http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog daily 0.75 2026-03-30 http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2026/3/30/science-experiment monthly 0.5 2026-03-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/52a0d5c4-92e5-4179-acb7-cfea31a41ed2/IMG_1805.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Science experiment? - Make it stand out No, just trying to prime some spinach seeds. They always seem to present a challenge in germinating! The greenhouse is already too warm. Temps are finally spring-like! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2025/12/26/christmas-eve-sunrise monthly 0.5 2025-12-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/d8717d16-d4c9-4fe8-8ce3-e49a9f283939/IMG_0442.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Christmas eve sunrise.... - Make it stand out really seemed to shout…A King has been born! Merry Christmas! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2025/12/21/winter-solstice monthly 0.5 2025-12-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/d8a0af77-4330-4c5b-945b-72ef45255ae2/IMG_0361.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Winter Solstice... - Make it stand out makes everyone celebrate in Wisconsin! The days will become longer, egg production will get into full gear, and we can all anticipate the growing season ahead. It may be time to start studying those seed catalogs. Even my amaryllis knows today is something to celebrate! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2025/12/18/more-eggsciting-news monthly 0.5 2025-12-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/d18c9ed1-5f16-4566-b022-b74ecf6e3fb3/IMG_0328.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - More eggsciting news.... - Make it stand out one of our pullets laid her first egg! She (and 11 others) arrived as a 2-day old chick on July 18. The books say they start to lay at 5 months. The books got that right….almost to the day! It may not be as big as the others…but it surely is just as lovely. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2025/11/8/exciting-news monthly 0.5 2025-11-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/cb46033e-7c80-4a05-9d40-78d036c4dc55/IMG_9829.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Exciting news... - Make it stand out as we are finally beginning to look at the nutrient density of the foods we eat. Not all food is created equal…in fact, not all home grown food. What if there were a metric to know which carrots were more nutritious. I think the Bionutrient Institute is trying to do just that…on a scale of 1 to 100. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2025/10/24/old-man-frost monthly 0.5 2025-10-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/8ce91ddb-305a-402c-a8f8-9e12d4af80d4/IMG_9721.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Old Man Frost.... - Make it stand out has arrived! 28 degrees here this morning and sparkling silver frost crystals on everything. I still need to plant my garlic! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2025/10/21/the-totals-are-in monthly 0.5 2025-10-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/4f9d20ef-e89d-480b-8a57-8f37f96e83d2/IMG_9697.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - The totals are in... - Make it stand out and it was a bountiful harvest! Now begins the work of planning for next year. Asparagus and rhubarb were added this summer and I look forward to seeing their yields in the coming year. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2025/10/19/glorious-fall-day monthly 0.5 2025-10-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/c237897c-393e-4074-b083-662ea1f9fdfe/IMG_9678.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Glorious fall day... - Make it stand out and absolutely perfect for walking Wally along the Sugar River Trail. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2025/9/17/new-greenhouse-manager monthly 0.5 2025-09-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/c015d755-e87c-4001-b7e0-21755ee46253/IMG_9311.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - New greenhouse manager? - Make it stand out He seems to have found a home among the lettuce leaves of my hydroponic system. I think it’s a Cope’s gray treefrog, common in southern Wisconsin. Isn’t he a cutie? http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2025/9/16/more-art-than-science monthly 0.5 2025-09-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/5ba56c73-da11-4406-88fd-2d3401e08b12/IMG_8921.jpg More Questions than Answers! - More art than science.... - Make it stand out is needed when sexing a day-old chick. One of our new chicks has turned out to be a rooster! The very developed comb and wattles are a sure giveaway. No hatchery can provide 100% accuracy, but they are usually right on the mark. But our Toni has become Tony! Fortunately, we have found him a home, a farm in Monroe who was eager to add another rooster to his flock. We will miss you, Tony! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2025/9/16/its-pepper-time monthly 0.5 2025-09-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/52aa40fa-4db4-460c-8066-86b471dfc272/IMG_9306.jpg More Questions than Answers! - It's pepper time! - Make it stand out And they couldn’t be more beautiful! The harvest has been spectacular this summer…temperatures must have been just right! Friends and family have all enjoyed them, and St. Mary’s church in Durand accepts donations of fresh produce for the food pantry. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2025/8/8/new-chicks-arrive monthly 0.5 2025-08-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/fb8cb2f6-6963-4a5c-8c01-36c975f14877/IMG_8300.jpg More Questions than Answers! - New chicks arrive... - Make it stand out and they are all perfect! I am always amazed that day-old chicks can spend 2 days in a box traveling hundreds of miles…and still arrive safely. 6 Plymouth Rocks and 6 Brown Leghorns will join the rest of the girls soon! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2025/6/29/its-happening monthly 0.5 2025-06-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/cbf0cb4a-47d1-4bc1-9af8-e8646502be94/IMG_7975.jpg More Questions than Answers! - It's happening! - Make it stand out Glorious, gorgeous grapes! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2025/4/28/planting-potatoes monthly 0.5 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/637230c9-0618-4725-8f02-d233c903c4ba/IMG_7538.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Planting potatoes.... - Make it stand out is hard work! I am so grateful to Grace and her family for pitching in. German Butterballs are in the ground! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2025/4/19/peas monthly 0.5 2025-04-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/f0cc5629-6a9b-42e1-91c8-3783e2600722/IMG_7494.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Peas! - Make it stand out What is it about peas that is so wonderful. Their “greenness”…or maybe because they are one of the first planted seeds to emerge. Whatever the variety - garden, snow, or snap, we love them all! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2025/3/22/requiem-for-a-hive monthly 0.5 2025-03-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/9b918813-c554-4725-8cb5-8de6dcca1121/IMG_7309.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Requiem for a hive... - Make it stand out There is nothing sadder than to hear the total silence of your hive. Our bees did not survive the winter. After completing a “postmortem” we have identified the possible causes. A colony weakened by Varroa mites tops the list. We are determined to try again and this year we will have a more robust IPM plan in place. We really feel like we failed them! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2025/2/19/winter monthly 0.5 2025-02-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/605e6e9e-1722-44f0-98b1-fe7c6af3efad/IMG_7195.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Winter... - Make it stand out has encompassed the farm. The snow cover is beautiful, but the below-zero temperatures are not! But in 6 short weeks, things will look very different. For now, I am busy in the greenhouse starting onions, leeks, shallots and celery. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2025/2/10/hydroponics monthly 0.5 2025-02-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/c33c05a9-780b-4a40-af6c-ec8c712b48ed/IMG_7174.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Hydroponics.... - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/d5519488-fa0b-4b96-86f7-00c915da38b2/IMG_7175.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Hydroponics.... - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/2409ae82-ee89-4024-b5eb-a990a55a8a7c/IMG_6910.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Hydroponics.... - Make it stand out make growing lettuce so easy! In just a few days, seeds planted in rock wool cubes begin to germinate and are placed in the hydroponic tanks of circulating water. In just a few weeks, you have healthy plants…and a few weeks after that, you harvest! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2025/2/2/its-not-only-our-plants monthly 0.5 2025-02-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/65dcb5e5-cee2-431c-a97c-b6ef13a95d7f/IMG_7123.jpg More Questions than Answers! - It's not only our plants.... - Make it stand out that benefit from the increased daylight each day. Our hens appreciate it too, as it increases their egg production! Just look at January - only 15 eggs from 17 hens! The literature indicates that production peaks around the date of the summer solstice. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2025/1/29/happy-lunar-new-year monthly 0.5 2025-01-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/83595e70-4cf6-468b-b56e-0c89d641f2b3/IMG_7115.