April 2007 - Vol.2, Issue 3

Windcrest Farm Newsletter www.windcrestorganics.com
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Greetings!
Gold Laced Polish Chickens
BR-R-R-R!
You  can blame me if you like for this cold snap - I put all the tropical house plants out on deck last week. But I'll take the credit for the .3" of rain we so desparately needed and received on Sunday because I insisted we go on a motorcyle ride! (We didn't get too wet). We got an unexpected day off on Sunday because of the fabulous help we got on Saturday with the Shiitake mushroom logs. 125 new logs are now resting under the pine trees and will add to our Fall flush of fungi.  Thanks to all of you who helped on Saturday (and apologies to those who wanted to visit on Sunday).
 
We have added two new members to the farm - Kramer & Vegas - a pair of Golden Lace Polish baby chicks. That's a picture of Ma & Pa (we think). Right now they are cozy in their Chicken Condo, courtesty of our daughter's own "entertainment" money, but they will soon be working members of the farm when the chicken tractor is built. I'll keep you posted!
 
Next week is the opening of the Matthews Farmer's Market and we look forward to seeing you all again. Remember, the bell rings at 7:15!
 
Best Regards,
Mary
Organic Gardening Workshop
Heirloom Tomato Seedlings at Windcrest FarmWORKSHOP BEGINS ON TUESDAY, APRIL 10th
 
Ever wonder what it takes to start you own heirloom tomato plants? Need to know about organic fertilizers and integrated pest management? Join us this Spring for an Organic Gardening Intensive at Windcrest Farm. You'll learn everything you need to know about the tools and techniques used to garden gently and successfully.
 
To learn more and view a brochure about this workshop, click here.
Herbal Highlight

Windcrest Farm Yarrow - ColoradoYarrow (Achillea millefolium)

This easy to grow flowering herb has many uses and a rich history of "powers". Yarrow leaves are added to compost to speed the decomposition and yarrow's root secretions will activate the disease resistance of nearby plants and intensify the medicinal properties of other herbs. Read more... 

Yarrow Colorodo plants are available from Windcrest Farm (Seed Source and photo: Johnny's Seeds).
Products We Use - Organic Fire Ant Control

Three seasons ago we used landscaping fabric to help suppress the weeds around our tomato and pepper plants. It did a fairly good job at keeping the weeds down but did a GREAT job at hiding the fire ants that had set up a city under the fabric. When we took the fabric up (as required each season by organic "rules") we searched for and found this OMRI approved solution that really worked without harm to people, plants and pets. Learn more...

Edible Landscaping - Blueberry Bushes
Blueberry Bushes at Windcrest FarmWe have added new varieties to the blueberry bushes we have available for your edible landscape. All our bushes are North Carolina naturally grown in one and two gallon containers. We will bring as many to Market as truck spacing will allow so if you would like a specific variety, please contact me and I will make sure I bring them with your name on it.
 
We have seven varieties available this year. Click here to see a variety list and a Plant And Care sheet.
With one week and one day to go before coming to Market I am thinking about all the lessons learned from our first year at Matthews. How can I get more into the truck? How can I give more information about the farm and the plants and produce we bring? How can I make the displays more appealing? How can I NOT drive Ray crazy on the Friday evenings before Saturday's 4:30 alarm clock? Any suggestions are welcome!
 
I'll send specific information next week on what we will have available for you next Sat., but here's the short list:
 
Fresh lettuces
Heirloom tomato plants
Herb plants
Blueberry bushes
 
I am looking forward to seeing you then!
Mary Roberts
Windcrest Farm
 
There are years that ask questions, and years that answer.

-Zora Neale Hurston