We lost our high tunnel top last season 3x due to high winds so we did not have much to offer produce-wise this winter. Some salad mix and spinach but after the 3rd time, it was just ripped to shreds so we went the entire winter unable to start anything new. The wind whipping through the shredded top did a lot of damage inside the structure. Lights were ripped off the beams, side walls of thermoclear snapped, doors were slammed off their hinges and everything was thrown about. Finally we were able to order a new one(the woven vinyl that we use is super expensive but lasts 8-10 years) and tied it down a couple of weeks ago. We began new planting in the high tunnel again. Things that we started last fall like; onions and Organic pelleted lettuce began sprouting finally. Bill has replaced the doors, and is now working on the corners and sidewalls. It begins to look like an enclosed growing space again instead of a disaster area. Speaking of Bill, he is home working on the everything because of the virus, his plant was shutdown. Thankfully he is able to do all these repairs. It's an ill wind that blows no good they say. That's my good out of all of this; Bill being home. He's already replaced a leaking hydrant, cleaned out the barn, replaced 3 doors on as many buildings, fetched hay and now is fixing a gate so I don't have to drive around to the Ramps.
Now to the next issue. Many of you know that the Market opening has been delayed due to the Virus issue and the ban on how many people can be together at one time. Tower Grove Market founder Patrick has come up with a temporary solution of a drive through Market. Last weekend was the first and it was a success. We do hope to open the market soon. Due to the Grocery store issues, the Markets are finally being seen as Necessary businesses. We are awaiting clearance to reopen.
Until then we are doing drops at Hixson Middle School on Sunday afternoons in the parking lot off of Elm. Email or call me with your order. I will fill it and have it ready for you when you pull up. For everyone's safety we will be wearing masks and gloves. Right now, we have Non GMO Chicken and Heritage duck eggs, Granola and Smoked Tomatillo Salsa. We should have Egyptian Walking Onions next week. As you might know, they grow all winter outside but if there is snow and ice, they get broken off. In the Spring they recover. They are almost there. I'm trying to get down to check on the Garlic Ramps but the drive to them is being blocked by Electric company work.
The Market will look totally different when we go in as we are already being told that we will be 10 feet apart. I'm sure that all products will be vetted thoroughly and there may be an issue with Value Added which are things like Granola, Salsa etc. I'm trying to figure out a way to do a Value Added CSA kind of thing. But in any case, please ask for your favorite items when you come to the stand.
Some of you have asked what we will be growing this year. Here are some examples of our game plan;' Perpetual Spinach, Olympia Spinach, Redbor Kale, Mesclun Salad Mix, Schronce's Black Peanuts, Multiple varieties of Lettuces and carrots, Red Arrow Radishes, Leeks, Cucumbers, and of course we will have our usual funky salad mixes with foraged greens like Violet leaves, Chickweed, Lambs Quarter.. We will be bringing Purslane, Lamb and God willing, MANY varieties of Heirloom tomatoes. This winter we hope to bring Roasting ducks to the Market again. Of course not all of this will be at the same time but still, now you have an idea.
So that's about enough info for now. Please email me if you have any questions. sam@sunflowersavannah.com
Also we are listed on Known and Grown Stl Website and Curbside St. Louis.
God's Blessings on you and yours,
TTFN
Bill and Sam
sam@sunflowersavannah.com
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