Summary 2020:
Spring work was done well in advance. Exceptionally this year, the fields were plowed in the spring, which was a completely extra stage of additional work compared to the normal spring. However, the dry weather in the spring was favourable for tillage, but the lack of exposure to winter, and especially frost, affects soil structure and the viability of weeds roots. The weather surprised us when on 11.5. at the time of onion planting, more snow fell than during the entire winter. The wet conditions of spring and summer, for example, affected the quality of the onions, causing storage diseases such as top- and gray mold.
There was also a dry period at the time of sowing, when part of the crop had to be irrigated, but the germination of some plants suffered from a lack of moisture.
Despite everything, the spring work went in a good rhythm and there was enough manpower and hard-working trainees. Thank you to all the energetic interns and members who we met during the summer. CSA is more than anything, doing together. It has been great to get to know you all. And thanks to Pentti for guiding our new farmers in the beginning.
After a dry June, the whole of early July was wet, nearly every day and no crop avoided damage. Some of the plots suffered badly from too much water. For example, the cabbage field was under water for most of July. Too much wetness causes a lack of oxygen in the soil, which severely disrupts plant nutrient uptake. The rain also meant that it was not possible to use the machines in the fields and all the hoeing and weeding had to be done entirely by hand. In July, most trainees were on summer vacation when the need for weeding was greatest. In previous years, Kvt campers have been caring for weeding for two weeks in July, but due to the corona, the camp could not be held this year. The labor shortage of the previous summer and plowing was not done in the autumn meant major increase in weeds this year. This also greatly affect this year's situation. Cultivation is never just a matter of one season but is always influenced by the events of previous seasons. The participation of members in farming is an essential part of the partner economy. Information on field events is also particularly important from the point of view of transparency, and there has been a desire to improve it this year.
In the last couple of years, two new field blocks have been made available to us. The soil analysis showed acidity especially in these new plots, so those plots were limed in the spring. The refurbishment of new blocks requires having time to work on the nutrient balance. Green manure has been missing from the crop rotation earlier and a two-year green manure was started this year. It is the resting phase of the land between vegetable growing. Green manure can also be used to find solutions for controlling plant diseases. Plant cover and light tillage methods increase the accumulation of organic matter in the topsoil. It usually improves the durability of the soil structure, which reduces the risk of sludge, erosion and peeling. The addition of organic matter also improves the living conditions of the soil microbiota, affecting soil moisture and temperature conditions.
During this season, the weather has been really variable and there has not always been confidence in the weather forecast. This made it difficult to estimate planting and sowing times, among other things.
The transfer of the greenhouse to the main farm was also an additional phase of work this year and an investment in the coming years. Tomato seedlings were planted only in late June, so the harvest expectation for this season was not yet very high. Next summer we will be able to start growing our own seedlings and also start the greenhouse season well in advance.
Another great innovation this year has been the cold container where we can keep the crop cool and safe from intruders. Storage conditions are significantly better and closer than before.
The effect of Corona has been most evident in the difficulties of restaurant members. In the spring, work began normally and it was possible to work freely without major changes. It was a relief after the winter to get out to fresh air and start our season.
The impact of pests on crop success cannot be underestimated, as their spectrum is diverse. Deer and hares feed on exactly the same plants that we value. Snails and slugs have thrived in moist vegetation in large numbers this year. Next year, erecting fences will be necessary for some plots.
This year, new farmers got to know biodynamic farming, soil, partner agriculture and each other. Getting to know the soil takes time and changing conditions bring their own challenges, so years can never be compared. The team spirit is great and encouraging at the same time. The trainees have also been given a good atmosphere in which to learn both working life skills and farming.
As is customary in diversified cultivation, some plants enjoy and thrive while others yield little, if any. However, a wide range of plants guarantees a harvest every year and allows you to try new ingredients in the kitchen.
