Starting The Strawberries

  Well were back at it and finally the weather is beginning to feel like summer.

Still we are tending the spring duties and this weekend consisted of yet more berry work,

Now that the weather has become consistently warm it is time to uncover the strawberries.

You see growing strawberries in Ontario has its challenges, and if you've ever wondered why strawberries are covered with straw before winter well here is the reason. During early spring while the temperature tends to vary above and below freezing the ground can thaw and re-freeze in a matter of hours. The one problem this causes for strawberry growers is that the constant thawing and re-freezing causes the ground to 'heave' out the roots of the plants and actually push them a little ways out of the ground, which ends up damaging the plant. This can lower both the plants yields and resistance to disease, as well as its health of course. 

  To deal with this problem colder climate growers apply straw to the field before the unstable weather starts in the fall. The straw which acts as an insulator actually keeps the ground a certain temperature and can stop the ground beneath it from 'flash-freezing'. This prevents the ground from spitting the plants out and gives them a head start on their native relatives.

But despite popular belief this is not where the name 'strawberries' was derived from. In fact it was named during the pioneer days when the berries would be sold in straw wreathes at the market; that the berry got its name. Thats another thing I learned this weekend, it's actually amazing how much you discover when you get closer to the food you eat and I hope you will join me again for more stories on the road to real food. Until next time, 

Good Eating!

Starting Up

  Today was officially the first field work day of 09. One thing is for sure; it is a welcomed change from the long frozen winter. We all were responsible for various tasks around the farm, from building a new pasture pen for our cows to prepping the raspberries for the fruiting season. Spring is a busy time on the farm,  the busiest of the entire year. During this season a lot of effort is put into preparing crops so they grow and fruit properly as well as readying pastures for animals. Our efforts this weekend produced a new pasture that extends off the old one; through the forest and into the back field. It has always been important to us to raise free range animals and by providing different pastures we can ensure they always get to roam in new grass. This also ensures that after a pasture is eaten down by the cows it has time to re-grow and become healthy again.

 While dad and Bri worked on the fence, I was out prepping the raspberries for the new season. Contrary to popular belief the size of the raspberry bush does not always tell how well the plant will produce during the new year. Often taller plants may put to much effort into cane production and damage the plants roots and base. In addition our raspberries were about ten feet tall which is far to high to allow us to harvest the fruit. So during early spring before the plants buds have broke we cut back the canes to a height of about five feet. This ensures that the canes will branch out and be able to better support the fruit load and that the fruit will be in an area where it can be easily picked. The canes also need to be thinned out, by cutting out most of the canes and leaving behind the healthier ones. 

  

   By doing this we can make the plant focus on one or two particular canes, making them much stronger and healthier, in addition to yielding higher amounts of berries. There are many advantages to 'selectively pruning' the canes. The rows become aerated which helps stop molds from growing and sporing, as well the plants become stronger and less susceptible to pathogens and pests. 

   Mom and Ali spent the day refurbishing 'creekside cottage' an old hut that will soon serve as a pasture house for the pigs. The hut had become quite rundown over the years and today received not only a new paint job but new shingles and a good cleaning. We also moved it to a place out in the field that will soon contain the pig pasture. All in all it was a busy weekend but it is only the beginning of what will surely be a busy season. However it is all in the name of good food and at the end of the day, the satisfaction you feel is like none other. Well everyone I am off to bed it has been a long day and I am tired! Until next week, 

Good Eating!

Life On The Farm: "Heritage Pigs"

  Part of our journey back to healthy food has included raising livestock. A week ago we 

bought a couple of Birkshire pigs. The pigs are a vital part to keeping our farm sustainable.

During the spring and summer months, the pigs eat fallen apples caused by pests in the apple orchards. They also help keep the soil in the orchard healthy and will help control weeds. This is one of the ways by which, we can organically sustain and also raise our own meat. Though the pigs are still young by the time fall roles in they will weigh close to three hundred pounds, and considering they weighed close to twenty five a week ago thats a lot of growing.

  In order to prep the orchard to house the animals we had to string electric fencing around the outside of the trees and pathway to them. It was quite a bit of work but we are quite sure the pigs will appreciate it! If anything this reminds us of how much work actually producing sustainable, healthy food is; but we are certainly sure it is worth it.