Happy Thanksgiving
from the Staff and Board of Pennypack Farm
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Renew NOW for 2011!
Current Members
Applications for 2011 Season MUST be postmarked by
Black Friday, 11/26, to guarantee your share.
If you are having trouble making the $200 down payment, contact Margot Bradley
administrator@pennypackfarm.org |
Winter Season Update
The summer season has ended but we have plenty of work on our hands. The majority of this month's chores involve protecting the remaining crops from winter frost. We will cover the strawberry plants in a thick layer of autumn leaves in addition to a row cover fabric. This white, breathable fabric will allow moisture and light in, and keep crops a few degrees warmer, preventing frost damage.
This year we are testing 'low tunnels' a smaller version of the 'high tunnel' system. During the winter we typically grow leafy greens such as spinach, tatsoi, and mizuna in our high tunnels, also known as the hoop houses. This year we will be growing kale, lettuce, and chard in low tunnels that will be covered in a similar clear plastic. The low tunnels are only about 3 feet high and we will have to pull-back the plastic to harvest throughout the winter.
 A good amount of the root crops will remain in the soil this winter. We will cover these crops in a thick layer of autumn leaves and wait until the ground thaws in spring to harvest. Carrots, daikon radish and purple top turnips are a few examples of roots that will over-winter.
Now for an update on your favorite farmers:
Farmer Jessica will be volunteering with Everybody's Kitchen, sharing food across the country. Farmer Dennis will be taking a month off to visit Zen Mountain Monastery in the Catskills. He plans to eat good food and read good books! Farmer Fred will be working on the winter share and will take some time off for his favorite winter pastime - hibernating. Farmer Andy will also be working on the winter share, and hopefully take some time off to go fishing. Margot, our Administrator, will venture off to Arizona for a bit. And last but not least I will be knitting, drinking tea, and planning our 2011 Education Calendar...
We wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!
Raina
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