Spring is upon us.

After weeks of preparation we are in the field planting.  To be honest, it’s kinda surreal.

It has taken numerous steps to get to this point, so we shouldn’t be surprised.  Last week our greenhouse hit capacity  with over 70 trays started.  We now have a steady stream of transplanting to do.

Also, we received our order of TLC (turkey litter compost).  This premium poo product is da *%^* when it comes to amending beds for heavy feeders.

 As well, we re-measured and staked out the field, then prepped it for planting.

Lastly, we seeded our inaugural beds.

Here is to a great growing season!

Sadly though…  it hasn’t rained much in about 4 weeks.  :(

They say “April showers bring May flowers”.  April drought brought us to Vanden Bussche, where we purchased our irritation system,.. er, ..irrigation system.

Now to set it all up tomorrow…  yay!

Stay tuned.

In hindsight maybe a geodesic dome greenhouse wasn’t the easiest way to go…

Chosen for durability in windy locations and low up-front costs (and perhaps a little cool factor), the geodesic dome turned out to be a labour-intense work of love.

It all started with an intriguing Kijiji post involving a partial geodesic dome, hand-made out of galvanized steel conduit.  While other second-hand steel greenhouse frames started around a grand, this was a fraction of the cost.  A little research into the use of geodesic domes revealed that not only are they wonderful structures to spend time in, their shape encourages circulation thus preventing cold/hot spots from forming.  The literature also warned of construction difficulties.

Well, the literature was right.  After countless hours of labour and problem solving involving several hundred feet of galvanized 1/2″ steel conduit, a 20′ by 100′ roll of plastic, countless staples, heaps of scavenged 2×4′s, 40 wheelbarrows of soil, 12 buckets of gravel, a roll of steel fencing, 5 bicycle inner-tubes, one rain barrel, one used screen door and a beat up old fan…  we have a wonderful seed starting space.

Here are some photos documenting the process:

One of the goals at North Gate Organics is to further public knowledge of where our food comes from.  One of the areas of our concern is Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).  Currently, an estimated 80% of grocery store items contain GMO products (source).  A major reason that North Gate Organics is becoming certified organic is to ensure our customers that our products are 100% non-GMO.  As films are a wonderful way to learn, here is a cute animation with a very important message regarding GM Alfafa.

Click this link for a youtube video: Take Action to Stop GM Alfalfa

Click this link for a petition: Stop GM Alfafa

North Gate Organics is excited to attend the Guelph Organic Conference this year!  This is Jesse’s first time attending the conference.  I’m excited that he’s coming along to attend workshops and chat with other farmers.  The conference is always a great way to re-connect with old friends, meet new ones, and share information around farming. The conference is held at the University of Guelph Jan. 26th-29th and contains a broad spectrum of workshops.  It’s a great feeling to be around so many knowledgeable and like-minded people.