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Happy Lunar New Year! - Make it stand out Happy Lunar New Year to all! It's the Year of the Snake. The snake represents calmness and introspection -- traits seen as important for "guiding one's life with wisdom and grace!" We celebrate each year with making hundreds of egg rolls to put in the freezer! How are you celebrating? http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2025/1/25/its-national-seed-swap-day monthly 0.5 2025-01-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/b1e411b1-477b-42f6-882e-d3f201232a36/IMG_7082.jpg More Questions than Answers! - It's National Seed Swap Day... - Make it stand out and time to sort through those way-too-many seed packets and share with others! And these are just a fraction of the many tomato varieties I have in my seed vault! Some friends and family aren’t able to set up seed-starting stations of their own, so I am happy to start the seedlings for them. I take requests up through mid-March! It’s so exciting - germinating is soon to begin! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2025/1/19/-1-degree-outside monthly 0.5 2025-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/3cfbe380-8c88-4a5b-b658-a37c4a08b770/IMG_6910.jpg More Questions than Answers! - -1 degree outside... - Make it stand out and still harvesting lettuces from the greenhouse every day. Is there anything more satisfying (and delicious!) than harvesting your own food? These beautiful greens were grown hydroponically. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2024/11/19/what-plants-are-doingwithout-us monthly 0.5 2024-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/c016e66b-6666-479b-844a-d10a89eaa144/The+light+Eaters.jpg More Questions than Answers! - What plants are doing...without us! - Make it stand out This is such a fascinating book, but I think I need to reread it several times over! It has so much information…too much to absorb at one time. Every time I have seen a tomato hornworm that has been parasitized by a wasp, I have assumed that it was just luck that the wasp saw a juicy caterpillar in which to lay her eggs. Apparently, though, the tomato plant made it happen. Plants are able to communicate with other plants and organisms by releasing tiny molecules (VOC’s), often associated with distinct smells. This can alert the wasp that the plant is in trouble and being invaded by hornworms, so the female wasp responds by laying her eggs under the skin of that hornworm. As the eggs hatch the larvae actually feed on the hornworm’s insides. The larvae eat their way out of the caterpillar and spin cocoons which look like grains of rice attached to the caterpillar’s back. Eventually adult wasps will emerge from the cocoons and the weakened hornworm will die. Scientists are learning so much about these odors, but aren’t sure how the signals are received and interpreted. They have even discovered evidence that certain plants will be more hospitable when planted near “kin” as opposed to “strangers”…even in overcrowded conditions. For those of use who plant intensively in small spaces, this has major ramifications! If you enjoy plants and wonder what their lives are like, find a copy of this book…and prepare to be AMAZED. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2024/8/26/national-dog-day-today monthly 0.5 2024-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/bc545fb4-5ee4-4235-b9ca-28389de40161/IMG_5966.jpg More Questions than Answers! - National Dog Day today... - Make it stand out and we celebrate all the dogs in our lives. Last week we welcomed a new pup to the farm…Walnut! Responds readily to “Wally” and is enjoying learning all the in and outs of Walnut Hill Farm. Rescued from the Clark County Humane Society, she was one of a litter of eight. Not sure of her heritage, but a DNA kit is on its way which may help us understand her background. Whatever she is, she is a cutie! Welcome, Wally! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2024/8/13/family-reunion monthly 0.5 2024-08-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/67776c29-635b-46f5-b6ce-ee7f572084c6/IMG_5797.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Family reunion.... - Make it stand out …in New Buffalo. I travel all summer with my Oru kayaks in my car (these are origami-type fold up kayaks) just in case I find a new challenging body of water. The family used them exploring the Galien River Marsh Water Trail. Such an abundance of wildlife - egrets, eagles and deer. Kayaking along the river is so quiet and so at-one-with-nature! I am always in awe after each adventure. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2024/8/13/tomato-time monthly 0.5 2024-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/e1bde3b2-50f6-4cd5-8d92-724188ee72e3/IMG_5849.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Tomato time.... - Make it stand out …and these are just the cherry tomatoes! What a colorful variety this year…and with the dry weather, no splitting! Beam’s Yellow Pear, Red Cherry, Indigo Blueberries, Sungolds, Green Tigers, and those little ones are Spoon Tomatoes - perfect for garnishing almost any summer dish. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2024/8/9/prairie-dock monthly 0.5 2024-08-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/886af5d7-28bd-4d6d-b2ea-fc3fcd6e7438/IMG_5843.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Prairie Dock... - Make it stand out …or Silphium terrabintinaceum is everywhere. Yesterday we encountered entire fields filled with these tall willowy plants. Last year we had just one, this year there are almost a dozen! The name “Silphium” refers to an ancient Greek plant that produces resin. Resin was once highly sought after for a variety of uses, including as an incense for use in religious ceremonies. The species name “terebinthinaceum” means “like turpentine,” referring to the odor of this plant. (U.S.Forest Service) This is a very tall perennial plant, with a nearly leafless flower stalk, sometimes over eight feet tall. Not only does the plant extend high into the air, it also has a long taproot that grows deep into the soil. This adaptation is beneficial because the prairie is often hot and dry, and the deep taproot allows the plant to reach water. This feature also helps the plant persist despite grazing and mowing. With so much energy reserves stored underground, sending up new shoots is not that costly for the plant. Although definitive studies are lacking, this is believed to be among the longest-lived species of the prairie. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2024/7/26/monarda monthly 0.5 2024-07-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/cab57fcf-71bd-4567-b3d4-cb6a287adec8/IMG_5636.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Monarda - Make it stand out It’s everywhere I look this year! Don’t know why bee balm is so plentiful…perhaps all the rain? Monarda is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. The genus is endemic to North America. Common names include bergamot, bee balm, horsemint, and oswego tea, the first being inspired by the fragrance of the leaves, which is reminiscent of bergamot orange. (Wikipedia) Indigenous Americans regarded bee balm as both a medicinal and a culinary herb. The leaves were brewed into teas, which were used to improve digestion and to treat coughs, colds, fever, anxiety, pain and discomfort, and melancholy. A pharmacy…right outside my front door! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2024/7/16/all-dogs-go-to-heaven monthly 0.5 2024-07-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/b93c1672-e502-486b-acdd-ac1781461a3d/IMG_5486.jpg More Questions than Answers! - All dogs go to Heaven.... - Make it stand out but Pickles took no detours! She was simply a great pup. Always alert and wanting to assure our safety, she will be deeply missed. R.I.P. 2012-2024 http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2024/7/11/corn-pollenabsolutely-amazing monthly 0.5 2024-07-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/6f07d484-b264-43d8-b5c7-cb3ab22bc165/IMG_5483.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Corn pollen...absolutely amazing! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/98242dd6-fd9e-4a2d-a393-012e4532c554/IMG_5467.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Corn pollen...absolutely amazing! - Make it stand out I took out my Foldscope (an origami-type microscope made of cardboard, costing less than $20, developed for medical professionals working in third world villages, and with lenses that go up to 140x magnification) made a slide with some pollen I shook from the anthers.... and took a picture of it! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2024/7/10/sex-life-of-corn monthly 0.5 2024-07-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/fd6cc313-5daa-4658-bd20-1db40be5c78b/IMG_5458.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Sex life of corn.... - Make it stand out …is AMAZING ( or should I say a-maizing )! The corn at WHF is beginning to tassel. The tassel represents the male flower. When it emerges it produces spikelets which then grow anthers which release millions (2-5 million!) of pollen grains. One of the grains must fall on a silk down below. Each silk on an ear of corn is a potential kernel, but only if it's fertilized. Now you know why some ears of corn have empty spaces where kernels should be. The first time Conrad and I planted corn, we planted a 50 foot row...and got nothing. I soon learned corn has to be planted in blocks so those millions of pollen grains land on some silks. Something very curious...silks are receptive to pollen grains anywhere along the silk. Wow...way more questions than answers! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2024/6/15/snakes-and-scapes monthly 0.5 2024-06-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/d4d97baf-9e73-4d84-9794-90a9b07001e7/IMG_4010.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Snakes and scapes... - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/5da5ef72-e7c9-43cf-9ee7-3d5e56518c85/IMG_4012.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Snakes and scapes... - Make it stand out It’s that time when the garlic plants send up their beautiful, graceful scapes. By cutting off the scape and not allowing the garlic to flower, more energy is sent to the bulb, resulting in bigger garlic! And I am left with these deliciously fragrant ends that are perfect for grilling, stir-frying or making pesto! But I wasn’t prepared for the friend I found in the path. Almost kicked it out of the way, thinking it was a fallen branch. Thankfully, I did not. It seems I have nothing to fear, as it appears to be a milk snake, non-venomous, and really not eager to cause a fuss. In fact, I should be grateful to see him, as he is keeping rodents out of the garden. I really should rethink my choice of footwear! (Who would have ever thought that I’d have a relationship with bees and snakes!) http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2024/6/8/who-knew monthly 0.5 2024-06-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/8a41889b-76b2-482a-95d6-e4a2eacfc8db/IMG_2300.