to find a package waiting for me: the folks who made my drip irrigation timer sent me a replacement timer! When I went to install mine this season, I found it wasn't working. Installation of a new battery (twice) didn't help. I took the infernal contraption apart only to find the entire inside corroded. Many phone calls later I finally got a hold of a helpful gent at the correct company, and since I was within my 3 year warranty (I've had it just under 2 years), he said to send it to them and they'd take a look. Looks like they replaced the whole thing!

So, now I will wait for some sunnier, drier weather and install it. It's time to see if the dripper system is still functional.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello! My name is Grace and I am gardening in the Adirondack Park this summer. I hope to have enough produce to dabble in the Farmers Market. Although the garden is not new, I am newly in charge. I will be following your blog regularly to learn some tips. I am so excited I found this - thanks so much.

Ellen Rathbone said...

Hey, Grace - welcome aboard! Which Farmer's Market will you be attending? I've often thought I'd like to go that route, but the nearest markets would be over an hour away! And I don't think I'd have enough of any one thing to make it worthwhile. Altough, this summer I may be blessed with a lot of peas with edible pods, which I'd like to sell. Maybe I can surplus to a vendor to sell - on commission!

Anonymous said...

Hey! I am going to the Oak Mountain Farmers and Crafters' Market in Speculator. I work at a summer camp in the area. I'm not sure we will have a ton either but we're going to try to get more involved in the community and this is a way to do it! Love the new post!

Ellen Rathbone said...

Good luck at the Speculator farmers' market. And have fun at camp!