Throwing the Rain and Cool weather in the mix...

After a week of sunshine and warm weather, we were so sad when we saw the forecast for this week. Rain, cool weather, and a possible overnight frost. : /

The Old Orchard came out in full blossom earlier this week, lets hope the frost doesn't ruin it :/

But even with these potential "road blocks" we still have a lot we need to accomplish. We still need to plant tomatoes, squash, peppers, and next years strawberries. 

We decided to spend the week getting next years strawberries in the ground. Some of you may be confused by this...Why would they be planting next years Strawberries when this years hasn't even begun??

Well, when it comes to planting an abundance of sweet, delicious strawberries it is best to allow the plants to establish themselves so they can produce a bountiful crop. So we give our Strawberry plants one full season to grow without harvesting, this is what helps to ensure the larger, more plentiful berries, that we all love, for the next year.  

The planting process is very tedious. We get our plants and we transplant them into the freshly, plowed earth using a tractor and a transplanter machine. The hired help feeds the plant into the machine and it plants the roots deep in the ground. However, the help needs to put it into the machine perfectly, otherwise you may not plant it high enough or deep enough. The plants should be settled in with their crowns at the surface of the soil. (The crown is the fleshy part of the plant where the leaves develop, just above the roots.) If planted too high, the roots will dry out, and if planted too deeply, the plants will not grow well. So it takes a very skilled hand to plant thousands of strawberry plants just right.

Now that you know the tedious process behind planting Strawberries, lets take a look and see if last year's hard work has paid off!

The Strawberries are continuing to blossom as the days go by. We are beginning to smell that sweet aroma, whenever we go into the field. With the warm weather and rain everything will continue to flourish. 

A lot of people have been wondering if the heavy rains from this week will have a negative effect on the crops. The answer is, No. Sunny Hill Farm is positioned ontop of a sand hill and moisture is NOT a problem on high, sandy ground. However, the cold weather has had a slowing effect on the crops. This explains why Strawberries are a little behind this year, but with the recent warm-up they're starting to bud now.

The Sugar Snap Peas are also enjoying the rain...not so much the cold. But even under the present circumstances they continue to grow everyday. The day to day changes are amazing to watch.

Though we still have awhile to wait for these vegetables to be in season, the Sweet Corn and Onions are beginning to come to life, as they burst forth from the ground and begin collecting their biomass.

The "Corn Stalks" are currently about the size of your thumb. They've got quite a ways to grow.

The rain definitely kept us on our toes this week. Numerous times we had to rush tractors and equipment out of the fields in order to beat the coming downpour. At one point, it began to hail and we became fearful that the hail would cause damage to our machines. But, Thank God, we were able to get everything put away in time. Also we are happy to announce that the overnight frost caused no damage to any crops! Praise the Lord! We're suppose to be receiving a warm-up in the week to come...will summer finally begin?? I guess we'll find out!!

Although delayed, the woods are finally beginning to take on their lush, green color.

Till Next Time!

~Sunny Hill Farm

Learning something new everyday!

It's another beautiful day here at Sunny Hill, which translates to lots of work. During our springtime planting season, especially with the incredibly wet spring we've been having, it's important to make each day count. So we've been spending a lot of time in the fields; planting and tending to the needs of the plants.

The trees in our orchard are beginning to bud, such a breath-taking sight!

With the little sunshine and rise in temperature, we've seen progression in the fields. The Strawberry Patches are beginning to perk up and the outer leaves are becoming broader everyday. Before you know it, we'll be picking Strawberries already!

There has also been quite a progression in our Sugar Snap Peas. The little plants have bursted forth from the ground and are beginning to develop their biomass. Such a difference from last week, the Pea field is beginning to look colorful.

We also were able to plow out in the fields and prepare the land for a variety of vegetables; Peppers, Tomatoes, Squash, etc. We were also able to plow inside our little greenhouse to begin our planting inside.

The interesting thing about life on the farm is you never really stop learning. Every year you learn from the year before on how you can make your produce better and how you can use your equipment, money, and time wiser. You also learn of new techniques that can improve the growth of your vegetables.

