tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66093683745150555642024-03-13T12:35:56.496-07:00Peace of the Earth FarmA small, sustainable, family farm in Rosedale, WashingtonBrian and Hillary Bergrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02412890686141341919noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6609368374515055564.post-53887754872953207332012-01-30T13:39:00.000-08:002012-01-30T13:39:52.208-08:00New Website!We're very excited to announce the launching of our brand new website: <a href="http://peaceoftheearthfarms.com/">peaceoftheearthfarms.com</a><br />
<br />
Our website was designed by the very talented Erin at <a href="http://www.erinmortoncreative.com/">Erin Morton Creative</a>. If you have website needs, give her a buzz!Brian and Hillary Bergrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02412890686141341919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6609368374515055564.post-22050107512711641922012-01-30T13:29:00.000-08:002012-01-30T13:29:28.586-08:002012 Kickstarter Fundraiser- Soil Rehab and Farm Stand Infrastructure Project<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Please check out our <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1205078494/peace-of-the-earth-farm-soil-rehab-and-infrastruct?ref=live">kickstarter campaign</a> and consider pledging your support! The purpose of this campaign is to raise money for some much needed projects on the farm. Your pledge of support will only be charged if we meet our goal of $12,000 by March 3rd. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Primarily these funds will help us, 1- organically rehabilitate our soil; 2-purchase infrastructure for a self serve farm stand; and 3- purchase a deer fence for the farm. Our campaign fundraising goal will help us acquire the bare minimum for t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">hese projects and will specifically help us acquire: well composted manure, organic lime soil amendment, soil testing, organic cover crop seeds, a small walk-in refrigerator, sliding glass door refrigeration unit, and mesh wire electric livestock fencing. If we raise more than expected with this campaign we will use the funds to purchase higher quality materials for these projects as well as other projects on the farm. Thanks in advance and please spread the word!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1205078494/peace-of-the-earth-farm-soil-rehab-and-infrastruct?ref=live">Check here</a> to check out the campaign and pledge your support!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br />
</span></span>Brian and Hillary Bergrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02412890686141341919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6609368374515055564.post-5171549225929632452011-08-29T21:09:00.000-07:002012-01-24T10:08:21.666-08:00Upcoming WorkshopsHowdy Farmy Folks!! We've decided to offer a couple workshops this fall. These two workshops are hopefully the first of many workshops that will be offered through POTE farm. Please send us an email (peaceoftheearthfarm@gmail.com) if you are interested in either one of these workshops:<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>*Garlic Workshop- Sunday October 2nd, 2-4 PM at our "Nettles" Location</b><br />
<br />
<b>**Fiber Spinning Workshop- Sunday November 13th, from 2-4</b><br />
<br />
<br />
*The Garlic Workshop will teach you everything from A-Z about growing garlic here in the northwest including hands on experience preparing garlic for planting and putting it in the earth. This workshop will also include 1 pound of locally grown, certified organic seed garlic. Cost for this workshop is $20 per student.<br />
<br />
**The Fiber spinning workshop will cover all the basics of spinning wool with both a spindle and a spinning wheel. This workshop will also cover how to prep wool for spinning as well as how to ready the spun yarn for knitting. It will also include your very own spindle as well as a little bit of starter wool to take home for practice. Cost for this workshop is $30<br />
<br />
We hope you can join us!Brian and Hillary Bergrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02412890686141341919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6609368374515055564.post-28142795297730114352011-05-29T09:47:00.000-07:002011-05-29T09:47:53.097-07:00Natural Bee Keeping at POTEOne of our recent additions to POTE farm has been natural bee keeping. Since everything we do on our farm falls within organic standards it just seems to make sense that our bees would be natural too. Natural bee keeping is about learning to mimic what bees would naturally do. Natural bee keeping promotes stronger hives and healthier bees, which in turn will produce healthier and more resistant stock. This process involves changing the intent of the beekeeper from that of an exploiter and extractor, to that of a passive observer and steward.<br />
<br />
Honey bees are used almost exclusively to pollinate some our most important crops and today's agricultural system relies heavily on honey bees and their services. In fact, honey bees are responsible for pollinating 80% of all insect pollinated plants. Honey bees are are often shipped long distances and exposed to many unnatural conditions which could lead to many serious health problems. Many people believe that these stresses have lead to severe decreases in healthy strains of honey bee populations. A healthy honey bee hive should posses strong disease resistance and natural coping skills to deal with pathogens and parasites. However, today's honey bees are often too stressed and weak to fight off pathogens and other threats to hive health. Although no one knows for certain, many believe that these stresses could be a leading contribution to the increased incidence of "Colony Collapse Disorder" (CCD).<br />
<br />
Resistant strains that are fully capable of managing their own hive and coping with disease and other issues are hard to come by. Many problems with pathogens and parasites could arise in hives simply because bee strains today are very weak. However, no better time has existed to start strengthening and selecting for strong and resistant honeybees. Natural bee keeping is one way to strengthen and build stronger strains of honey bees.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The main areas of natural beekeeping involve allowing the bees to build a natural comb instead of synthetic comb and eliminating the use of chemical treatments. Natural bee keeping also involves passive observation and reducing the amount of times the bee keeper opens the hive. Many natural bee keepers will only take honey in the spring or when there is an obvious excess in the late summer (or not at all). Feeding the bees should only be done in dire situations and natural sources of feed, such as frames of honey, is recommended. Additionally, switching to a "Warre", "Top Bar" or other natural hive instead of the Langstroth is advisable. Catching swarms, cultivating resistant stock and supporting the cultivation of untreated bees is also a big part of natural bee keeping. And finally, the natural bee keeper is always looking for ways to provide and encourage bee friendly, organic, habitat.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">You might be wondering how the natural bee keeper deals with those infamous pests such as mites. Keeping the hive as healthy as possible is the first course of action because a healthy hive is less susceptible to any disease. Additionally, it is important to keep the hive properly vented and include a 1/8" screen bottom. A properly vented hive encourages healthier bees and bees will often clean each other and remove mites. If the hive has a screen bottom, the mites fall through this layer and mites can be significantly reduced in the hive. Also, essential oils such as peppermint and lavender have been shown to repel many pests including mites in bee hives. Lastly, encouraging bees to clean each other regularly by dusting the bees with organic powdered sugar is very important. One bee keeper I know dusts her bees 2 to 3 times a year with powdered sugar to help keep the bees clean and free of mites. Just like with any pest, when the mites are chemically treated, the weakest ones are quickly and easily killed off. The mites that remain to breed are those that are stronger and more resistant to the treatment. Over time, all the mites become resistant to the treatment and this leaves the bee keeper trying out newer chemicals, trying to stay one step ahead of the resistance. This is a process that makes chemical companies very rich often makes pest problems worse. Furthermore, these chemicals could be very dangerous to the bees, the bee keeper, pets, children and anyone else that might come in contact with them. We strongly discourage the use of chemical treatments for mites and encourage bee keepers everywhere to try more natural methods of treatment. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This year we decided to go with a Warre hive for our new package of bees. One of the main benefits of the Warre hive is it allows the bees to build comb from the top down. If bees where building their colony, say in a hollow tree, they would also build their hive form the top down. This helps take advantage of the natural flow of air. Heat rises and helps the keeps air flowing and the bees warmer. Although we were unsuccessful in finding a bee package that came from local and natural sources, we're confident that our bees can thrive in natural conditions hence forth. We'll also be keeping an eye out for swarms in our areas. We've had the bees about two months and they've already filled almost two boxes full of natural comb and are laying brood like crazy. Here are a few pictures of the bee installation and their new hive. We are fairly new to bee keeping and we are very excited to be learning about honey bees on our farm.<br />
<br />
Setting the frames in place before installation. You'll notice that we start our frames with just a small strip of organic bees wax. This helps the bees get started but does not control the size of the comb. I've always heard that a synthetic comb helps the bees pull out the comb faster. However, now that I've seen how fast they built these combs, I now know that was a myth. In fact, it seemed like the bees built their own comb faster without the synthetic frame to guide them. Go figure, nature know best, again!<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=BeeFrames.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/BeeFrames.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Our bee package, they are so ready to get out of there!!<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=beepackage.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/beepackage.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Setting the frames in place, after the installation of the bees:<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=IMAG0057.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMAG0057.jpg" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
All Done, putting the lid on!<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=IMAG0054.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMAG0054.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
This is the Warre Hive in it's full glory. We started off with just one box and we'll keep adding more boxes on the bottom as the hive grows. If we were going to take honey next spring, we would take the top box off.<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=IMAG0046.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMAG0046.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div>Brian and Hillary Bergrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02412890686141341919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6609368374515055564.post-15650701278859362992011-04-27T20:22:00.000-07:002011-04-27T20:22:11.303-07:00Shiitake Mushroom LogsHello folks, I just thought I would post some pictures of our recent addition of Shiitake Mushroom logs. If all goes well, we should have some delicious mushrooms to eat this time next year. We purchased our plugs from <a href="http://uprisingorganics.com/index.php">Uprising Seeds</a>. You can also find plug spawn from <a href="http://fungiperfecti.com/plugs/index.html">Fungi Perfecti</a>. This time we used maple logs, some of which were down only about 5 weeks, others were down since last December-ish. It's important to use logs that are not too old (one to two months seems perfect), because other fungus might have already inoculated the logs from the natural environment. We took a chance with the older logs, which had been down for about 4 months or so, we'll see what happens. Just about any hard wood can be used for this purpose, as long as the logs are not too large and have not been down more than a few months. We sealed our plugs in with a cheese wax purchased from Fungi Perfecti. You can also use bees wax. Wax seals and protects the plug spawn, helping to insure that the shiitake spawn properly inoculates the log and does not get contaminated. We put these plugs in at the beginning of March. This process was beyond easy and came with detailed instructions. Happy and long lasting mushroom logs are just a few hours of easy labor away!<br />
<br />
The Basics:<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=IMG_8813.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_8813.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Drilling holes in the maple logs with 5/16" drill bit:<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=IMG_8811.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_8811.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Here's Kat hammering in some plugs:<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=IMG_8852.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_8852.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Kat sealing the logs with cheese wax (you can also use bees wax):<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=IMG_8858.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_8858.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Presto!! Be sure to keep logs in a damp and shaded area:<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=IMG_8947.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_8947.jpg" /></a>Brian and Hillary Bergrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02412890686141341919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6609368374515055564.post-27094017721192971802011-03-08T09:32:00.000-08:002011-03-08T09:32:20.083-08:00A new farm season begins!In the yonder days of February and January, Peace of the Earth Farm lie snuggled deep in the frigid earth, waiting for it's caretakers to return. Although we sowed a few seeds here and there in anticipation of warmer days, the bulk of our seeding has just begun. March saw the return of our seeding greenhouse, a wwoofer from yester-year, the smell of fresh handmade potting soil, and eager new volunteers all arriving from far off places to help us make the season the best season for POTE farm yet. This year our volunteer crew consists of Daniel, Katie, Kat, Chris and Jeff. Daniel is joining us for a second season, this year acting as our assitant manager, or he isists I call him: "the assistant <i>to</i> the manager". I can assure you that Daniel is so talented, he's both. Katie is Daniel's girl friend and she will be our administrative assistant, handling phone calls, research, and the newsletters (and maybe swinging a hammer from time to time when we need her to). Kat, Chris and Jeff are all new to POTE farm and came to us from the organization "World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms" or WWOOF for short. We are looking forward to getting to know these generous souls as we work and learn together all season long. Here's to a fruitful season!<br />
<br />
The Crew from Left to right: Hillary, Jeff, Brian, Daniel, Kat, Chris. Katie will be joining us soon! <br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=IMG_8845.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_8845.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Brian and Hillary Bergrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02412890686141341919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6609368374515055564.post-44773970500332454462011-01-04T12:35:00.000-08:002011-01-04T12:36:26.281-08:00Burnt Ridge: A nursery worth supporting...If you've been searching fruitlessly for a nursery that's worth a darn, search no more. Burnt Ridge Nursery is my pick for the best of the best for everything from blueberry bushes to strawberries to kiwis to nut trees. I had the opportunity to visit this nursery a couple years ago and get a tour by the owner Michael Dolan. This nursery, which has been in business 31 years, is both eco-friendly as well as beautiful. It is run by the thoughtful care a staff and owner that care as much about the environment and genetic diversity as they do about their customers. In fact, they have worked tirelessly to help preserve many hard to find varieties of vines, trees and shrubs that produce edible fruit and nuts. Enlist their help to add an edible landscape to your home, school or community. Their prices are affordable and their products are top notch quality. Also, their expertise about what will and what won't grow well in the Pacific Northwest is superior. Check them out online or give them a call:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.burntridgenursery.com">www.burntridgenursery.com</a><br />
