Though I haven't been able to find a published source of this quote, I'm pretty sure who ever said it first was referring to the art of organic farming. Despite the desire to make organic farming this symbiotic act of love between each creature, plant, and environment it seems like growing food is a constant battle... a fight with the weather, a war with critters, and an all out battle with weeds. I think over half of our day is spent either figuring out how to keep pests out of the garden (grasshopper frenzy, hungry deer, and pesky raccoons), how to keep the veggie plants from dying (too much rain, not enough sun, not enough irrigation, too hot in the tunnel), or how to keep the weeds from taking over the garden. Jake keeps trying to figure out a way for the plants to weed themselves... or at least get to know what the weeds are and which ones are the most troublesome. The number of grasshoppers increased ten-fold from the year 2008-2009 which made for a serious hardship on many farmers. Mona and Carol lost a large amount of their gardens due to grasshopper infestations in July. The grasshopper outlook for this year is said to be as bad if not worse this year. Many areas spray for the grasshoppers, but, being an organic farm- spraying is not an option...hence the turkeys, guinea hens, and chickens.
Luckily, Jake and I aren't the only one's fighting this battle...we have the help of Steve and Mona (our WWOOF hosts), Bob and Carol (Mona's CSA partner), and fellow WWOOFers from time to time. We had what will most likely turn into a bi-monthly WWOOF dinner at Carol's place. Bob made yummy chicken enchiladas (from organic chicken), salad (lettuce from the greenhouse, radishes from Carols garden, and eggs from a neighbor), and dessert with berries and pineapple (well, this wasn't local but was really good). It was great to meet Katie, the WWOOFer staying with Carol- she'll be here till Tuesday then Carol will get 3 more WWOOFers in a couple of weeks.
Jake, me, Mona, and Steve after a great dinner at Bob and Carol's place.
Carol, Katie, and me (hmm...forgot the sunscreen)
Good thing for friends...(including you for reading this blog :)
I just read your last few posts and it sounds like you are having a good time. I am a little jealous. I don't want time to run my life and I want to be outside more. Maybe I will have to come visit you. Thanks for blogging!
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