Thursday, March 24, 2011

Overwintered Quick Hoops at A Stone's Throw Farm

Chris Hillier and I also visited the farm of Paul and Christine Lipsky in Newburgh, ME last Thursday. They have been to our twilight walks at the research farm many times and since we were in town, we thought it would be great to see them and their farm.
http://www.mofga.net/MyProfile/tabid/88/asuid/1488/showtab/products/Default.aspx


They use Quick Hoops extensively on their farm that is literally carved out of the woods. Paul showed us around their property. He said that he removes snow from his low tunnels, so he doesn't really have to worry about collapse. He said he was challenged by voles though. For this, he had homemade boxes with Intruder mouse traps in them as recommended by the Winter Harvest Handbook by Eliot Coleman.
These are Chris' notes from the trip:
Paul and Christine also have a backyard farm in Newburgh, ME. They had three garden plots plus a chicken house/plot. Two of the three gardens had quick hoops set up with overwintered onions (Bridger), spinach and Encore Salad mix. They also had some hoops set up to keep the ground warmer to plant early broccoli. That is one crop they have identified in their market that many will pay a lot for getting early to market with it. They are also looking to build some more soil up to put in some moveable hoop-houses. He probably has ½ acre tilled up. They sell at two farmers markets, Orono Buying Club, and two natural food stores.

You can view the complete gallery below.



Thanks!

Adam.

Adam Lemieux
Tools & Supplies Manager

1 comment: