Another Major Step on the Farm

 We owe a huge thank you to our friend and urban ag supporter George Kappelt of Lockport (see http://www.flavor-farm.com )  for lending us his time and tractor to accomplish  the monumental task of tilling up the south side of the property.   In spite of heavy rains, we were able to get the entire field cultivated, tilled, and seeded in various cover crops on Friday and Saturday of last week.  Our plan in that area is to plant cover crops and add compost to improve the soil tilth ( texture and fertility).  This is a long term project we are pleased to finally get started.   Once again, we commissioned our daughter to record the event with her camera.

George cultivating

cultivating

the cultivator consists of a series of heavy “teeth” that cut into the ground and pull up rocks, etc. This tool makes it easier for the tiller to come through.

Tucker tried to remove rocks with his tractor while George ran the cultivator

who would have thought two years ago we’d be breaking ground for a farm?

Tucker and Titus digging out rocks

along with the rocks, we have plenty of garbage

Tucker beginning to till

excessive rain created some mud difficulties – we ended up abandoning the morning effort and waiting until the sun dried the field a bit

the monumental task of picking up rocks and trash from the field

boys picking up rocks and trash. As Tucker tilled the field, his brothers walked in front putting rocks and trash into the bucket.

what a job!

the evidence of prior civilizations grows- soon to be scooped up and removed by the city

Mark and Jerusha transporting seed to spread on the newly tilled ground

Mark broadcasting the cover crop seed. He planted buckwheat, rye and clover.

just in case you forgot and thought you really had left urban blight, just across the street is a reminder…

Happy gardening,

Janice