Oh the weeds…

Everyone on the farm is hoping solstice has brought the end of these cool, wet spring days.  Neighboring farmers say they haven’t seen a year this wet for thirty years and our farm has felt what that means.  Plant starts that would be strong any other year did not have the warmth or the energy to come out and grow, so some crops had to be planted twice.  This is the same situation for many farmers in the Puget Sound.

But the days are definitely warmer!  Last week was a great with several sunny, warm days that made the crops and the farmers, much, much happier.  Oh, but not only the crops and the farmers.  This better growing weather is also better for…. the weeds…

As any farmer on a new farm knows, the first year in a place is the hardest.  Learning what the soil needs, which resources need to be developed, and developing appropriate infrastructure are all challenges they must face.  But along with these, the farmer must deal with weeds that have been able to establish themselves when the fields were not worked.

Our farm land has not been farmed for several years now, and the crabgrass is loving it!  Even after a good tilling, and a really good preliminary weeding, the crabgrass is being stubborn.  The farmers are right now spending a lot of time trying to gain control over these weeds so the crops can use all of the sun and soil themselves.

Before and After

On June 24^th, twenty Highline Community College economics students came to put their hand in to help.  They are partnering with the Burundi farmers to help market their crops on the college campus for a new market, and the students will be able to learn with a developing business.

Are you interested in volunteering also?  I am helping develop a volunteer list to keep people informed and involved with work party opportunities.  If you would like to be included, please send your email and phone number to me, Lydia Caudill, at isa101799@yahoo.com.    Thanks and Happy Solstice!