BIg Mommas, Propagation, Mushroom Workshop & Free Delivery

Hello Friends,

Happy Spring! We hope that you are enjoying this unseasonably warm weather. We have been extra busy on the farm preparing for the arrival of our lambs. Farmer Mark and I even got hands on lamb training from our Mentor, Beckie Hotz at Mariposa Farm. They currently have 54 lambs and counting!

Our own girls are doing well and their bellies are getting huge. They are eating everything in sight. Even the chickens are wondering what is happening. Fern's lambs are the first ones due on April 8th, followed by Dahlia on the 9th and Violet on the 11th. They could even decide to arrive a little early, even as soon as this week!

To keep an eye on the flock as they get closer to the big day, we decided to install a video camera in the barn. Once the lambs arrive we will be streaming live to our Lamb Cam page under "Blogs" on our website. That way we can share all of the cuteness with you too!

We have been taking great care seeding, pruning and planting to ensure that all of our crops are the best they can be this growing season. We have even begun learning about propagating trees like Black Locust, Elm, Paw Paw, and Tulip Poplar. It is our hope that in the future we can offer trees for sale that grow well in our local area. Did you know that Tulip Poplar is a great choice to combat climate change since it's extremely fast growing? Our Agricultural Consultant tells us that our Black Locust trees are the straightest he's seen on the east coast, so we want to promote their genetics so that others can plant them too.

On a much smaller scale, you can propagate most any plant, even houseplants using our 3D printed propagation station. In collaboration with Snatchco Fabs, these stations are made from a corn based plastic called PLA, which is bio-degradable.

We even have 3D printed bunnies for Easter! They are a great way to start the conversation with children about what biodegradable means, and how we can care for the Earth.

There are still a few slots open for next Saturday's 9am Mushroom Inoculation Workshop. Come to the farm for a tour, light refreshments and to learn how we inoculate and cultivate our hardwood grown Shiitake mushrooms.

Just a note that our Farm Store Opening Day will be Wednesday, May 9th, which correlates with the first day of our Spring CSA share pickup. In the meantime, we are happy to offer free local delivery for customers who live within ten miles of the farm until we re-open.

We have plenty of chicken and duck eggs (and the occasional carton of goose eggs), baked goods, jams, spices, teas and lots more. Soon all of the Spring ephemerals like fiddleheads, watercress and ramps will be back, so please check our online store often!

Wishing you a blessed week ahead. We will write again soon once the lambs arrive.

Sincerely,

Michele & the Maranatha Farm Team