360-985-2873Brian and Hillary Bergrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02412890686141341919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6609368374515055564.post-60627300667173139692011-01-04T12:16:00.000-08:002011-01-04T13:43:11.822-08:002010 in PicturesHello Folks,<br />
<br />
Since this is the quiet season for a farmer, I finally have some time to post some of our favorite pictures from 2010. We had too many photos to share here but please enjoy this small selection:<br />
<br />
This was one of our first trays of seedlings, Early March 2010, broccoli:<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=IMG_7737.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7737.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <br />
<br />
5am sunrise at the farm. Spring time saw many early days for this farmer:<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=IMG_7888-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7888-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Spring time 2010 in our hoophouse, lot's of seedlings<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=IMG_7898.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7898.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
This year we decided to lease some additional land. We call our original location "Heritage" and this new plot "Nettles". Here it is in May before we tilled. <br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=IMG_7879-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7879-2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Garlic Scapes and a wee bit of basil, Early July 2010<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=IMG_8027.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_8027.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
A few members of work trade crew, from left to right, Jessica, Natasha, and Daniel. Natasha, an artist and good worker, contributed about a month to the farm in June and July. Jessica, originally from Minnesota, stayed for about 3 weeks and filled all of us with a positive attitude and a strong back to go with it (did I mention she is also probably one of the most well read people I've ever met, well, she is). Daniel, a Georgia boy, will be returning with his girlfriend for another season of farm work. This year year, Daniel will be my assistant manager of the farm. <br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=IMG_8030-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_8030-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Breezy, another member of our work trade Crew. Breezy worked with us for nearly the entire growing season and we owe her quite a bit for her tireless efforts on the farm. Here she is with some freshly harvest garlic. <br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=IMG_8121.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_8121.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Our first CSA boxes of the season, early July. In case you've forgotten, here's evidence that June 2010 was the coldest on record. Almost everything in the box should have been harvested a month prior, however due to the cold temps, rain and lack of sunshine, it was not ready for harvest until July. Likewise, all those July type vegetables were a month behind too. No squash, tomatoes, or cucumbers yet! Even flower bouquets were very challenging at this point. <br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=IMG_8036.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_8036.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <br />
<br />
Our main growing plot over at the "Nettles" location. I think this was the end of July.<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=IMG_8321.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_8321.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
A happy farmer and her harvest<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=IMG_8315.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_8315.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Some baby squash with their blossoms, destined for Brix 25 restaurant, August 2010<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=IMG_8356.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_8356.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
"Nettles" Farm location in late August 2010<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=IMG_8350.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_8350.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
"Nettles" Farm location in late August 2010<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=IMG_8348.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_8348.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
"Nettles" Farm location in late August 2010<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=IMG_8347.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_8347.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Tomatoes at harvest time, early September 2010<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=Snapshot2011-01-0412-03-09.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/Snapshot2011-01-0412-03-09.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Packing CSA Boxes in September 2010, photo courtesy of Josh Sitter<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=weektwo-3376-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/weektwo-3376-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
A view from the perennial garden at the "Nettles" farm location, Mid September 2010. On the left you'll see feverfew (white blossoms) which is great for migraines, and a floral variety of sage (purple). There is also some evening primrose peeking (yellow flowers). Evening primrose is good for treating whooping cough. Photo courtesy of Josh Sitter<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=weektwo-3345-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/weektwo-3345-2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
"Heritage" Farm location, Mid September 2010, photo courtesy of Josh Sitter<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=weektwo-3306.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/weektwo-3306.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
POTE farm, photo courtesy of Josh Sitter <br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=weekthree-3444.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/weekthree-3444.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
This year we were fortunate enough to be honored with a "Dinner in the Field" from a local restaurant, Brix 25 in Gig Harbor. The owners Thad and Katie, have been buying fresh tomatoes, greens, potatoes and other tasty morsels from us since 2009. This year, they pulled of one of the most memorable evenings of my life by hosting a gourmet 5 course meal on the farm. The meal consisted of local ingredients including fresh produce from our own farm. About 30 guests attended and it was a delicious success. <br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=weekthree-3473.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/weekthree-3473.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=weekthree-3408.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/weekthree-3408.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Brian and I were able to give a quick farm tour before the "Dinner in the Field" <br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=088.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/088.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Josh was one of our most memorable work traders. He stayed with us only a few weeks but made quite an impression on us. Josh, a photo journalist by trade, is currently writing two travel guides, one on hitch hiking and one on WWOOF-ing (That's "World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms"). We wish him the best of luck as he hitch hikes down to South America and back over the next couple years! PS- he's also a fantastic chef.<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=IMG_8441.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_8441.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Carmit and her Son Christopher work traded with us at the end of the season. They helped put our farm to sleep and get it ready for a long winter. They are currently "WWoofing" together in Pennsylvania.<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=IMG_8525.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_8525.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
