Author Archives: itfarmer

Winter Projects

Posted on January 14, 2011 by itfarmer

Several of my readers have informed me that I should post new content in the winter, even if it means leaving the garden behind for a few months.Until the weather breaks, I’ll be showcasing some of my winter projects. Due … Continue reading →

Posted in Building and Construction | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Just Won’t Give Up…

Posted on January 4, 2011 by itfarmer

This winter has had a few very cold days when the temperature was well below freezing, so I was sure everything in the garden had finally given in. Winter seemed to let up a bit last weekend, and while the mercury crept towards 50 … Continue reading →

Posted in Chard, Growing Season | Tagged | 1 Comment

Blooming In Time for Christmas

Posted on December 23, 2010 by itfarmer

A co-worker brought in some plants around the beginning of the year, and when she was on vacation, I made it a point to water the bulbs daily. Once I had the habit of watering them, it stuck even after … Continue reading →

Posted in Flowers | Tagged | Leave a comment

“Winter Melon”

Posted on December 21, 2010 by itfarmer

I picked a watermelon months ago when expecting guests, and left it sit on my kitchen counter. The guests came and went, and I forgot about the melon till the other day. I noticed it sitting there very much out … Continue reading →

Posted in Melons, People, Watermelon | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Lighting That Candle…

Posted on December 20, 2010 by itfarmer

Do not try this at home ! If this process is not followed correctly, bad things can happen. I’m planning to make five batches of Bio-Char this winter, and I’m a bit behind schedule, so this weekend I decided to … Continue reading →

Posted in Bio-Char / Terra Preta, How To's | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Try, Try, Try Again: Fruit Tree Cloning

Posted on December 13, 2010 by itfarmer

A few years ago, I learned how to clone grape vines. Ever since then, I’ve tried the same approach to clone other plants. I’ve managed to clone an Elderberry bush, a Lilac, countless Weeping Willows, even a tomato; but there … Continue reading →

Posted in Cloning / Propogating, Fruit Trees | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Here Comes The Work Part of Winter

Posted on December 9, 2010 by itfarmer

I’ve been thinking about getting a jump start on the winter season by pruning my fruit trees and grape vines before it gets too cold, but Mother Nature apparently has a different plan. This morning, just as the sun was … Continue reading →

Posted in Fruit Trees, Grapes, Planning | Leave a comment

Sage Tea

Posted on December 7, 2010 by itfarmer

As I was walking up my steps into my backdoor, I glanced down at my now two year old sage plant, and wondered what I could use it for. The plant is just starting it’s second winter, and the leaves … Continue reading →

Posted in Herbs, How To's, Recipes, Sage | Tagged | Leave a comment

Water Carries Life

Posted on December 1, 2010 by itfarmer

While leaving the farm on my way to work this morning, I noticed one of the natural springs flowing a bit more then usual. It was nice to see this ribbon of green growth, after the recent snowfall, and it’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Climate, How To's, Seedlings, Water | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Planning Ahead with Bio-Char

Posted on November 22, 2010 by itfarmer

Kids: Don’t try this at home ! If the gases do not properly escape during heating, you will be in trouble. Somewhere during my life, I either learned this lesson myself, or picked it up from others: “The longer ahead … Continue reading →

Posted in Bio-Char / Terra Preta, Climate, General, How To's, Planning, Tools | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment