Artichokes – Season 2
Monday | 10 May 2010
Season number two of artichoke production is underway. Some of you may remember we seeded about 70 plants last year, mostly the very common Globe artichokes. Working with Charlene at New Sammy’s, we learned the desirable characteristics of baby chokes, and as importantly, we learned a lot about the space in which we planted this first crop. Specifically, we saw exactly where the cooler morning temperatures are evident in the row. Over a season, the cumulative effect of just a few degrees is important. Second, we learned how much water they like and what the harvest window is for picking. Perhaps what was best though is we confirmed our theory that inter-planting with asparagus is optimal – the late season asparagus ferns protect the chokes from the harsh dry winds of the summer afternoons.
Using our new knowledge, we selected two different varieties to test this year. Viotletta is a small, Italian, purple variety that is well-suited to our warm summer climate. Second we chose Imperial Star, a smaller, green variety. As of now, they are just seedlings that have been moved from the greenhouse (laundry room) to the nursery beds. We expect to plant in June!
– Barbara Steele
Asparagus Harvest Begins
Monday | 19 April 2010
The season officially began last week. To us at Cowhorn, it seems sweeter than ever. I guess I am biased though. Anyway, the first week we harvested 600 pounds!
Intro to Worms
Thursday | 18 February 2010
Worms at COWHORN are a big, slimy deal. Worm composting is called vermiculture. A little history lesson reveals that worm composting is both ancient and local.Since the beginning of dirt, worms have been breaking up, oxygenating and feeding soil. They leave a rich trail (pun intended) of nutrients and microbes that make soil great for crop growing. Many folks practice at-home vermiculture programs by dropping their kitchen waste in a worm bin and then a week or so later spreading the resulting compost in their garden.
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All Choked Up
Monday | 30 November 2009
2009 Produce Report2009 was a great year for Cowhorn produce! Formally, our Mission Statement reads as follows.
To create a profitable model of land ownership that:
- protects the environment and provides for land conservation
- provides opportunities for sustainable farmers to work and develop financial security
- increases the availability of high quality, healthful food
For us, supplying food to the local economy is not a sideline to the vineyard and winery. It is primary to our purpose. This year, we grew approximately 5,300 pounds of produce for distribution into the Rogue Valley. In 2008, we did about 2,500 pounds so it was a big increase in volume for us. We are psyched!
Here is the breakdown of where it went:
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Barb goes Espionage!
Monday | 23 November 2009
I need night vision goggles, or rather “cold air vision goggles.” Frost – that is the question here at Cowhorn. How early, how cold? Doesn’t matter if it is spring or fall, it’s the same question. In 2008, we had 110 frost-free growing days during the season. Did you know that to ripen a watermelon requires 120 days? Yes, Cowhorn has been relatively unsuccessful at ripening a watermelon. By now, we know the question is not “if”, but “when.” Hence, the cold air vision goggles.Read full blog post...
2009 Fall Garden Harvest
Tuesday | 06 October 2009
As much as I love this time of year, it is always bittersweet when the garden harvest is over. It seems like just weeks ago we started eating crisp peppers, soft tomatoes, string beans and peas. (Actually, we didn’t eat any peas but the birds were really happy about them.) Now it is fall and this week we brought in the last of the squash and pumpkins.I still have some basil tucked under some tomatoes, but the rest is turning dark from the frost. All the squash and tomatoes are being canned or frozen to enjoy during the winter, but the plants are dropping down back into the Earth to rest and replenish for next year. For me, this is the miracle time of year: as the Earth pulls its physical forces inward, plants drop leaves and sink into the ground. The physical world becomes restful, growth stops, and the eye turns inward. At the same time, the Earth lets out her etheric energy and space is created. It is often peaceful. We have times of silence and times of spiritual celebration.
In Fall, I remind myself to stop and witness the balance that the Earth models for us. As the season progresses, we listen carefully for the faint sound and feel of the stirrings of rebirth. That is when you will find farmers laying on the couch with seed catalogs dreaming of the next garden, the next crop, or the next new fancy we want to try! It really is a miracle time.
For those who come out to the winery during the next weeks, be sure to pick up a squash or pumpkin to take home with you!
– Barbara Steele
