It was amazing to see the land transform from a field of dirt to a vibrantly green, growing farm in one day - thanks to the help of an incredibly buff and enthusiastic crew of friends and siblings!
The very first things we planted were potatoes and green beans, in a funky bed-sharing configuration that we hope works. Then we planted all the hearty brassicas (LOTS of kale, collards, Brussels sprouts, bok choi), and the chard, eggplants, cucumbers, zucchinis, leeks, scallions, shallots, and onions. Meanwhile, there was lots of direct-seeding happening: black beans, carrots, peas, radishes, arugala, mizuna, tatsoi, and basil.
In the late afternoon we planted our tomatoes and peppers, which came all the way from Brooklyn in the back of a station wagon, from an exciting new farm on some vacant lots on Bergen Street. We teamed up with our friends Tom and Clare, the masterminds Feedback Farms, to use our land and their healthy starts to grow a delicious, colorful, and unique variety of heirloom tomatoes and hot peppers
Getting Started - May 2012
Here's how we inherited the field just six weeks ago, and how we worked to prep it for planting. Because we got access to the land so late into the spring, we had to work hard to get it ready for planting early enough that we wouldn't be at a seasonal disadvantage with summer racing ahead of us at full speed. Starting seeds in the greenhouse weeks before the field was ready was crucial (thanks, Steve!) and now we're officially on track to have our first harvests in mid-July