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Who knew.... - Make it stand out …being a beekeeper could be so much fun! Observing the colony is fascinating…but, as always, more questions than answers! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2024/6/5/the-bees-have-arrived monthly 0.5 2024-06-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/d96e9dc5-612a-4b57-ab81-f57520d52a25/IMG_3932.jpg More Questions than Answers! - The bees have arrived - Make it stand out And they have been carefully placed in our hive, along with their queen! First real inspection will be this weekend, giving them a few days to get settled! More to come….. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2024/5/4/morchella monthly 0.5 2024-05-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/da5e5f56-a481-479c-a6de-46aef894e541/IMG_3730.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Morchella.... - Make it stand out …or true morels have been plentiful this year thanks to several drenching rains. I remember last year’s disappointment at not being able to find any! This year we are experimenting with dehydrating them so they will be available throughout the summer. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2024/3/24/i-buried-a-dear-friend-this-week monthly 0.5 2024-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/f9f0ff6c-89ec-4018-8e73-b26e4dec1808/IMG_2966.jpg More Questions than Answers! - I buried a dear friend this week.... - Make it stand out Poppy, one of our original chickens! Feisty, strong-willed, and fiercely independent, she kept the other girls in line, and actually taught them how to be a flock. She taught me how I needed to care for this flock…with friendship, kindness and patience. She had a remarkable sense of humor, too, and reminded all of us of the importance of being able to laugh at ourselves. I knew she was declining several months ago, when she allowed Bertha to take over as mother hen. Her posture had changed. and her silhouette resembled that of a little old lady. The rest of the girls sensed it too, and seemed to understand that Poppy should be accorded special privileges. Each night they made a special place for Poppy on the roost, securely tucked in the middle, between all the rest. I’ll miss you, Poppy, and I hope you know how grateful we all are for having you in our lives! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2024/3/20/first-full-day-of-spring monthly 0.5 2024-03-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/9cd1d29d-e5ca-401b-8c0d-c8e19b8f5d6e/IMG_3464.jpg More Questions than Answers! - First full day of spring.... - Make it stand out and this hungry bee is scrounging for food! I think the recent unseasonable weather has encouraged bees to leave their hives prematurely. There is hardly any pollen available to them! He was fortunate to find some in the crocus plants that have just begun to bloom. But it will be many weeks before real food is available for them. We are looking forward to becoming bee keepers this May. We have painted and sited the hive, taken the classes, and ordered the bees. But seeing this little one frantically looking for food gives me pause…I hope we are up to the challenge! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2024/3/10/daylight-savings-time monthly 0.5 2024-03-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/44772311-3990-45fd-8a1c-7178de059311/IMG_3389.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Daylight savings time.... - Make it stand out doesn’t seem to affect the chickens! They know spring is on its way…so they are ramping up production! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2024/3/9/its-all-about-the-soil monthly 0.5 2024-03-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/d27dfac2-5db3-43fd-b1bc-80b7d4fd5536/1828872B-5BB3-46CB-8AE3-3ED4E3FDD26D_4_5005_c.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - It's all about the soil! - Make it stand out Spent a wonderful day with the Master Gardeners of Green County. They were hosting their yearly symposium and had a great line-up of dynamic speakers. One speaker quoted Wendell Berry…”the soil is the great connector of lives, the source and destination of all. It is the healer and restorer and resurrector, by which disease passes into health, age into youth, death into life. Without proper care for it we can have no community, because without proper care for it we can have no life. This reminded me of a quote over 2000 years ago by Xenophon (400 B.C.) “to be a successful farmer one must first know the nature of the soil. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2024/3/6/new-greenhouse-manager monthly 0.5 2024-03-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1616694e-41e3-44af-8c1d-95af0b161af7/IMG_3285.jpg More Questions than Answers! - New Greenhouse Manager - Make it stand out I welcomed this little guy to the greenhouse last fall, but haven’t seen him all winter. I’ve been worried about PC2 (Prince Charming II) and then, while moving fig trees around, there he is! I think he’s a Cope’s Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis). The original Prince Charming enjoyed the greenhouse accommodations for 6 years! Welcome to Walnut Hill Farm! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2023/10/4/nothing-goes-to-waste monthly 0.5 2023-10-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/59dd96c2-c991-4053-8881-a11114623994/stock.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Nothing goes to waste! - Make it stand out We are busy cleaning out the beds in preparation for the planting of garlic and shallots at the end of this month. I have been finding all sorts of things…carrots that weren’t pulled, onions left behind, and way too much parsley (what was I thinking). Instead of carrying them off to the dump, we’ve been making vats of vegetable stock, and it’s been flying out the door as family and friends take some home for their freezers. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2023/10/3/black-gold monthly 0.5 2023-10-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/e74a33c1-f1a6-411d-a3a9-bed788762afe/Compost.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Black Gold! - Make it stand out Now is the time I appreciate all the compost that’s been “cooking” all year. It”s so rich in organic matter, you can see a marigold growing on the side of the bin. As we ready each of the beds for winter, we apply a generous amount of this “black gold,” then top with a layer of straw. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2023/7/4/can-you-guess-what-this-is monthly 0.5 2023-07-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/c9e9ce55-045f-46c7-96ae-893229e28cde/IMG_1257.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Can you guess what this is? - Make it stand out Kayaking, 7 new chicks, and beekeeping classes have kept me busy this summer. I hope I’m not neglecting the “farm!” But I have stumbled on to the most incredible invention and am exploring it for use in elementary schools. It’s called a Foldscope, a cardboard, folded origami-type microscope with 140x magnification, that fits in your pocket and costs a fraction of a science textbook. (Yes, I know…I have an origami kayak, too!) Every 5th grader should have one and I’d like to develop the science curriculum for the year that would center around it. Developed by a Standford professor to put in the hands of health care providers in third world villages….and so many other uses. So I have been having fun exploring the anatomy of a honeybee. This is a photo of the bee’s hindwing. You can clearly see the hamuli, or hook-shaped projections, that connect to the forewing while the bee is in flight. AMAZING! (A foldscope with accessories and training, costs $19.95) http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2023/6/20/strawberries-1 monthly 0.5 2023-06-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/9d514f86-2dc5-4bd8-96c2-7184d6ea44cd/IMG_1044.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Strawberries! - Make it stand out Strawberry season is in full swing at Walnut Hill Farm…and they’re served at breakfast, lunch and dinner! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2023/6/16/plentiful-peas monthly 0.5 2023-06-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/9779d7df-446b-4085-961d-5ba8f621169a/IMG_0930.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Plentiful peas! - Make it stand out The peas have been beautiful this year…and the deer think so, too. Fortunately, we planted enough for everyone! These are Avalanche Snow Peas from High Mowing Seeds. @CalihanCooks is planning on using them tonight in Joshua McFadden’s Pasta alla Gricia with Slivered Snap Peas. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2023/6/15/playing-hooky monthly 0.5 2023-06-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/673230c5-81d5-45ca-a0c8-630a450b61bc/IMG_0901.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Playing hooky!! - Make it stand out Have been having so much fun with my Oru Kayak and exploring the Sugar River, that some of my farm chores are getting neglected! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2022/7/6/not-on-my-squash-1 monthly 0.5 2022-07-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/36cb215b-9431-42c0-92e1-692977137379/IMG_8133.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Not on my squash! - Make it stand out Caught in the act. Here, you see a squash bug laying her eggs on the underside of a squash leaf. Beautiful little copper colored things...but when they hatch, they can be so destructive. Overnight, they can decimate an entire bed of squash. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2022/3/17/happy-st-paddys monthly 0.5 2022-03-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/9d1a513f-a540-4c30-bbca-036bc3575725/IMG_7510.