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We’re Almost There (Newsletter)

fresh veggies polka dot hen produce 2021
Stir fry veggie pack: bok choi, mizuna, tatsoi, green garlic, purple orach and chives

It feels like we had a bit of a soft open last week with our emergency stir fry packages. Thank you to everyone who participated. It was really short notice. However, getting those veggies to you was a thrill.

Drought and Weird Weather

Part of the reason we had such an “emergency” with the greens was the crazy up and down temperatures we’ve had over the last few weeks. 

Cool weather transitioning to hot weather triggers some plants to make flowers, or bolt. Heat combined with a lack of rain can exacerbate this. 
Continue reading “We’re Almost There (Newsletter)”

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February Follies (Newsletter)

German shepherd pup with toy in the snow

Hey! It’s been a little while since we’ve touched base.

As you can see by the picture above, we have a new addition to the family who is keeping us hopping. It is good for me to (begrudgingly) get outside with the new pup many times a day. But it also is hard to get peaceful chunks of time to think. 

So, how are you doing now that winter is so heavy upon us?

I don’t know about you, but to me, this February feels endless. I’m so happy for the sun we’ve gotten the last few days. But wow, there is a lot of snow on the ground! Continue reading “February Follies (Newsletter)”

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The Butternut Squash Odyssey

butternut squash from Polka Dot Hem Produce
Ah, the artistic arrangement of butternut squash. So pleasing. But how am I ever going eat through my pantry stores?

It Began So Innocently

When I was planning the crops last winter, I knew 2020 was my year for winter squash. After two consecutive years where my squash plans had come to naught, I was hankering for a harvest.

Well, I may have overcompensated.

Wanting a diversity of squash to hedge my bets given all the weird weather the past several years, I grew early ripening bush delicatas, every size of butternut, black futsu and red kuri squash. At least one variety should make it through to maturity, right?

Continue reading “The Butternut Squash Odyssey”

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Adios 2020

 

While we’ve been spared the worst outcomes of the pandemic up to this point, it still feels very myopic to focus on our homestead experience given the state of the world.

Perhaps that’s why I’ve had such a hard time updating the blog this year. That coupled with my general dread of writing has meant a big lag in blog entries. I’d much rather tell a story through photographs. So here we go.

I’ve cobbled together a selection of pictures to get you through the 2020 season and up to date on the farm. It sure is nice to look at all that colourful produce right now.

Continue reading “Adios 2020”