This year we opened a small weekly farm stand in Rosedale. It was never a big money generator, nor was it really supposed to be. It was simply our attempt to let let the locals know we existed and that they should start to see more of our produce in the community. We met some wonderful people, including my favorite customer, Roxi, who bought some of our giant zucchini squash for her special Zucchini bread. This is the Farm stand in Mid September 2010<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=weekone-3252.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/weekone-3252.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Inside the tomato hoop house Late September 2010, photo courtesy of Josh Sitter<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=weektwo-3368-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/weektwo-3368-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Ending on a sunny note....<br />
This photo courtesy of Josh Sitter, September 2010<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view&current=weektwo-3337-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/weektwo-3337-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Brian and Hillary Bergrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02412890686141341919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6609368374515055564.post-30088189023452889862010-12-30T13:12:00.001-08:002010-12-30T13:16:02.840-08:00POTE Farm PressHowdy farmy folks. This article came out a while ago but I never posted a link. It originally came out in Gig Harbor Life Weekly. <br />
<a href="http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/mar/15/gig-harbor-farm-is-connecting-to-community/?partner=RSS">Click here</a> to view the article, in case you missed it.Brian and Hillary Bergrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02412890686141341919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6609368374515055564.post-42304055387287182992010-11-03T09:37:00.000-07:002010-11-03T09:37:33.989-07:00My PIcks for Seed CompaniesA lot of people ask me where they can get heirloom seeds. I've decided to post a short list of who I buy from and why. Before I do, here's a little quote from Suzannne Ashworth's book, <i>Seed to Seed</i>...this book is a must have for any farmer or home gardener: <br />
<br />
<i>"The seed that gardeners hold in their hands at planting time are living links in an unbroken chain reaching back into antiquity. Today's gardeners cannot possibly comprehend the amount of history contained in their seeds, both what has come before and what may potentially come after their brief involvement". </i><br />
<br />
One last word, before you go thinking that heirloom seeds are not important, or before you decide that seed is seed, before you make up your mind not to care where you get your seed from, and before you decide that $3 is way too much to pay for 25 seeds, please remember that hundreds of generations and thousands of years of heritage are contained in a single seed. People have literally starved to death protecting seeds, people have been imprisoned for their work to save seed, and many many varieties and genetic diversity are lost in this age of cheap seed from giant distributors. Today, most of the world's seed in now distributed by only a small handful of giant corporations. Most of the time these big seed company's biggest concern is storage life and a plant's shipability (not to mention making giant profits). Nutrition, flavor, local growing ability, or genetic diversity are typically of little or no concern to large seed companies. Please consider supporting your local smaller seed companies. Here are a few that I look to for my seed needs. I encourage you to save your own seed according to the methods described in Suzanne Ashworth's book as well as purchase from your own local seed companies. <br />
<br />
In order of my personal priority:<br />
<br />
<b>**Uprising Seeds, located in Bellingham Washington: <a href="http://uprisingorganics.com">uprisingorganics.com</a> </b><br />
Uprising is a small family owned and operated seed company that grows 100% certified organic seeds almost entirely at their own small farm in Bellingham, Washington. What they don't personally grow is grown nearby on small farms in Washington, Oregon, California, and Idaho. They have an emphasis on heirloom varieties and try to keep varieties alive that grow well in the Pacific North West.<br />
<br />
<b>**Wild Garden Seeds, Located in Philomath, Oregon: <a href="http://Wildgardenseeds.com">Wildgardenseeds.com</a> </b><br />
Wild Garden Seeds is another family owned and opperated seed company that grows most of their own 100% orgnaic seeds at their own home farm. They have exceptional lettuce and pepper seeds, as well some hard find heirlooms varieties of other vegetables. <br />
<br />
<b>**High Mowing Seed, Locaed in Wolcott, Vermont: <a href="http://highmowingseeds.com">highmowingseedseeds.com</a> </b><br />
High mowing is a larger seed company but I've included it here because it's a wonderful go to source for 100% organic seed with an heirloom influence. With 450 varieties of heirloom seed, I find that they have almost anything I need. Also, a lot of their seed is still grown on their own 40 acre farm, which is quite remarkable in this day of giant seed companies. The company is still family owned and is operated in ways that matche up with our own farming philosophy of building an ecosystem on the farm. <br />
<br />
<b>**Heirloom Seeds: <a href="http://heirloomseeds.com">heirloomseeds.com</a> </b><br />
This is a company composed of many farmers and gardeners who simply want to sell and preserve heirloom seeds. They have a lot of seed varieties that I've never seen anywhere else.<br />
<br />
<b>**The Sustainable seed company: <a href="http://sustainableseedco.com">sustainableseedco.com</a> </b><br />
I'm fairly new to this company but so far I've really enjoyed the seeds I've gotten form them. They grow all their seeds and don't import seeds form any where. They are also all heirloom.Brian and Hillary Bergrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02412890686141341919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6609368374515055564.post-37039511771550324912010-07-27T21:28:00.000-07:002010-07-27T21:33:16.555-07:00Garlic Harvest!Last fall we planted about 25 pounds of hard and soft neck garlic and this last week we were able to harvest hundreds of garlic bulbs. Here's a hearty thank you to all our volunteers, Breezy, Daniel and Natasha (as well as Jessica and Erin), who helped make this fabulous harvest possible. Please enjoy the photos. Peace!!<br />
<br />
Some of the garlic hanging to dry (thanks Natasha for this photo)<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=garlic.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/garlic.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
The garlic goodness from below<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_8123.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_8123.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
The Crew doing some of the harvest<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_8119.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_8119.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Farm Hand Breezy with garlic goodness<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_8121.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_8121.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Farm Hand Daniel tying up Garlic to be dried. <br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_8118-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_8118-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_8107.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_8107.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Brian and Hillary Bergrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02412890686141341919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6609368374515055564.post-8591524884947510572010-07-14T07:27:00.000-07:002010-07-14T07:27:44.171-07:002010 Summer Vegetable CSA Begins!Hello All, <br />
<br />
Last week we begun our 12 week Summer Vegetable CSA program. Thanks to the help of our Volunteers, Breezy, Daniel, Natasha, Jessica, and Erin, our program began deliciously and beautifully. Just see for your self: <br />
<br />
A portion of the delectable harvest:<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=peace015.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/peace015.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
