May 9,  2008

 
Join Us.....
Thursday, May 8th, 4:30 to 7:00
Monroe Open Air Market
was cancelled due to weather
 
Saturday, May 10th, 7:15 to 12:00
Matthews Farmer's Market
 
Blueberry Bushes
1 gallon $9.00
2 gallon $12.00
7 varieties available
 
Thornless Blackberry Bushes
$12.00
 
Thornless Red Raspberry Bushes $12.00
 
Grapes - Large Vines!
$25.00
Seedless Concord, Flame (Pink), and Thompson (Green)
 
Tomatoes
Peppers
Broccoli
Herbs
Lettuce
                and More!
 
 
Succulents at Windcrest Farm
Greetings!
At this time of year on the farm, we remind ourselves what day of the week it is by counting how many days we have until Market. On the day before Market, we measure time by how many hours we have to pick, prepare and pack (and sleep?) before heading out to see you. This year we have two Markets - Monroe and Matthews - so the week has gotten shorter as the days get longer. After years of marking my days in the corporate world by Mondays and Fridays and my time served between 8 and 5 (on a good day), I wouldn't trade this work for any other.
 
Thank you to all who responded to our Work Share Program invitation. We were overwhelmed with reponses and had to make the difficult decision of selecting only five applicants. We greatly appreciate the interest in organic farming and our farm.
 
At the Matthews Market we will have more Chioggi beets (see above) and spring onions available this week as well as great Mother's Day ideas such gardening aprons and low maintenance succulents. Heirloom tomato, pepper and herb plants are also still available. We look forward to seeing you Saturday!
 

Windcrest Farm Newsletter www.windcrestorganics.com

Did you know....

...that an estimated 70 percent of all antibiotics used in the United States are regularly added to the feed of livestock and poultry that are not sick-a practice with serious consequences for our health? Bacteria that are constantly exposed to antibiotics develop antibiotic resistance. This means that when humans get sick from resistant bacteria, the antibiotics prescribed by doctors don't work.

Right now, there are bills in both the House and Senate to address this risky practice - but your representatives need to hear from you in order to get them passed!

Vist The True Food Network for more information.
IPM - Integrated Pest Management
What is IPM?
The University of California Integrated Pest Management website , the most extensive database I have found on how to identify (lots of pictures) and manage pests (including weeds), defines IPM as:
 
"Integrated pest management (IPM) is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests or their damage through a combination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and use of resistant varieties. Pesticides are used only after monitoring indicates they are needed according to established guidelines, and treatments are made with the goal of removing only the target organism. Pest control materials are selected and applied in a manner that minimizes risks to human health, beneficial and nontarget organisms, and the environment." (UC IPM Online)
 
For an organic gardener, this is a wonderful resource. If you do any gardening, landscaping, or have indoor plants, this site should be on your bookmark list!
 
Best regards,
 
Mary Roberts
Windcrest Farm
 
Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it.

-Winston Churchill
 
 
 
Missed a previous newsletter? Visit our Archives!

All photos in the Windcrest Newsletter and on our website have been taken at Windcrest Farm unless otherwise noted.
Did you receive this newsletter from a friend? Sign up for the next edition, delivered fresh to your email box.
Join Our Mailing List!