a transplant(er)

After a failed (depending upon how one looks at it) culinary adventure with 10 year old Pinto beans (re hydrated/cooked) last night and a consequently bad night's sleep, I thought today might be my first "way less than positive" day on the farm.

Thankfully... wrong. Another beautiful one.

Oats/Honey/Raisins & Eggs/Greens/Garlic got the morning started well. Was feeling rather "off" when we began our triple tractor (2 Cubs & 1 New Holland, pics below) maintenance @ 8:30.
Oil changes
Greasing pivot points
Check/filters - Oil & Air
Fuel pumps/filters
Tires

...as one might periodically do on their car.

First greenhouse check around 10:30. By that time it was actually sunny and getting warm. (Woohoo!! Me feeling better already.) As a result we opened the greenhouse fully to allow for maximum circulation. Seedlings looked great overall but a few needed a drink.
Our first task was to transplant 1000 Ace & Red Knight Pepper seedlings. Transplanting is moving the seedling (via a tool called a widger) from its original 20 row flat to a larger 50 cell flat so its roots can extend a bit more before grounding.

Before transplant:



After:



They are placed in the shade of a fully covered greenhouse table and watered with a misting nozzle so the seedlings have a chance to stand. We'll check on their progress in the morning. Should be good.

After lunch we planted approx. 600 lettuce seeds in 128cell flats. Hands firmly in potting soil.

E was in charge of watering/dancing this afternoon.



As the latter half of the day was just as busy as the first, it's list time.

Cleaned tractor maintenance area.
Debated about planting peas today or no.
Decided against. Wait til tomorrow.
Prepare pea beds today.
Perform mntnce on Drop Spreader (spreads fertilizer from behind the tractor)


D makes first two passes and E makes 2nd two. Very good I must say.

Before the day ends we have our orientation on this mad bad machine.



The New Holland 1920.

So.. I got to drive it up to the field that we were planning to chisel plow.
D took the reigns for the first 2 passes


and I got the second two. YEAH! I think my enthusiasm might have scared D a little. Too fun. Learning learning learning.

Speaking of D... here he is. Our fearless mentor.


Closed up the greenhouse, did dishes, corralled the chickens... and ordered out for pizza tonight. Sometimes you just got to.

Btw, there will be a new addition to the farm tomorrow. Exciting. Will post pics.

Until then, dig...