Transplants, time, and toads

It took us many hours over the course of the last 5 days, but it is FINALLY done!  We just finished transplanting 912 beautiful transplants at the farm. HOORAY!

We picked up our transplants last Thursday from our friends at ESP of Missouri. They helped us plant our seeds in February, added their special blend of vermicompost, and kept the plants growing strong with their lights and warm temperatures in their greenhouse. The transplants looked healthy and strong! There were a mix of leafy green vegetables including: romaine lettuces, bibb lettuces, cabbages, pac choi, and radicchio.

Fiero Radicchio, Red Cabbage, and Romain Lettuce

During the process of planting our 912 transplants, we learned a few things. First, we were reminded of the importance of a "strong core" when planting. If you are someone who does not do regular sit-ups, pilates, or yoga, you WILL feel some soreness in your muscles after bending over to plant numerous transplants. It is definitely a good idea to do some farmin', warmin'-up stretches before planting.

Damian's transplanting action

Next, we realized the right tools can help with planting efficiency. Our two new favorite tools are our Hound Dog long handled bulb planter, which helped us punch all 912 holes without bending and straining too much, and my padded, rolling garden seat. Last year, we kneeled on the ground while planting and got seriously achey knees. This year, I learned that the padded garden seat gives an advanced level of comfort that I would recommend. :)

Our Hound Dog in action!

 Lastly, we learned the importance of having Visine in our first-aid kit.  Planting into dry, crumbly soil during windy conditions and the beginning of allergy season can lead to a condition I have named "temporary farming blindness" by the end of the day. Symptoms include itching, swollen, and majorly irritated eyes. Beware! In addition to Visine, I am thinking of planting with aviation goggles on next year!

Once again, we literally "wrapped up" our transplanting by creating tents of lightweight row cover fabric over each row. I enjoy making these fabric sculptures on our farm. Not only do they have a beautiful, white caterpillar like form, they provide a useful insect barrier and help raise the temperature around the plants and protect against frost.

Row cover

Before we left, we spotted this toad hopping over our drip tape and near our transplants. In some cultures, frogs and toads are considered a symbol of good fortune and progress because they can only move forward -- never backward. I hope it brings all our plants good luck for the Spring growing season!