One of our customer's CSA boxes:<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=peace021.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/peace021.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Three of our Volunteers with Farmy-Flare: From left to right, Jessica, Natasha and Daniel. <br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_8030.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_8030.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Brian and Hillary Bergrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02412890686141341919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6609368374515055564.post-51820721471220840102010-05-21T20:50:00.000-07:002010-05-21T20:50:42.469-07:00May 2010 PhotosHere are a few recent picture of the happenings on the farm, enjoy.<br />
<br />
Sage:<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_7909.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7909.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Kale goodness:<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_7906.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7906.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Fararo Cabbage<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_7904.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7904.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Prize Choy, an Asian Green<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_7903.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7903.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Echinacea and a Bumbly friend <br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_7902.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7902.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
In the Hoop House<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_7901.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7901.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Garlic and some Sweet Flowering kale<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_7900.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7900.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
In the Green House<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_7897.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7897.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_7896.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7896.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_7893.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7893.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Lettuce and other green goodness<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_7891.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7891.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Spinach<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_7889.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7889.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Sunrise on the Farm, 5am<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_7888.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7888.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Nettles Farm, site of our farm expansion <br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_7883.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7883.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_7879-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7879-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Brian and Hillary Bergrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02412890686141341919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6609368374515055564.post-34308222515050386802010-04-05T13:36:00.000-07:002010-04-05T13:36:05.558-07:00Wish List April 2010Hi Folks! A few people have asked me if they could donate items to the farm and I thought it might be a good idea to post an official "wish list" every now and then to help those people out. Of course any contribution is greatly appreciated, but we thought you at home might appreciate a little direction when you gather up items after your spring cleaning. <br />
<br />
We are currently looking for:<br />
* Scrap wood such as untreated 2x4's or 4x4's<br />
* wooden pallets<br />
* Nails and screws<br />
* 4" garden pots (or other sizes)<br />
* Hand tools such as shovels, hoes, rakes, pliers, screw drivers etc.<br />
* T-posts<br />
* Buckets<br />
* Hinges and hooks<br />
<br />
If you find yourself with a surplus of any of these items, or if you have something else you think we might be able to use, feel free to send me an email and let me know (peaceoftheearthfarm@gmail.com).Brian and Hillary Bergrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02412890686141341919noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6609368374515055564.post-81286810219489614632010-02-19T09:45:00.000-08:002010-02-19T20:34:14.636-08:00Some Recent PhotosBrian has been working hard on the barn and he's made some amazing progress. We were able to acquire some affordable seconds of cedar tongue and groove and Brian has lined all the walls and ceilings with this wonderful wood. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_7627.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7627.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_7625.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7625.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
I've been working to get the farm ready for spring by building a simple green house for starts. I built this small 10' by 10' green house out of scrap wood and a double layer of scrap 6 mil green house plastic. This green house design is so simple and very affordable and it can be made any length from as small as 10 feet to 100. When I put my next one up in the spring, I'll be posting a step by step instruction of how to build a similar structure.<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_7630.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7630.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
All the tables in the greenhouse are made from scrap wood from pallets and construction sites. I'll be building some more tables over the next couple weeks and I'll post a step by step instruction of how to make a sturdy work space out of pallets and scrap wood. With a keen eye, pallets and scrap plywood can easily be found for free and many store fronts, construction sites and neighbors would gladly have you take them away. You can also make fences, sheds, and other useful structures with these sturdy gifts. <br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_7631.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7631.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
If you had any doubt of the power of compost, check out the before and after of this compost pile (and the Sweet Kellie standing by). This compost pile is only few months old and the process is even faster in the spring, summer and fall...go compost!! <br />
<br />
Before:<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_6088-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_6088-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
After:<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_7640.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7640.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Lastly, here are a few things that are growing on the farm at the moment:<br />
<br />
some kale and prize choy that survived the winter:<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_7639.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7639.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_7632.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7632.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
Here's one of the varieties of Garlic we seeded last fall<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_7634.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7634.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
The fruit trees are all budding!<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_7641.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7641.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Thanks for checking in!<br />
<br />
Peace,<br />