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Happy St. Paddy's! - Make it stand out Happy St. Patrick's Day to all! It's looking very green in our grow room even though a fall from a ladder has sidelined me from this year's growing season. But family and friends are determined my raised beds will be filled with all kinds of wonderful veggies! Hoping to have tomatoes and peppers, too, for Jason's Garden, our annual plant give-away. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2021/12/18/overachiever-1 monthly 0.5 2021-12-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/2b4849be-ef56-4cc9-8eec-c99568b19c74/IMG_6939.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Overachiever? - Make it stand out It doesn’t even fit in the carton! To be considered “jumbo” an egg must weigh at least 70 grams. Lady’s extraordinary effort tipped the scale at 100! Like everything else here at Walnut Hill Farm, we have more questions than answers! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2021/11/5/its-eggciting monthly 0.5 2021-11-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/c6c4e296-4207-4a1f-a97d-22948167bbbe/Image.jpg More Questions than Answers! - It's egg...citing! - Make it stand out Guess we’re in the egg business! The youngsters have started laying and we’re collecting 8-9 eggs every day! There is nothing like freshly laid poached eggs for breakfast! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2021/9/19/there-is-such-satisfaction-to-growing monthly 0.5 2021-09-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1632069673714-DC4DKPTPEHIZTKRT6PP1/Sw.Potato.jpg More Questions than Answers! - There is such satisfaction to growing.... - Make it stand out sweet potatoes! Although usually grown in the south, they are heat and drought tolerant. So if ever there were a summer to grow them, this was it! Not really a potato at all, sweet potatoes are the sweet tasting root of the morning glory family. Aren’t they beautiful? http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2021/9/12/the-last-csa-box-is-packed-and-ready-for-delivery monthly 0.5 2021-09-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1631496141229-IR38MPFHRMTGEINKRH7F/IMG_6345.jpg More Questions than Answers! - The last CSA box is packed and ready for delivery.... - Make it stand out and it’s somewhat bittersweet. I have so enjoyed this project all summer and I am sorry to see it end! It’s made me a better grower and has really given me a sense of how productive my 20 beds can be. I have provided a box of produce for 7 families for the last 14 weeks…and now I am wondering if I could up it to 10! I have learned so much…and have so many questions and ideas to explore this winter. Looking forward to cleaning up the greenhouse before my pots of tender perennials come inside. I am going to focus on my microgreens and propagating new house plants for Jason’s Garden. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2021/9/10/i-used-to-get-hysterical monthly 0.5 2021-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1631315996217-FUQLXK7DOGDRGHFBEK25/IMG_6314.jpg More Questions than Answers! - I used to get hysterical.... - Make it stand out …but I’m getting better. I found another friend in the house, but remained calm, swept it up into a bucket and released it into the woods. I think it’s a milk snake, harmless to humans but a terror to rodents! It was named by early settlers who had the mistaken idea that they sucked milk from a cow’s udders. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2021/9/10/putting-it-in-perspective monthly 0.5 2021-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1631283218780-MV3DN4LZA57D7JTBBFTQ/IMG_0555.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Putting it in perspective.... - Make it stand out Mammals - around 5,500 known species Birds - 10,000 Reptiles - 8,000 Amphibians - 5,000 Fish - 31,000 Insects - 950,000 Flowering Plants -260,000 Trees - 100,000 Fungi - 100,000 WHO WINS? http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2021/8/25/the-greenhouse monthly 0.5 2021-08-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1629898396622-05XP0PS3GSV4ULSTV4P6/IMG_6071.jpg More Questions than Answers! - The greenhouse... - Make it stand out …is really the heart and soul of Walnut Hill Farm. More of a grow room…but where it all starts. Now that outside production is winding down, I’ll start work on propagating more house plants for Jason’s Garden next year, and cranking up the hydroponic system for growing our greens all winter. Banana and citrus trees and any tender perennials will winter here. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2021/8/22/week-12-in-our-first-csa-program monthly 0.5 2021-08-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1629668276620-VABS5KXREMBLHVHQEE8Y/IMG_6191.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Week #12 in our first CSA program.... - Make it stand out and the summer has flown by! This week’s box has everything you need to make an outstanding salad! Our Walla Walla onions have been so delicious this year and the cucumbers so plentiful! It’s time to make pickles! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2021/8/17/coming-of-age monthly 0.5 2021-11-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1629200060787-MREDV2GY1VUP80KNWM1D/IMG_6156.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Coming of age! - Make it stand out One of the “teenagers” laid her first egg today. Not sure which one gets the credit as both the Red Stars and White Orpingtons lay brown eggs. It’s nowhere near as big as Poppy’s, but it’s mighty fine for a first effort! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2021/8/6/lady-was-egg-bound monthly 0.5 2021-08-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1628256560652-LY46KVCKK09N88O8ZSSK/IMG_5920.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Lady was egg bound.... - Make it stand out and it’s exactly as it sounds! An emergency trip to the vet, a thorough examination, and a soak in a warm bath with epsom salts seems to have solved the problem! But the root cause may be a calcium deficiency. More oyster shells and egg shells will be added to her feed immediately! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2021/7/22/one-very-special-tomato monthly 0.5 2021-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1627004448746-124JEDMOMAI3OQD1SCH8/IMG_5764.jpg More Questions than Answers! - One very special tomato! - Make it stand out It’s called Canestrino di Lucca…which translates to “little basket” from the Lucca province of Tuscany. It has thick walls and is perfect for stuffing. Slice off the top, scoop out the middle…and fill with chicken salad. It’s the perfect elegant summer supper. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2021/7/19/week-7-of-the-farms-csa-program monthly 0.5 2021-07-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1626700543954-ZDB6ZQ8PBP6GB0IIOUKS/IMG_5750.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Week #7 of the farm's CSA program... - Make it stand out and the bag is bountiful! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2021/7/3/the-first-green-bean-to-appear monthly 0.5 2021-07-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1625338988597-1FU6W9F6IVGXHFEG744A/IMG_5660.jpg More Questions than Answers! - The first green bean to appear..... - Make it stand out and it’s beautiful! Better yet, it was delicious! I couldn’t resist! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2021/6/14/an-entire-bed-of-lavender monthly 0.5 2021-06-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1623673109260-ARFW4JULY2Z4Y5WKF98Z/IMG_5547.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - An entire bed of lavender... - Make it stand out is John’s pride and joy. It is planted so densely that there is little weeding to be done! Although he is interested in the culinary uses of the blooms, I have planted many different varieties, some better suited for medicinal applications. In either case, the fragrance at the front door is delightful! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2021/6/6/walnut-hill-farms-first-csa-program monthly 0.5 2021-06-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1623010083736-X1P1AY49IAFPP7QQCQQB/IMG_5482.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Walnut Hill Farm's first CSA program... - Make it stand out is washed, packed and ready to go. This unbelievably hot weather has created real challenges, as our spinach has started to bolt. Hard to believe that last weekend we experienced freezing temperatures and lost a dozen tomato and pepper plants to the cold! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2021/6/4/what-is-it-about-a-peony monthly 0.5 2021-06-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1622813267511-4W1MANQZPI15K0MR2I5S/IMG_5443.jpg More Questions than Answers! - What is it about a peony? - Make it stand out It’s a flowering plant in the genus Paeonia, with over 30 different species. But it is those tissue-like blooms that delight….and their fragrance, their variety of colors, and their plentiful flowers. But you will only enjoy them for a few short weeks! When I see peonies, I think of May crownings, schools out, and summer has begun. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2021/5/28/getting-ready-for-burning-man monthly 0.5 2021-05-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1622238794263-CP3O11P0RAWZOYV9R0TH/IMG_5385.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Getting ready for Burning Man? - Make it stand out Not quite! Getting ready for the weekend’s frigid temperatures! Tomatoes and peppers are all at risk. Beats me why anyone in Wisconsin would plant before Memorial Day. Note to self…next year, just be patient and wait! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2021/5/18/mary-lees-medicinals monthly 0.5 2021-05-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1621338483217-921DZN31CQI4QLQGD873/IMG_5207.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Mary Lee's medicinals? - Make it stand out Maybe! It’s comfrey, or Symphytum officinale. Besides having beautiful blooms, it attracts pollinators, provides habitat for beneficial insects, and can enrich the soil with its leaves being used as mulch. But my interest is in its medicinal uses. The active substance is allantoin, which may increase skin smoothness, aid in wound healing and promote cell proliferation and longevity. