Free Trees For Earth Day

Its the last week of April, and spring has sprung everywhere but here. Although we have had some nice warm days, the nights are still too cold for seeds to germinate. Maybe next week...

The last week of April also brings Earth Day and Arbor Day. Since many people are suffering from spring fever right now, free tree give aways can provide some much needed outdoor activity for little or no money. By planting free trees you can get some good exersise and help your environment.

Many large and local hardware stores offer free tree seedlings on Earth Day and Arbor Day.
Lowe's is giving away one million trees in honor of Earth Day on April 23, 2012. Contact your local Lowe's to make sure they are participating in the event. Our local nursery in Bozeman, Cashman's, offers a free seedling to anyone who with a new born baby. All you have to do is bring your baby by the nursery, and they will give you a seedling to be planted in your baby's honor.

give away.

With a little research you will find many options for free trees in your area. Another way to get some trees that are suited for you climate for a very low price is to become a member of the Arbor Day Foundation. For as little as $10, you can choose ten trees that will flourish in your region or have ten trees planted in a national forest in your honor. The membership also provides discounts on trees, and a book that details the best techniques for growing your new trees. Another option is the Hazelnut Project. For $20, they will mail you 3 hazelnut bushes when it is optimal for planting in your area. While enjoying a lifetime supply of hazelnuts, you will also be contributing much needed information that will be used to research global warming.

During this week of environmental holidays, remember that our forests provide wood, habitat for animals, clean air, and drinking water for all of us. By donating or planting trees, you will help preserve these resources for many generations to come.

Tomato update

Now that the tomatoes' roots are filling in their larger containers, they are growing rapidly. The picture below show the plants on April 19th.

We began measuring them with the Farm's most accurate measurement tool, an Ocean City, Maryland ruler won on the boardwalk.

April 21

 The plants are growing about an inch a day and need to be watered every two days. 

April 22nd

They have been fed every watering with a half strength 3-1.2-1.25 fertilizer and seem ready for full strength feedings. 

The large Hydroponic garden is really beginning to flower. It has almost out grown it's trellis and fruits are set all over every plant. New flowers form every day and the pollinated flowers are swelling into sweet tomatoes. 

Other Companion Container Gardens

The other container gardens are begining to take off. The lettuce container is enjoying the cooler nights more than the pepper/basil, but all of the containers are flourishing. 

Since the outdoor season is still months away, we started a cucumber, green bean, and strawberry box.

 We chose Dragon's Egg cucumber, Dragon's tounge bean, and Red Wonder Wild Strawberry for quick harvest. They really like the ideal indoor conditions and the beans will need staking soon so they don't tip over.