March 31, 2004
In like a lamb, out like a lamb
March has been pretty kind to us. On the radio this morning the weather guy was saying how in March, 2001, this area had over five feet of snowfall. This year, March started out warm, got a little cold and snowy, and now the last few days have been sunny, in the 50s during the day, and in the 20s at night. Most of the snowpack is gone, and we may even plant some early lettuce seedlings out in the hoophouse this weekend.
[My little secret goal/experiment this year is to see how hard it would be to get full head lettuce by May 1. So far, it hasn't been that hard -- we have three to four inch lettuce plants in the seedling house ready to plant out. If this experiment goes well without a huge need for more infrastructure, then next year we can really make a bigger push for an early market niche.]
I also think this year will be all about trying to save labor. For example, the $100 I spent on a little propane heater for the seedling house has already paid for itself in two ways: (1) it has allowed us to get seedlings up and going a month earlier (not to mention producing better quality seedlings), and (2) it has saved me time bringing seedlings inside when we are expecting really cold weather. I mean, last night it was in the low 20s here, and I don't think it got below 44 degrees in the seedling house -- nice and toasty (at least relatively speaking).
Posted by peter at March 31, 2004 07:36 AMHi Peter and Maryellen,
I happened upon your web site the other day and found it very interesting. You are doing what my wife and and I wanted to do 15+ years ago but did not make the move. We looked all over Vermont and found some great places but just did not take the step. I still regret that we did'nt. Please keep up your site as this is great reading.
John
Posted by: John at March 31, 2004 01:21 PMThanks for your comment John. It is comments and emails like yours that keep our spirits up when things start looking a little overwhelming around here.
And, as Maryellen points out, it is not too late to come to Vermont! If you look at the top of the main page you will notice we are hiring for the '04 season! It doesn't pay much, but it could be a start!
Seriously though, thanks for stopping by.
Posted by: peter at March 31, 2004 02:04 PMHmmmm....
So capitalism hits northern Vermont!
A $100 investment for the heater replaces your labor, produces better products, and lets you get to market earlier.
Keynes would love it!
Posted by: Mike, pgg's dad at April 1, 2004 06:25 PM