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2021/5/17/jasons-garden monthly 0.5 2021-05-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1621274474618-I2EHLK29KXCQTQ0COX75/IMG_5260.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Jason's Garden.... - Make it stand out …the annual plant giveaway in memory of a former employee and special friend, was an unqualified success! Although it was unseasonably cold on the loading docks of Calihan Catering, we had enough “customers” to take home the over 400 tomato and pepper plants! Some went to gardens as far away as Lake Geneva, Milwaukee, and Madison! Thank you to all who helped in packing cars for delivery, setting up display tables and tearing it all down! We miss you, Jason! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2021/5/1/a-soft-shelled-egg monthly 0.5 2021-05-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1621274925390-PO54VW1IQ3VHFC7EQWJ6/IMG_5113.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - A soft shelled egg? What a surprise to find a deflated egg in the nesting box this week! At first I thought an old balloon had somehow gotten in! But it turns out that Lady had laid a soft shelled egg! Apparently this can happen due to calcium deficiency, age, or stress. In that both hens share an identical diet, and are just a year old, I have to think it may have been predator stress. Lots of rabbit fur was scattered around the girls’ enclosure, and this kind of stress during the night can affect egg production! Thankfully, her eggs have returned to normal! More questions than answers! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2020/3/19/spring-has-officially-arrived monthly 0.5 2021-05-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1620312336350-9KMMPSV7TAML9C2TH5R2/IMG_1744.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Spring has officially arrived.... and the basil is having none of this social distancing! Onions, leeks, kohlrabi, celery, peppers, and tomatoes have all been started and seem to be thriving. The fig trees and kiwi, which wintered down in the basement, have broken dormancy and are sending up new shoots. (How do they know it’s time?) And even though the entire globe is in crisis mode, Mother Nature is quietly doing what she has always done - providing a new season of life for our planet. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2019/9/25/found-a-peanut monthly 0.5 2019-09-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1569418904239-QLIRXDDEZ7DHDR2LGXWF/16F703FE-2761-4229-8ADE-37E4CD762E5E.JPG More Questions than Answers! - Found a peanut... or several! This is such a fascinating plant, flowering above ground, but the peanut (a legume really, not a nut) develops underground! It totally upends my mantra…the fruit forms around the flower! What was most interesting was when harvesting the plants, the incredible number of worms I found in and around the roots. Now, I need to soak for 24 hours in a salt water brine, then roast for 30 minutes. Makes you appreciate that bag of peanuts we take for granted at the ballgame! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2019/8/10/its-mid-august monthly 0.5 2019-08-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1565444471150-TP24Y73KXT4KBHJMEGRI/IMG_0428.jpg More Questions than Answers! - It's mid-August... and that means it’s time to go back to school! Cook County’s Master Naturalist Training Program kicked off its first session at the Dan Ryan Woods. Feels like I might have jumped into the deep end. This will certainly be a “more questions than answers” experience. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2019/7/28/magic-brooms monthly 0.5 2019-07-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1564317914883-XIHLNUXEUHL40QQ0LJC5/IMG_0333.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Magic brooms... that stand on their own? No, it’s not a Disney cartoon, just a well made broom! How to construct a broom is just one of the many exhibits at the Brodhead Museum. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2019/7/26/echinacea-purpurea monthly 0.5 2019-07-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1564146852235-1IB4TQMEZLNB5MZAGO16/IMG_0282.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Echinacea purpurea... or coneflowers, are a great addition to any garden. They’re colorful, easy to grow, heat and drought resistant, and bloom into the fall. But the real reason I intersperse them throughout the beds, is that they are tremendous pollinators! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2019/7/24/onions monthly 0.5 2019-07-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1563976662100-9TCBIADVZW6JY54XM31P/IMG_0227.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Onions... left behind last year…make their appearance in a bed of garlic. And they have bloomed! Onions are biennials and don’t set seed until their second year. What a lovely sight, and the pollinators are very grateful. Could I save the seed? Farm life is always about “more questions than answers!” http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2019/7/7/switching-things-up monthly 0.5 2019-07-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1562507518964-BY8Y4FLPR5D40MZ5IATN/IMG_0051.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Switching things up... on Saturdays, when I volunteer as a tour guide at the Brodhead Museum. Great displays and very child-friendly! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2019/7/4/happy-4th-of-july monthly 0.5 2019-07-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1562255099141-0034GK8WSC6CE4M1WA65/IMG_0009.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Happy 4th of July! Gertrude, Patsy, and Beatrice join me in wishing all a very Happy 4th of July! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2019/6/26/finally monthly 0.5 2019-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1561559397865-KPX8V4U4OVBAA6QTQ055/IMG_9833.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Finally! A day with 0% precipitation! Finally…a day that feels like summer. Hope those tomato plants take advantage of all this beautiful sunshine! They have some catching up to do! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2019/6/16/the-girls-are-settling-in monthly 0.5 2019-06-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1560704490867-70DNXEPN4IBFTJVWF3EK/IMG_9675.JPG More Questions than Answers! - The girls are settling in... and they all have names…Gertrude, Beatrice and shy Patsy! They’re 5 days old and the cutest Barred (Plymouth) Rocks on record! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2019/6/14/chilly monthly 0.5 2019-06-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1560517084599-HFBUUL1S7ORJKVSAC268/IMG_9652.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Chilly! The weather here continues to challenge growers. Greens and roots are thriving, but I’m not sure that I’ll be harvesting any tomatoes and corn this summer! Our radishes are beautiful and John is on a mission to add 15 new ways to add these beauties to our meals. Joshua McFadden, in his recent book Six Seasons, has a wonderful recipe for a salad in which he pairs radishes with spring onions, mint, and lemon cream, on a bed of baby Romaine….yum! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2019/3/22/spring-is-finally-here monthly 0.5 2019-03-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1553264043648-WQS0NIWVD5GKZ0CLXK68/IMG_9006.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Spring is finally here.... and that means 12 hours and 16 minutes of daylight today! Although first light is at 6:27, this morning’s official sunrise was at 6:55:50 AM http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/11/4/buttoned-up-for-winter monthly 0.5 2018-11-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1541367542464-2JBR7HNCYOYN1YCGCJ7X/IMG_6853.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Buttoned up for winter.... and just in time, as those cold winds are starting to blow through. The trees dropped all of their leaves this week. Have been busy planting garlic and mulching each of the beds. Now, I can turn my attention to what’s happening inside…in the greenhouse! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/10/6/i-found-him monthly 0.5 2018-10-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1538832995997-IPA3FBHWNAIKPUEZZX9M/IMG_6670.jpg More Questions than Answers! - I found him! My little friend (a Cope’s Gray Treefrog or Hyla chrysoscelis) has not been seen since July…when I hung that impressive snakeskin on the bulletin board in the greenhouse. And I’ve missed him! But yesterday after taking lavender cuttings ,in an effort to “make more plants” (thank you Ken Druse!) I found him perched on top of the saran wrap keeping my new cuttings moist. Welcome back! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/9/22/days-will-be-getting-shorter monthly 0.5 2018-09-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1537624661638-J6ZOBA3FRSE4286PCNOV/IMG_6527.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Days will be getting shorter... as the Autumnal Equinox arrives today! And that means it’s pumpkin time! Love this Jack Be Little from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. The plants have been so prolific this year - possibly the perfect pumpkin weather? http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/9/8/omgoodness monthly 0.5 2018-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1536452213616-ZZHO0SMPO5NTVGJN07KG/IMG_6398.jpg More Questions than Answers! - OMGoodness.... Just learned that I have a grandson! Edward Boone Charles...and I can't wait to meet him! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/9/2/who-knew monthly 0.5 2018-09-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1535922462368-AP27U07GA1H4CJL1OTRI/IMG_6334.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Who knew.... you could grow rice in Wisconsin? Not the traditional paddy rice, this is an upland variety called Duborskian, a Russian heirloom. I planted it in anticipation of an upcoming trip to Thailand. Hopefully there are enough weeks of good weather ahead for the outer husks on the rice grains to turn a golden brown. Then all I have to do is figure out how to thresh it! As always, more questions than answers!   http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/8/28/first-melon-ever monthly 0.5 2018-08-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1535461662182-ICA8JLIXZ0JDE4H9Z5E5/IMG_6326.jpg More Questions than Answers! - First melon ever.... and it's called the Pride of Wisconsin! We're pretty proud of it, too! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/8/6/its-that-time monthly 0.5 2018-08-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1533564352900-4L4TEOHK8OFUV4MET7SL/IMG_6001.jpg More Questions than Answers! - It's that time... tomato time! And we're rolling in them! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/7/30/every-urban-gardener-should-try-this monthly 0.5 2018-07-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1532961186769-7J24YNA6GEAGQ8K3KQKE/IMG_5877.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Every urban gardener should try this! Just harvested our first ear of Hudson Valley Seed Company's Organic Blue Jade Dwarf Sweet Corn and it is stunning! Haven't had much success with corn in our raised beds, but this one is so compact, beautiful and truly unique! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/7/29/what-to-do-with-a-large-celery-harvest monthly 0.5 2018-07-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1532886416834-SMITZ74LS9QFPF8ME05X/IMG_5832.jpg More Questions than Answers! - What to do with a large celery harvest? Calihan Catering's own Chef Payson turned some of it into candied celery. Who knew you could candy a vegetable? It is said to be delicious over roasted pears or certain fresh cheeses. John and I are waiting for our pears to ripen to crack open this jar. Thank you, Chef! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/7/26/finding-the-hornworms-is-easier-at-night monthly 0.5 2018-07-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1532660226626-KP07WLJKD238M764WML6/IMG_5785.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Finding the hornworms is easier at night.... if you use a black light. They "glow" in the dark! I was able to pick off 8 tonight. Here are a few of them in my bucket! The damage they can do to a tomato plant in just one day is incredible! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/7/23/oh-nohornworm-on-my-tomato-plants monthly 0.5 2018-07-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1532392409490-SDJX541LSR53XE2JCG0U/IMG_5729.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Oh no...hornworm on my tomato plants! Not to worry! This one is carrying the larvae of the braconid wasp. These larvae feed on the insides of the hornworm until the wasps are ready to pupate. It's best to leave this pest in the garden...in order to conserve the beneficial parasites. Way more questions than answers! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/7/21/derailed monthly 0.5 2018-07-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1532194413053-WXOYJ7VLFGAA4OBPWXSM/IMG_5685.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Derailed? A flat tire almost derails today's harvesting efforts....but a trip to the hardware store and she'll be as good as new! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/7/14/uninvited-guest monthly 0.5 2018-07-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1531613782687-NOFV28CNYZM9YN0XVNRS/IMG_5571.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Uninvited guest! This uninvited pine snake (over 3 feet long) decided to shed its skin right next to the pool deck. What is fascinating...is that it is the first snake skin I have ever seen that was TOTALLY intact! You can see everything from the eyes and mouth....all the way to the tail! It totally freaked out the dogs....and I asked Nash to hang it on my bulletin board in the greenhouse....and I haven't seen my little resident tree frog since! Oh my....   http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/7/14/sun-golds-live-up-to-their-name monthly 0.5 2018-07-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1531613419933-U6ZEZUCIP1ZIA0GZAUVW/IMG_5601.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Sun Golds live up to their name! Johnny's Selected Seeds describe these as "exceptionally sweet, bright tangerine-orange cherry tomatoes leaving customers begging for more. Vigorous plants start yielding early and bear right through the season." And that description is dead on! Early, beautiful, and EXCEPTIONALLY SWEET! Start boiling the water, we're going to have pasta tonight with these gems! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/7/10/harvesting-the-celery monthly 0.5 2018-07-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1531226222212-D7IQPEKYGIIMFSL1R0HA/IMG_5562.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Harvesting the celery! A beautiful harvest! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/7/8/we-are-getting-lift-off monthly 0.5 2018-07-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1531081967823-48PLJJQG6HYWJV4S6V6V/image-asset.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - We are getting lift off! The colors of summer! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/7/4/our-firecrackers-are-just-getting-going monthly 0.5 2018-07-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1530750891768-NHYEEIYIWRI1DT6RNDUD/IMG_5511.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Our firecrackers are just getting going! These are Bulgarian Carrot Chile Peppers from Hudson Valley Seed. "A spectacularly cute hot pepper, each about 2- to 2½-inches long, with extremely shiny skin and a carrot-like form. Its fun shape belies its heat, which is significant." When mature, its color ranges from gold to deep orange. Happy 4th of July to all! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/7/3/the-last-of-the-peas monthly 0.5 2018-07-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1530625671661-1YNCAKUYJG9TSBS50SRL/IMG_5495.jpg More Questions than Answers! - The last of the peas... are being shelled, blanched and frozen, so we have some of this summer bounty with us all year round! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/6/23/the-scapes-are-up monthly 0.5 2018-06-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1529757221950-STDW4YREAGA4Z9KOEGSR/IMG_5389.jpg More Questions than Answers! - The scapes are up.... and that means Garlic Fest is not far behind! What elegant looking dividends from our garlic plants...and so tender and delicious! Chef Payson at Calihan Catering is pickling them and making incredible compound butters. Thank you, Chef! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/6/20/peas monthly 0.5 2018-06-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1529497644018-SEIH7ZBAJOG5L4QN8IRM/IMG_5270.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Peas... are a cool season crop and are usually planted in the early spring. This year's crazy spring weather prevented us from planting these until late April. Although they don't usually thrive in hot weather, I have found if they are well watered, they continue to produce. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/6/10/at-last monthly 0.5 2018-06-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1528634471853-CYMFC5BKZD0AHJAC7WB8/IMG_5266.jpg More Questions than Answers! - At last! We planted the orchard in 2014 and were worried that we may have put it too close to the Black Walnut trees in the woods. But this Bartlett pear tree is finally producing its first fruits! Aren't they lovely? http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/5/30/horseradish monthly 0.5 2018-05-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1527690194116-WD2IUNI97YJKD17KEAT1/IMG_5058.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Horseradish! John really enjoys his ‘gator,’ riding around the property and checking on the different plantings. This weekend the horseradish was in bloom. What an interesting plant…a member of the Brassicaceae family and a relative to plants such as mustard, broccoli, kale, and radishes. It is cultivated for its thick, fleshy white roots. The “hotness” from horseradish comes from isothiocyanate, a volatile compound that, when oxidized by air and saliva, generates the “heat” that some people claim clears out their sinuses. The bite and aroma of the horseradish root are almost absent until it is grated or ground. During this process, as the root cells are crushed, isothiocyanates are released. Vinegar stops this reaction and stabilizes the flavor. For milder horseradish, vinegar is added immediately. (horseradish.org) http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/5/28/im-not-very-good-about-thinning-my-seedlings monthly 0.5 2018-05-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1527508931812-4P6DRYG5BMCCDZI52FVP/IMG_4887.jpg More Questions than Answers! - I'm not very good about thinning my seedlings.... and I know all the reasons we need to do it! I just don't like deciding who stays and who goes! They're all precious to me...I've raised them! In this case, I waited too long to thin the radishes...but it was a happy mistake. These have provided beautiful garnishes for this weekend's meals. Let's hope the others, left in the ground, will plump up and become beautiful little globes. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/5/27/it-pays-to-have-muscle monthly 0.5 2018-05-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1527428328165-5INDTP6MEE4HATSLYWNB/IMG_4893.jpg More Questions than Answers! - It pays to have muscle.... when mulching the raised beds! A bale of this cut grass literally rolled down onto our property, getting stuck in the sumac, when neighbors were mowing last year. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/5/22/blueberries-the-size-of-nickels monthly 0.5 2018-05-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1526992450457-RBXPIJ2ARMA0GUFBT3PK/IMG_4869.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Blueberries the size of nickels? That might be a slight exaggeration. But we know that these recently planted bushes will be loaded with antioxidants, fiber, vitamin K, manganese and vitamin C. And there's nothing quite like picking your breakfast right from the tree! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/5/13/its-official monthly 0.5 2018-05-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1526251208169-99VKN3AASB0HA7WIIXA4/IMG_4829.jpg More Questions than Answers! - It's official! I'm going to be a grandmother! Happy Mother's Day, Grace! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/5/11/happy-birthday-jason monthly 0.5 2018-05-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1526043906642-3H8DM6B6JZB28LRMOW02/IMG_4823.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Happy Birthday Jason! We miss you! But you are in our thoughts and hearts this year as we plant our gardens! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/5/10/row-7 monthly 0.5 2018-05-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1525959214887-MNPZ0UUMIZSCN6IUWJ97/IMG_4818.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Row 7 My seeds arrived from this exciting new seed company! Row 7 was created by chefs and seed breeders to put flavor at the center of any seed development. They describe it as "a collaboration—a cross-pollination—based on a simple premise: we believe flavor can succeed where commodification has failed. That it can change how we eat and, in turn, how we grow." Can't wait to get these in the ground! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/5/5/oh-what-a-beautiful-morning monthly 0.5 2018-05-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1525538141176-3RETOE5XWIVVS90BSLAO/IMG_4775+2.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Oh what a beautiful morning... Sunny, warm, and breezy...with the scent of spring everywhere. A perfect day to plant a garden! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/5/3/grow-a-garden monthly 0.5 2018-05-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1525372788540-JJCE2XV9JVAEMN3DWLQ7/jason+small.png More Questions than Answers! - Grow a garden... ...and think of Jason! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/4/28/gophermoleor-vole monthly 0.5 2018-04-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1524969773879-TD8UFOJXTW658BH9WHWW/IMG_4706.JPG More Questions than Answers! - Gopher...mole...or vole... or perhaps someone who is thinking about a putting green? As always, there are more questions than answers in this farming game! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/4/23/finally monthly 0.5 2018-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1524488228453-QXVHNLU3679RG34S3BBT/IMG_4698.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Finally! Here, John is starting to tackle the job of planting onions, leeks and potatoes! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/4/17/my-onions-are-really-wanting-to-go-in-the-ground monthly 0.5 2018-04-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1523976921261-E1MEPJL3JS2B7WL0IWCS/IMG_4660.jpg More Questions than Answers! - My onions are really wanting to go in the ground! I have 5 trays of onions and leeks waiting to be transplanted. These seedlings have had their third haircut! Hopefully next weekend, the weather will be more cooperative! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/4/17/this-cant-be-spring monthly 0.5 2018-04-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1523976717663-RT914ABFTGHT5FTHHC56/IMG_4614.jpg More Questions than Answers! - This can't be spring! This past weekend we had it all...snow, sleet & hail! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/4/5/cant-plant-peas-yet monthly 0.5 2018-04-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1522934276252-HNDRB2IRW6IO3YICDZ88/IMG_4519.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Can't plant peas yet..... ...then we'll have to eat them instead. John made James Beard's recipe of pasta with peas and asparagus! Delicious! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/4/4/really monthly 0.5 2018-04-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1522865819806-636EZW6F13ZSV2PDVA15/IMG_4501.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Really.....? Planting peas will have to wait! No planting today! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/3/25/its-time-to-plant-peas monthly 0.5 2018-03-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1522011539629-384GSR8BD58B8J9VOKKX/IMG_4440.jpg More Questions than Answers! - It's time to plant peas! The trellises are in place, so we are ready to plant our peas next week. Peas use tendrils to climb the trellis. These thin, wiry structures along the plant's stem actually wave around until they come in contact with something they can grab onto. Once they've made contact (and in this case, with the netting) the tendrils curl and form coils, allowing the plant to pull on the support. Kathy LaLiberte, in her article on How Plants Climb, likens it to a rock climber in need of footholds in the form of horizontal supports. Peas enjoy the cool weather of spring and will be finished with their harvest and ready to be pulled out to make way for tomato plants at the end of May. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/3/20/vernal-equinox monthly 0.5 2018-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1521545625658-UV0KLXSRXUHPUOOQBPXX/IMG_4335.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Vernal Equinox... ...or the first day of Spring! And it officially arrives at 11:15 AM. Here at Walnut Hill Farm, we are so ready for it! Bring it on! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/3/18/the-rotary-botanical-gardens monthly 0.5 2018-03-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1521386203765-GSQJKSK655YFJRI4D6GA/IMG_4367+2.jpg More Questions than Answers! - The Rotary Botanical Gardens.... ...are a gem. And it was here in Janesville, WI that I met in person my gardening mentor, author, and founder of both The Creative Vegetable Garden and The Flavorful Life Garden Club, Megan Cain. Her presentation was so enthusiastically received by a sell-out crowd at the Spring Symposium yesterday and we all left with dozens of new way to think about herbs and how we should be using them! Thank you, Megan! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/3/15/miss-rumphius-and-lupines monthly 0.5 2018-03-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1521161436714-D7WS6T8V6RV4ZIV3X6EI/IMG_4340.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Miss Rumphius and lupines! One of my children's much loved childhood books was Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney. In the story, the town librarian sets out to make the world a more beautiful place by planting lupine seeds wherever she goes. This made me wonder if we could have some of Miss Rumphius' beautiful lupines on our farm. Have started seedlings in the greenhouse from seeds obtained on the "exchange" of the Seed Savers. We have Suzanne Ashworth to thank for sharing her purple wild lupine seeds with us! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/3/11/if-its-not-in-the-soil monthly 0.5 2018-03-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1520775941457-TFD5U30GXCO13BXPFK77/IMG_4268.jpg More Questions than Answers! - If it's not in the soil... ...then it's not in your food, and if it's not in your food, it's not in YOU! How true this is....and it IS all about your soil's health. This year, rather than throwing on all manner of organic supplements, I am being more strategic. And that starts with sending in soil samples for testing. Logan Labs, based in Lakeview Ohio, does a terrific job in sending you a complete analysis of your soil, and all within 3-5 days! Now to decipher it... http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/3/4/brodheadthe-spring-break-capital-of-the-world monthly 0.5 2018-03-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1520172912437-HQ33H5NABRDYO6ENTWQK/Junco+%28Wikipedia%29.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Brodhead...the spring break capital of the world? There are literally hundreds of these Dark-eyed Juncos under our bird feeders, devouring anything that the woodpeckers let fall. Why all the sudden activity? Although they've been here since October, they seem much more active, perhaps getting ready for their April journey home to the woods of northern Canada where they will breed. Is it possible that they are the original "snowbirds"? (image courtesy of Wikipedia) http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/2/26/itching-for-spring monthly 0.5 2018-03-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1519686119783-70O4KOA6L6S4Q5W7VQZQ/IMG_4238.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Itching for Spring! The longer days and milder weather are making me long for spring! Hyacinth bulbs growing in water has me wondering if that would work with lily of the valley? Filled the Wordian case with herb seedlings to see if they would thrive. The grow lights in the barn, as seen in the background, are providing spring-like conditions for onions, leeks, kohlrabi, celery and a variety of herbs and flowers. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/2/18/lime-basil monthly 0.5 2018-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1518993464055-UC4GWFS1SUI89K6UQHBA/IMG_4138.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Lime basil.... or Ocimum americanum has a zesty lime flavor and aroma! It is delicious in salads, salsa, and fish and chicken dishes...and the plant is more heat tolerant than sweet basil. I started this one from seeds obtained from the Seed Savers Exchange. These plants were started earlier than normal, in order to be ready for Operation Jason....a plant give-away at Calihan Catering on May 11, to honor the memory of a friend and former employee. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/2/12/right-on-schedule monthly 0.5 2018-02-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1518462103573-NS990Y4ORNP4KXKBGJCL/IMG_4111.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Right on schedule! These trays of onions and leeks look right on schedule. If the weather cooperates, they'll go in the ground the first week of April. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/2/5/hard-to-believe monthly 0.5 2018-02-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1517841860981-MHKY755WGBGUM5YATUTQ/IMG_3937.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Hard to believe... that we'll be planting onions in just 8 weeks! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/1/27/operation-jason-has-begun monthly 0.5 2018-01-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1517094238536-3I09NYCOKY66KS40BNSE/IMG_3853.