Field NotesNotes from the field
For years I wrote to my farmshare members every week: what was growing, what was failing, and why. Field Notes continues that letter for anyone curious. Seasonal advice for Upstate gardens, the occasional hard lesson, and the reasons behind all of it.
Having a Relationship with My Food
I wasn't raised as a hunter, but I guess I wasn't raised as a farmer either.
A Walk in the Woods
I've always enjoyed hiking, swimming, sailing, fishing, and generally being outdoors and in nature.
The Last of the Peppers (For Real This Time)
I thought the sad looking peppers were fated for removal a couple of weeks ago, but with other beds to "flip", I've let them ride and with only a couple of nights getting into the danger-zone, they're somehow still ripening up and even putting on flowers for new fruit.
Army Worms in the Garden, and Why I Still Don't Spray
I don't spray anything, even organic approved sprays since they can sometimes be broad spectrum and kill more than the desired pest.
Watering Through the Drought
I will always prefer too dry, to too wet, as long as I have the ability to water.
Starting a Fall Garden in the Middle of Summer
The hardest part of a fall garden is that you plant it in the worst possible weather. Tarps, flame weeding and shade cloth for germinating cool-season crops in Upstate heat.
What's Wrong With My Plant?
Most mystery plant problems in the Upstate are one of three soil fertility issues, not a disease. Tied-up nitrogen, nitrogen burn, and asking too much of one bed.
Heat Stress, on Plants and on People
Peppers and tomatoes do not love a 100 degree heat index either. What July does to transplants, to a to-do list, and to the person holding the hose.
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Seasonal advice for Upstate gardens, sent when there is something worth saying and not on a schedule. No pitch, and one click to leave.