This year we're trying out a new technique in our fields. We're laying plastic down over the plant beds. We've learned that by laying down the plastic, you can better protect your plants from Fungus. Another idea behind this technique is that the plastic absorbs the heat and can keep the soil warmer. The warmer soil will result in plants growing faster.

Today we used this technique in planting our onions. First we laid the plastic over the desired area and then we used a machine to poke holes in the plastic. We had 2 farm-hands riding behind the tractor to place the onion bulb into the holes and then another 2 farm-hands following to secure the bulbs roots in the soil.

Though learning new techniques can have many positive effects on the plants, it definitely comes with frustrations. When trying out new techniques you never know what to expect, you don't have previous years experience to base your thoughts on. One farm-hand commented that, "This new method takes alot longer than the old method", which is true. Fields we thought we could finish in a day, end up taking longer. Farming definitely does keep you on your toes, so we will see how this season goes.

With all the sunshine we've been receiving, the trees in the woods are beginning to wake up from their winter nap.

Well these were some of the things we accomplished today. We pray that the warm weather stays so that our plants will continue to flourish.

Till next time

~Sunny Hill Farm

Asparagus is Ready!!

We are happy to announce that the Asparagus is ready! 

Whether you need a bunch to freeze for the winter or a small bag full for dinner, be sure to stop by the farm to pick-your-own Asparagus!

We have 2 fields. One next to the Brown House on Oak Rd. and the other off of Lineville across from Red Oak Rd. Be sure to stop at the Brown House to see where picking is best!!

Come prepared, bring a knife and a plastic bag to collect your delicious Asparagus. The price is $1.35/lb, when you're done picking just drive back up to the Brown House and pay. Any questions? Feel free to call the house at (920) 434-9009.

Come out soon, before their gone!!

Till next time!!

~Sunny Hill Farm

New Season, New Beginnings.

Sunny Hill Farm has been around since 1979. Young and old, Large families and Small families, Grandparents, Parents, and Children have been coming to Sunny Hill for pick-your-own Strawberries and Tomatoes for more than 30 years. You've also told us our "Sweet Corn is the best!" We've really appreciated being apart of your family traditions.

We love watching our trees bloom in the springtime, as the blossoms burst and bring a new beginning to the orchard.

For your constant dedication, we've decided to invite you to follow us day by day and see how your favorite fruits and vegetables are grown.  So we will take pictures of the constant progression of our produce and will be sharing something new as often as we can. :)

Right now asparagus has our attention,and its been slow to get out of bed, due to the very cold, wet Spring. But as you can see, it is slowly venturing out of the ground.  If the weather holds and stays on the warm side, we could be picking by the end of the week. Please stay tuned and feel free to call the Farm at (920) 434-9009

The Sugar Snap Peas are trying their best to break through the ground that was hardened by the recent, pounding rains. But even with the heavy clods of earth holding them down, they are continuing their progress and cracking through the ground.

The Strawberries always seem to look like a plucked chicken after taking off the winter's protection of mulch.  But it won't be long before the plants are clothed with those beautiful, broad leaves. In only 60 days strawberries develop all their biomass and are ready to produce thousands of pounds of strawberries per acre.  Pretty amazing, eh?  We will follow this daily.

The weather also warmed up enough this week to begin planting our Sweet Corn. Will it be knee high by the 4th of July? I guess we'll see :)

As the days are getting warmer, we are able to begin working the land and preparing to transplant Strawberries, Onions, Peppers, Melons, Tomatoes, etc.  We will show you all this as time proceeds.

Like any other business or job, it seems certain days are just out to get you.  So I'll mention our "Frustration of the Day."  Today we broke a hydraulic line to the plow. This translates into time and money lost. :(

Also, last week while removing mulch we cracked the gear box on the Demulcher. So we had to do the rest by hand. We'll definitely have to figure out something else for next year.  Tomorrow is Monday, and we have a plan,but you never know what might happen.

Meaning while thanks for dropping in. You can also check out our web site at www.sunnyhillfarm.net 

Till Next Time!!

-Sunny Hill Farm