Today’s post will be quick.  Just back from market, I’ve been up too long and I’ll be up before the sun again tomorrow.  But what a market it was.  Today was the first time I’ve ever sold out at market.  There seems to be something in the air the last two weeks and whatever it is I like it a lot.

Last week was the best week I’ve ever had between market and our CSA, now over 65 members!  So this week I thought I would prepare and bring extra of several items.  Our baby carrots, for instance are becoming legendary at the Hampden Farmer’s Market.  So I figured I’d bring and extra few bunches above and beyond what I have been bringing.  I sold out of carrots in 30 minutes!  Same with the spring onions.  About mid way through market the last of the chard went, immediately followed by the basil and sometime later the beet greens and lettuce both head and mix.  Whatever’s got hold of everyone and got them to market is a great thing!  Your local farmers are very appreciative.

But when you sell out that means you can leave market.  Pack up all the display boxes and signs, tables, scale, tent and cinder blocks and head home to relax.  Relax?  The truth of the matter is that there is work to be done.  After putting everything away and cleaning out coolers, wash tubs and closing the greenhouses at the current garden it’s off to the new land to continue work on the projects there.  Tonight that included mulching my newly planted fruit trees, plum, peach and apple, the newly planted grapes and then picking off the Japanese Beetles that found them instantly.  I’ve planted many perennials along the edge of what will be our first garden because the other day I was able to disc it with the harrows.

This operation turns the undulating waves of soil left after plowing into a more manageable flat sea of blank canvas.  Of course, it also highlights all the rocks that need to be picked.  But now that the ground has been leveled out that job is much easier.  I’d better get off to bed so I have a good night’s sleep.  Rocks are easier to move if you’re well rested you know.  Local food.  Eat well – be well.