HillaryBrian and Hillary Bergrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02412890686141341919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6609368374515055564.post-74218256610071045592010-02-13T07:38:00.000-08:002010-02-13T07:38:03.261-08:00Mini-barn ProgressThe mini-barn is coming along. So far, I have all the utilities in and have achieved much headway on the cedar planking that will be used to cover the walls. The rain has been putting a damper (no pun intended) on the progress, but I set up a large tent to keep the power tools out of the seasonal downpour. However, while I was working yesterday, a huge gust came during one of the storms and launched my tent about 50 feet into the adjacent pasture and mud. All I could do was duck and cover and hope for the best. The best did not occur. The tent is now a muddy wreck of twisted metal and canvas. Oh well, at least I didn't get my head split open. All issues aside, the walls look great. Electric seems to be working like a champ-I was concerned that the breaker wouldn't handle the load, but I have been running 5 lights, 2 fans, an air compressor and a power saw all at the same time. Seems ok. The lights flicker a bit when the compressor kicks in, but that is to be expected. Once I finish the paneling, I will do the floors, make the countertops and move on to the deck. Wish me luck (I need lots of it because I am a very unskilled carpenter!)<br />
<br />
BrianBrian and Hillary Bergrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02412890686141341919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6609368374515055564.post-36041731808924664352010-01-26T10:47:00.000-08:002010-01-26T10:47:14.061-08:00From Barn to HomeThere might not be much growing in January here on the farm but that doesn't mean we are found without project to work on. During these winter months it's all about planning, planning and more planning. We have been using this time of year to finalize our growing schedule, get out seed in order, make sure all our equipment is adequate and fixing up our newest addition to the farm; a barn/living space. We bought this mini barn from a some folks in Lake Stevens and are currently in the process of converting it into a living space. This barn will have a loft, a small kitchen, a small bathroom and a sitting area. Check back soon for more pictures and information. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_7396.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_7396.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Brian and Hillary Bergrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02412890686141341919noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6609368374515055564.post-47762559855738657602009-11-12T10:13:00.000-08:002009-11-12T10:16:23.898-08:00Join one of our CSA Programs Today!<span style="font-weight:bold;">What is Community Supported Agriculture?</span><br />Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a partnership between community members and farmers in which community members share in the benefits and risks of the growing season. In this partnership, customer's prepay for a share of production, usually provided in weekly installments for a set amount of weeks. These shares provide an early season source of income for the farm, allowing the farmer to purchase supplies and get the growing season started on a firm foundation. In return, the farmer distributes the bounty of food and flowers that follows later in the growing season to all the CSA members. As a result, CSA programs typically amount to much more than a simple exchange of money and goods, a community is built. A CSA is a wonderful way to support your local farmers as well as supply your family with the freshest and most healthy food available. <br /><br />We have 4 CSA programs to choose from:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Summer Vegetable CSA- 12 installments, delivered weekly, $360 ($30/per installment), Mid June to Mid September</span><br /><br />With enough vegetables to feed 2 to 4 adults, this CSA is a wonderful way to get more vegetables for your buck! Each week you will receive a box of vegetables as well as a small bouquet of flowers. Each week will vary in content as more vegetables come to delicious fruition.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Start (transplant) CSA- 6 installments of starts, delivered about every two weeks, mid May through early August, $150 ($25/per installment)</span><br /><br />From arugula to zinnias, we'll provide all the starts you'll need for a wonderful summer and fall garden. Each installment, which will contain a mixture of vegetables, herbs, and flowers, will be timed to promote the best success of a particular plant. We'll take you from the first plantings of the spring right on through the summer for a successful fall and winter garden.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Flower CSA- 12 installments, delivered weekly, $120 ($10/per installment), mid June through mid September</span><br /><br />We all need some color in our lives. Enjoy a lovely medium sized arrangement of flowers brought right to your door each week. Include this CSA with the Start CSA and receive $20 off!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Farm Dollar CSA- You Choose the Amount</span><br /><br />Farm dollars are designed for those who like the idea of the CSA but enjoy more choices. Here's how it works: buy the farm dollars in May and exchange for farm goodness later in the growing season. Exchange at our farm stand or simply arrange for a delivery by email or phone. Choose from any available starts, vegetables or flowers!<br /><br /><br />We are now taking applications for next year's CSA programs. Since we only have a limited amount of spots we will need to have our customers fill out an initial application. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Please email us at peaceoftheearthfarm@gmail.com and we'll send you an application.</span> If we have space and we can accomodate you we will send you a CSA agreement and your spot will be reserved for next year's farm goodness.Brian and Hillary Bergrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02412890686141341919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6609368374515055564.post-83004436639972559502009-10-28T19:09:00.001-07:002010-07-04T08:20:22.009-07:00Garlic LoveIt's time to plant Garlic here in the Pacific Northwest. No matter what your abilities are as a gardener, everyone can plant successful garlic! <br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Garlic 101</span><br />
There are 2 main types of garlic, hard neck and soft neck. Soft neck varieties are the kind most commonly found in grocery stores because their shelf life is significantly longer than hard neck varieties. In fact, if dried and stored properly, soft necks can last all winter and spring long. Hard neck varieties tend to have a stronger flavor than soft necks but are best fresh or consumed within a few months of harvest. Hard necks generally produce one row of large cloves around a center stem (fig 1). This stem will produce an edible flower called a scape in the late spring (fig 2). This scape should be pulled out when it starts to curve all the way around. Pulling the scape prevents the garlic from going to seed. If this scape is not pulled out, then the clove will not develop into a full bulb of garlic and it will put all its energy into making it's flower and subsequent seeds. These scapes are a real treat and can be eaten raw like chives, cooked in a stir fry, or my personal favorite, all grilled up on the barbecue. They have a that wonderful garlic flavor and are a bit spicy! Soft neck varieties typically have several rows of cloves (fig 3). The cloves on the outside are about medium sized and get smaller and smaller towards the center. Soft neck varieties (in all but a few cases) do not have a scape and therefore have a less rigid neck. This makes them the ideal varieties for one of my favorite late summer activities: garlic braiding. Garlic braids make excellent holiday gifts because they are both edible and beautiful. You'll be able to purchase garlic braids next summer and fall here at the farm. I like to weave in dried flowers and even cayenne peppers for some extra color and flavor. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Fig 1: the Inside of Hardneck Garlic:</span><br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=WAGarlicCrossSection.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/WAGarlicCrossSection.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Fig. 2: Garlic Scape</span><br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=rocambole2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/rocambole2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Fig 3: The Inside of Soft Neck Garlic</span><br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=garlic3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/garlic3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Garlic Planting:</span><br />
