Here on Gabriola there are many farmers with many years of growing food experience under their belt. I am so fortunate to be able to tap into this community and gain valuable knowledge.
This past week we have been working on finishing up the deer fencing. Bob, one of the land owners from the land I rent lent me a hand tightening and putting up the wire. I am always so amazed at the skill set long time farmers have. They have this wise way of problem solving that I aim to have one day. Not sure if it is something you can learn though or if it is just something that you are brought up with so it is second nature.
We also worked on the deer fencing this week at our grain coop. Steve and I along with about 6 or 7 other members (including farm gurus Sal and John in the above picture) are growing grain on an acre and a half at the south end of the island. This year we will be growing buckwheat as a cover crop, and then next season Steve is excited to have some grains for beer making.
To top the week off, I brought in Sal and John to for advice and Sal's walking tractor to till the field. Alas, it is still to wet to work with. John's words of wisdom: Leave it be for now... the most important part of growing food is bed preparation. If the soil is too wet and I try to work with it, then it will just compact and be harder to work with in the end. So, sigh, I now sit and wait some more before the planting begins.