Signs of a Spring freeze

Tonight's temperature is forecast to be in the low twenties. With Burlington Downtown Farmers' Market opening in one week and Three Farms CSA beginning in 3 weeks we couldn't take any chances with our crops and we've been preparing for a couple days to protect them tonight.  

We did have the starts outside to "harden off" in preparation for planting. The low twenties is too cold for tender plants to survive so we crowded everything into the greenhouse. Fortunately, the greenhouse came equipped with propane heaters and Charlie built a second shelf  to give us more space for flats. 

We've covered the beds of mangels, tatsoi, brocolli raab, baby pak choi, carrots and peas. While the plants would survive a frost they would be slowed in their growth and there is no time for set backs this spring.  We are glad we took the time to do this work yesterday in the rain as we had a light frost this morning when the low temperature on the farm was 32 degrees.

Starting Seeds

Seeds of Principe Borghese tomato plants just starting to come up

We started some seeds in our greenhouse several weeks ago and they have really taken off! Some things like peas, greens, radishes, and carrots we can direct seed into the soil. We have gotten some of those seeds in the ground and hope to have plants coming up soon!

Seeds starting to come up

Some of those same seeds are enormous now since we have had warm weather and we have had to put them into larger pots! We have resorted to styrofoam cups for many of them. There is so much possibility with all of these plants!

Purple Beauty pepper plants taking off!