Volunteers arrived with contributions to potluck in a downpour. Farmer John almost called it and sent us home. But, Debbie and I got busy in the greenhouse separting cabbage sprouts
Farmer John, looking worried about the weather. Most of us asked, "Since we are here what can we do?" And we all began other farm chores and about 30 minutes into that chore. The rain stopped. Famer John directed us to the field to plant 400 lbs of 5 different potato varitites. Kennebec, Yukon Gold, Purple Majesty, and German Butterball, just to name a few. Note: the 400 lbs of the seed potato were cut into pieaces to isolate the an eye of the potato where the plant begins to grow. And once cut it looks like dried up potato that belongs in the trash bin.
Still sprinkling out, loyal volunteer Matt Cunningham begins to hoe a furrow into the beds. The beds are 150 feet long and 3 feet wide and 1 pound of seed potato for one foot with a furough in the middle. The dried and cut up seed potato gets placed eye facing up every six inches in the furrow and then covered.
Can you say stooping, bending, squatting, or otherwise known as Garden Yoga? This is a skill of many volunteers and farmers. Pictured left is the greenhouse manager Marion in her "downward facing potato pose".
4 cut up seed potatoes 6 Inches apart
Potatoes in the ground, Time to EAT! Terry made delicious corned beef and cabbage. Also available,Potato salad, spinach and roasted beet salad, collcannon, assorted desserts, and even a guide to make your own Irish name. Farmer John's name, "Greenie Mc Spud"!!!
I would like to thank the volunteers from the Tidewater Crop Mob for braving the weather. Your dedication to local and sustainable foods does not go unnoticed. But there is still work to be done. With all the efforts the farmer must take to keep his fields growing requires the work of more than one person. Within the community, the most informed customer drives to the farmer. This is why I continue to through this fundraising stage of my business "The Super Local Food Project". We can reach our goal with your help.
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