In the fall, usually late October or even November is the right time to plant garlic in the Pacific Northwest. If you plant a clove of garlic in the fall, by summer you will have a whole bulb of garlic. Plant cloves about 4 to 6 inches apart about 1 to 4 inches deep. Cover with a mulch such as straw to help insulate and protect garlic as it rests during the winter. Planting in a fall is important because garlic needs the cold winter months for proper growth. However in very cold climates make sure you plant 4 to 6 weeks before the ground has a hard freeze to help establish a root system. When you buy seed garlic it usually comes in a bulb. Crack open bulbs and separate cloves very <span style="font-weight:bold;">carefully</span>. Try not to bruise or scrape the tissue of the clove because this will increase the chance of the clove getting infected with a fungus or other unwanted disease. You do not need to fully peel the garlic clove, just separate them from one another. Bulbs should be broken only a day or two before planting. There is a direct correlation between the size of the clove and the size of the bulb. Small cloves make smaller bulbs, bigger cloves makes bigger bulbs. Therefore most gardeners and farmers only plant the largest cloves and save the rest for cooking or give them to kids or neighbors to plant. Also pay special attention to the orientation of the clove. Make sure you put the basil end down, this is where the roots will grow from (fig 4). One last note, garlic is very susceptible to disease and should never be planted in the same place two years in a row. Rotate the place where you grow garlic and pay special attention to the bulbs you buy for seed. Be wary of planting grocery store garlic or garlic from neighbors or even local farmers. Once you get white rot, which is a common garlic fungus, it's in the soil pretty much for good. Also remember that, good fresh healthy garlic is always very hard. If your seed garlic is soft in any spot don't plant it. In fact, it's probably a good idea to dispose of the clove and even the whole bulb and then wash your hands before touching the rest of the garlic. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Fig 4: This is the orientation that the clove should be in for planting</span><br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=clove-of-garlic.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/clove-of-garlic.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Spring Maintenance:</span><br />
Garlic should be sown in well drained moist soil and mulched with straw or another mulch to help retain soil moister. Water if necessary in May and June however cut off water in June to help aid in the drying out process. Fertilize the garlic in February and then again in April but not again. Fertilizing after this point will cause plant to put out more green above ground growth and we want the plant to focus on its bulb. I recommend using an organic liquid fertilizer like fish emulsion or worm casting compost tea with some kelp meal. Sorry but I can never recommend chemical fertilizers for anything because I believe they are not healthy for humans, plants, animals or the earth! Pull back the straw mulch a couple times in the spring to weed and then put back mulch. Remember to pull those scapes from the hard neck varieties when they are all curled around. Harvest garlic when there are 2 to 3 mature scales surrounding the bulb, probably June or July. The above ground leafy growth can also be eaten like a you would a leek. To dry, bunch up 6 to 10 bulbs by their leaves and hang in cool dry place away from direct sun light. Once the garlic is dried (in a bout 2 to 4 weeks). Store at 50 degrees with humidity at 50% to 65%. This will help keep the garlic fresh and keep it form sprouting. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Finding Seed Garlic</span><br />
Right now you can get some lovely soft neck garlic from my favorite seed company "Uprising Seeds". This is a local Washington company that grows and sells organic seeds. They are located in Bellingham, Washington and grow almost all of their own seed, the remaining bit of seed they distribute was grown by other Washington farmers. They have an emphasis on heirloom varieties are 100% organic and they just plain rock in terms of service and their love of the earth, this is a great company to support. Find them at <a href="http://uprisingorganics.com/">http://uprisingorganics.com/</a><br />
Some other good sources for seed garlic are High Mowing Seeds, Peaceful Valley Farm Supply, Territorial Seeds, and Fillery. <br />
<br />
Good luck... now... go plant that Garlic!!Brian and Hillary Bergrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02412890686141341919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6609368374515055564.post-24084944067767460382009-10-13T08:18:00.000-07:002009-10-13T08:31:57.288-07:00Fall Greetings!Howdy Everyone! Wow what a great farm season we have had. We are now turning our attention to next year and beyond. With that in mind, we have been planning for next year's cultivation and in particular cover crop and compost. Fall is a great time to compost and anyone can do it. The most simple compost pile is just a pile of dry leaves with some weeds or food scraps. However, you can also layer the pile in such a way as to encourage more rapid decomposition and the proper nutrient levels. Adding manure or worms can be helpful for added fertility as well. Turn your pile often, up to once or twice a week to be sure it's getting enough air and check that the pile is neither too wet or too dry. Feel free to email us with specific composting questions. And hey, check out my farmy friend, Kellie stand next to one of our recent piles:<br /><br /><a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_6088-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_6088-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />We decided to sow a vetch and rye mix to our acre for next year's production. The rye will help suppress weeds and add to the organic material in the soil and the vetch with add valuable nitrogen to the soil. Just take a look at this beautiful organic cover crop seed:<br /><br /><a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=IMG_6082-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/IMG_6082-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Brian and Hillary Bergrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02412890686141341919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6609368374515055564.post-76833999549492898912009-09-17T11:43:00.000-07:002009-09-20T09:22:50.284-07:00Sign Up Now for Next Year's CSA Programs!We are now taking applications for next year's CSA programs. Since we only have a limited amount of spots we will need to have our customers fill out an initial application. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Please email us at peaceoftheearthfarm@gmail.com and we'll send you an application.</span> If we have space and we can accomodate you we will send you a CSA agreement and your spot will be reserved for next year's farm goodness.<br /><br />We have decided to offer serveal different options for next year's CSA. Now we have 4 CSA programs to choose from:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Summer Vegetable CSA- 12 installments, delivered weekly, $360 ($30/per installment), Mid June to Mid September</span><br /><br />With enough vegetables to feed 2 to 4 adults, this CSA is a wonderful way to get more vegetables for your buck! Each week you will receive a box of vegetables as well as a small bouquet of flowers. Each week will vary in content as more vegetables come to delicious fruition.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Start (transplant) CSA- 6 installments of starts, delivered about every two weeks, mid May through early August, $150 ($25/per installment)</span><br /><br />From arugula to zinnias, we'll provide all the starts you'll need for a wonderful summer and fall garden. Each installment, which will contain a mixture of vegetables, herbs, and flowers, will be timed to promote the best success of a particular plant. We'll take you from the first plantings of the spring right on through the summer for a successful fall and winter garden.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Flower CSA- 12 installments, delivered weekly, $120 ($10/per installment), mid June through mid September</span><br /><br />We all need some color in our lives. Enjoy a lovely medium sized arrangement of flowers brought right to your door each week. Include this CSA with the Start CSA and receive $20 off!