hail

This is what fell from the sky onto our tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, squash, snapdragons, swiss chard... You name it - ice cubes were hurtled at it. Down the hill in Exeter, the same hail smashed windshields, dented cars, and collapsed a roof. At the time it seemed as though someone had turned on a giant ice cube dispenser somewhere. Only it didn't seem to stop. Things are not looking good for our little farm at the moment.

ladybugs 'r us

Organic growing is all about finding a balance. The idea is to work with nature to keep plants healthy. It's a proactive approach. However, that is not to say that organic farmers don't have their issues (and boy, do some of us have issues!) Oh, and some of us have pest problems on the farm too.

Ours came in the form of an aphid ourbreak on our artichokes. In the past, we have had great luck with aphid problems. We've used a soap solution which seems to take care of the situation. This year, we are trying a new approach: ladybugs. While there are plenty of natural ladybugs around, purchasing ladybugs helps increase the numbers, which in the time of aphid crisis can be really helpful. Many of them will fly away, but hopefully they will stick around long enough for the aphid buffet!