Rain, Rain, Go To The Midwest!!!!

Yes, that's my yard!!!!  It is so hard to believe that parts of the US are suffering from extreme drought.  We here in eastern NC are most certainly not!  It has rained every day for the last two weeks and my yard is at capacity!  The shots you see above are areas surrounding the exisiting garden.  As you can imagine, the veggies are none too happy with the situation!  While they need water, too much can be just as bad as too little.  At this point, I still have beans, eggplants, peppers, and okra holding on but I am not putting a lot of faith in their ability to produce quality vegetables after this set back.  Unfortunately, I've had to let my CSA subscribers know that they may not be receiving another box for a few weeks.  The decision to have folks pay for boxes as they get them is one that I am glad I made.  While I may not get the money I need upfront to start the growing process, I feel that my customers are happier knowing they only pay for what they receive, when they receive it, and that makes me feel better.  The recent weather is a perfect example of why I decided to venture from the typical "CSA" model. 
I have started a ton of seedlings and they are all doing well.  I'm really looking forward to the fall garden.  I love nothing more than fresh greens!  I've got a variety of goodies planned for the fall and can't wait to deliver! 

On the business front, I have made a bit of progress but mostly am just waiting to win the lottery!  I do have a meeting set up with the health department today to find out what it takes to actually get a commerical grade kitchen set up.  I really want to be able to offer cooking classes and give folks the option of actually eating what they cook.  Food laws being what they are, it's going to be a fairly difficult, and expensive, process but I know it will be worth it in the end.  I'll keep you updated.
Until then, happy growing!

Crop Mob!!!

Join the Carteret Local Food Network for a CROP MOB at Two Bees Farm!!
What is Crop Mob?
 A crop mob is a group of folks who come together to build and empower communities by working side by side. We work together in the spirit of mutual aid. Volunteers show up at a farm to offer their know-how and a helping hand in the spirit of community to assist a farmer with the endless projects that never seem to get done.   Come take part in something meaningful and productive!
We will meet at Two Bees Farm on September 8.  In the event of rain, we will reschedule for September 15. Work will begin at 9 am and continue until noon.  After a morning of hard work we will enjoy a potluck lunch and celebrate community.
Bring a dish to share, plenty of water, a playful spirit, and your tools (shovels, rakes, gloves, etc.). 
Projects to be accomplished include:  tilling ground for grapes, berries, and gardens; building raised beds and grape vine trellis, amending garden beds with compost, clearing land for new planting areas, and honest, hard work! 
Two Bees Farm is located at 753 Old Winberry Road, Newport NC.  Please contact Tanya Scott at 252-342-3447 or seahorsenc@gmail.com for additional details. 

The crop mob concept started right here in NC.. You can read more about it at www.cropmob.org