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Farm Dollar CSA- You Choose the Amount</span><br /><br />Farm dollars are designed for those who like the idea of the CSA but enjoy more choices. Here's how it works: buy the farm dollars in May and exchange for farm goodness later in the growing season. Exchange at our farm stand or simply arrange for a delivery by email or phone. Choose from any available starts, vegetables or flowers!Brian and Hillary Bergrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02412890686141341919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6609368374515055564.post-61256506635415162102009-09-02T12:35:00.000-07:002009-09-02T15:52:20.980-07:00Reading ListHello Hello,<br /><br />Sometimes, the perfect book makes all the difference in the world. Most people know about Michael Pollen's, <span style="font-style:italic;">The Omnivore's Dilemma</span>, but there's a whole host of other books that I think are very useful to the average person with regard to food. I thought I would put together a list of some of my favorite books that have to do with farming and the the topics surrounding the food we eat. This is by no means a complete list of all the books you should read to inspire and teach you with regard to the food system, but it is a great place to start. there are stars next to the books that will no doubt change your life. In no particular order:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">The Farm as a Natural Habitat; Reconnecting Food Systems with Ecosystems.</span> Jackson 2002<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">*Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. </span>Kingsolver. 2007<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">*From the Ground Up; Rethinking Industrial Agriculture. </span>Norberg-Hodge 1993, 2001<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Local Harvest; Delicious Ways to Save the Planet. </span>Selincourt. 1997<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">**Agri-culture; Reconnecting People, Land and Nature. </span>Pretty 2002<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">The New Organic Grower.</span> Coleman. 1995<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">**The War on Bugs.</span> Allen 2008<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Preserving Food without Freezing or Canning. </span>Madison. 1999<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Seed to Seed; Seed Saving and Growing Techniques for Vegetable Gardeners. </span>Ashworth 2002<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">*The Unsettling of America; Culture and Agriculture.</span> Berry, 1977.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Carrots Love Tomatoes and Roses Love Garlic.</span> Riotte. 2004<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">*A Sand County Almanac. </span>Leopold. 1949<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">**Eat Here: Reclaiming Local Pleasures from a Global Supermarket. </span>Halweil. 2004Brian and Hillary Bergrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02412890686141341919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6609368374515055564.post-33736012339313879162009-08-22T07:45:00.000-07:002009-08-22T08:05:19.583-07:00HillaryHi everyone! This is Brian. Typically, Hillary is the blogger, but I wanted to say something today about her and can't really ask her to write it herself....<br /><br />I just wanted to share with everyone the talents of their local organic farmer. Sure, I help out every once in awhile, but Hillary is out there every single day (no matter if it is pouring down with rain or 100 degrees outside). She diligently weeds, prunes, digs, plants, seeds, hauls, designs, harvests, etc. She always has her black farm book that she furiously scribbles in so she can record every last detail of her beloved plants. She is a stickler for correcting any mistakes she may have made, so you can be guaranteed you won't see the same mistake twice. Her knowledge in all things farming completely amazes me. This is especially impressive when one realizes she has only had a little over a year in training and experience. She has had a few ups and downs and resounding disappointments (by her own calculation), but she presses on and vows to improve. I have no doubt she will.<br /><br />She so much wants to grow our little operation and share her harvest with as many people as possible. We are still trying to figure out what is going to happen next year, but we hope you all join us in this awesome community endeavor. <br /><br />Now, on to more pressing matters...Our corn is just about tapped out. We suspect we had a few unauthorized harvests which is very frustrating. I wish I could blame it on deer, but I suspect a two-legged marauder had something to do with it. We didn't have much to begin with. As we value diversity in our crop selection, we wanted to put in as many different types and varieties. This helps create a bio-diverse environment and pest control naturally occurs in this setting. Therefore, we sacrificed large amounts of corn for variety. So, as ten ears of corn disappear overnight, this puts a damper on our ability to put corn in the CSA boxes every week. Lessons just keep popping up all over the place!<br /><br />So, to summarize...my wife is awesome and our corn is gone. Thanks for the support, everyone!<br /><br />BrianBrian and Hillary Bergrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02412890686141341919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6609368374515055564.post-8803165276966081262009-08-06T14:13:00.000-07:002009-08-06T14:40:04.831-07:00Local GoodnessWhen we first set out to start a farm our goal was to cultivate an extremely diverse farm environment. We didn't just want to grow lots of food, we wanted to grow lots of kinds of food too. Furthermore, we wanted to be diverse with what we would do with the food and flowers we would grow. CSA, Farmers' Markets, Restaurant sales and even homesteading are all on our agenda. We are happy to report that this year we were successful in both CSA (check out a picture of one of our most recent CSA boxes below) and some restaurant sales (look for our tomatoes at Brix 25 on Pioneer Way in Gig Harbor starting as soon as this weekend, www.harborbrix.com). <br /><br />If all goes well, in the coming years, Peace of the Earth Farm will expand our CSA, start selling to local Farmers' Markets, increase our contribution to Brix 25 and possibly other local restaurants, and grow significantly more of the food our own family will consume. However, diversity is not enough if we do it alone. A strong community is very important to us and we hope our farm can help build relations ships right here in Gig Harbor and Rosedale. In the coming years we hope to have farm tours and workshops to help educate others who desire to learn more about local food as well as grow some of their own at home. Thanks again for all those who are helping to get us started! Peace!<br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/?action=view¤t=PICT0262.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/hillaryjb/PICT0262.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /></center>Brian and Hillary Bergrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02412890686141341919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6609368374515055564.post-31776186131805609982009-07-25T07:14:00.000-07:002009-07-25T07:39:49.351-07:00Keeping the wonder alive....I just wanted to share a passage from John Steinbeck's, <span style="font-style:italic;">The Grapes of Wrath</span>:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"></span><span style="font-style:italic;">"And when the horse stops work and goes into the barn there is life and a vitality left, there is breathing and a warmth, and feet shift on the straw, and the jaws clamp on the hay, and the ears and eyes are alive. There is a warmth of life in the barn, and the heat and smell of life. But when the motor of a tractor stops, it is as dead as the ore it came from. The heat goes out of it like the living heat that leaves a corpse. The corrugated iron doors are closed and the tractor man drives home to town, perhaps 20 miles away, and he need not come back for weeks or months, for the tractor is dead. And this is easy and efficient. So easy that the wonder goes out of the work, so efficient that the wonder goes out of the land and the working of it, and with the wonder the deep understanding and the relation"</span>. <span style="font-style:italic;"></span><br /><br />We understand that our small little farm is not so efficient, and not so easy, but it is filled with wonder...a wonder we feel privileged to experience and share with our community. Thanks for being part of this with us, let's keep the wonder of the food, of the land, of the living breathing life that interacts with it, alive.<br /><br />peace,<br />HillaryBrian and Hillary Bergrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02412890686141341919noreply@blogger.com0