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Operation Jason has begun! To honor a friend and former employee of Calihan Catering, we want to celebrate Jason's memory on May 11 with plants from the farm. Seedlings have already been started in the greenhouse, and a carload of flowers and vegetables will be arriving for all our employees in the hopes that they will be planted and enjoyed throughout Chicago this growing season. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2018/1/6/its-an-exciting-time monthly 0.5 2018-01-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1515256554996-S7M94E0EXFRUCQZ9PWZ0/IMG_3675.jpg More Questions than Answers! - It's an exciting time.... ...as the first of my seed orders arrives! High Mowing, Seed Savers, and Hudson Valley Seed have received the remainder of my orders this year. I have to limit myself to just four vendors, or I'd spend all winter with my nose in seed catalogs and no orders placed! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/12/31/the-countdown-has-begun monthly 0.5 2018-01-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1514767963148-NWAMOZI0V1ZX7WMVL8SJ/clock.jpg More Questions than Answers! - The countdown has begun.... ...and it's time for those New Year's resolutions. At Walnut Hill Farm we are hoping to fill our bee hive, add more raised beds, develop our "secret garden" complete with pond, finish the Cornell (Lab of Ornithology) course and be able to identify all 66 birds who might frequent our feeders, make great compost in our new bins, and keep everyone up to date on our Instagram account. Happy New Year to all and may each of you be showered with special blessings in 2018!   http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/12/30/hats-off-to-the-workhorses-of-the-garden monthly 0.5 2017-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1514668203743-9QP9ODIQER6TVQIMXEWL/IMG_3507.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Hats off to the workhorses of the garden! There are nearly 7000 species of worms on our planet, but the two that we want in our garden are the burrowing and feeding kind. Often referred to as Nature's plow, the burrowing worm aerates the soil, creating horizontal pathways underground. The feeding worms thrive on decaying organic matter and leave rich worm castings behind, providing a wonderful natural fertilizer. The worms pictured above are red wigglers. They live in worm bins in the greenhouse, consume half their weight in kitchen scraps each day and double their population in 90 days! Their favorite foods are the melon rinds and avocado skins, but they'll eat most everything we toss in. Hats off to these hard working friends of our farm! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/12/24/merry-christmas monthly 0.5 2017-12-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1514123502160-GZ13NZE3HKG91WDLMLVS/IMG_0824.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Merry Christmas! This fall we planted our "forever" Christmas tree! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/12/22/how-does-it-know monthly 0.5 2017-12-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1513947935657-304I89D4KGL8Z1FEPU5Y/IMG_3438.jpg More Questions than Answers! - How does it know? How does it know just when to open? This Schlumbergera is a small genus of cacti found in the coastal mountains of Brazil. This one spends most of the year on a bottom shelf in the greenhouse, neglected and ignored. But each Christmas, as if by magic, its blooms unfold, creating magnificent color for our holiday table! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/12/19/keeping-deer-out-of-the-orchard monthly 0.5 2017-12-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1513724363894-GFKT98P8SVJLZNGWSN21/IMG_3387.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Keeping deer out of the orchard... has been a real challenge this past year. We have been using an inexpensive solution of 25 lb. fishing line strung at 1 foot intervals between 8 foot stakes. When the deer strolls into the line, his automatic reaction is to back up. But not before breaking a line or two. Last weekend I spent hours restringing the "fence." Although the barrier has never been completely "breached" it does require regular attention. Perhaps a real fence is the answer? http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/12/18/christmas-came-early-to-walnut-hill-farm monthly 0.5 2017-12-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1513628987185-4AZGUB0PCH7UP3MUCIIA/IMG_3424.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Christmas came early to Walnut Hill Farm... ...when Conrad delivered an "insect hotel!" When filled with lots of natural materials, creating nooks and crannies, this bug mansion will provide deluxe accommodations for the beneficial insects, who, in return, will provide pollination and pest predation. Can't wait to "decorate" it! Merry Christmas, Conrad, and thank you! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/12/3/delicious-addition-to-our-salads-all-winter-long monthly 0.5 2017-12-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1512341015639-NTNA4UGFFBDGYSBOYOLS/IMG_3263.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Delicious addition to our salads all winter long! A passive hydroponic system in the greenhouse produces a variety of microgreens in less than 2 weeks! This Spicy Micro Mix from Johnny's Seed includes a colorful blend of red and green mustards...and it pairs beautifully with their Mild Micro Mix of Mizuna, Cabbage, Kale, and Kohlrabi. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/11/27/buttoned-up-for-winter monthly 0.5 2017-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1511832651790-RCGLO3NY6H5HEZQK8CHO/Image.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Buttoned up for winter! All the beds have been "put to bed" for the winter. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/11/27/last-harvest monthly 0.5 2017-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1511832565861-Z42YPGCX3DKRFSVB96A8/IMG_3194+2.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Last harvest The remaining carrots, beets, and kohlrabi were harvested this weekend and were a wonderful complement to our Thanksgiving dinner! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/11/5/last-walnut monthly 0.5 2017-11-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1509892752757-V9ANCRITLDUAQ0LXOTIW/IMG_3002.JPG More Questions than Answers! - Last walnut.... is holding on! But all of the others have fallen and these Black Walnut tress are bare. Winter is not far behind! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/10/14/its-all-about-the-soil monthly 0.5 2017-10-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1508017293027-21EITA25M3PE4C4IARD6/IMG_2865.JPG More Questions than Answers! - It's all about the soil... ...and nothing will build up the soil better than rich organic matter. These new bins behind the barn will ensure a steady supply of compost for my beds. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/10/8/local-landmark-the-half-way-tree monthly 0.5 2017-10-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1507471185084-3IWBCXM5IABZ93LQJTLO/Image.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Local Landmark - The Half-Way Tree This BUR OAK marks the halfway point between LAKE MICHIGAN and the MISSISSIPPI RIVER. Paced off by Indian runners and confirmed by U.S.Survey in 1832. (Spring Grove Township - Green County, Wisconsin). http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/10/1/getting-ready-to-plant-the-garlic monthly 0.5 2017-10-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1506901096819-FYW93VUOZP3YLY5ABVTM/Image.jpg More Questions than Answers! - Getting ready to plant the garlic! BEFORE and AFTER pics! Each of the beds needs to be cleared of all the dead plant debris and prepared for our fall planting of garlic. I am adding 3 inches of mushroom compost to each bed. Couldn't bring myself to rip out the blooms just yet....but when we plant the garlic, we'll switch out the marigolds for some bulbs that will bloom in the spring! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/9/30/the-sunchokes-are-magnificent monthly 0.5 2017-09-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1506808241636-4BSTICQNBDWEU58TL51W/IMG_2765.JPG More Questions than Answers! - The sunchokes are magnificent! They finally opened! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/9/19/what-are-these-plants monthly 0.5 2017-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1505851411129-NKMXGTHEL0J84ODGM5VQ/sunchokes.JPG More Questions than Answers! - What are these plants... ...that tower over us at 10 to 12 feet tall, and fill up half of a 20 foot bed? They are Jerusalem artichokes (Helianthus tuberosus), commonly known as sunchokes. I am growing them at the request of family members who fell in love with the delicate flavor of this root vegetable when traveling in California. It's a species of sunflower native to the eastern part of our country. The tuber should be ready to harvest next summer and, in the meantime, I shall have to content myself to wait for the blooms that should appear before the frost! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/9/5/culinary-lavender monthly 0.5 2017-09-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1504646848305-B1MDBITUSOFMO6CBE16F/IMG_2540.JPG More Questions than Answers! - Culinary lavender Here John is selecting lavender for a chocolate lavender cake he's hoping to make! This bed, right outside our front door, makes for a heavenly scent! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/8/27/very-tempting monthly 0.5 2017-08-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1503857389814-W6XKIZNMBWEKAJOGBGN5/IMG_2447.JPG More Questions than Answers! - Very tempting... and although it looks ripe, it still needs a few more weeks. One way to tell is by taste; another is by the color of the seeds inside. Ripe apples will have dark brown seeds. Light seeds mean the apple still has some maturing to do. Patience is a virtue.... http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/8/22/one-of-our-native-flowers monthly 0.5 2017-08-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1503431652113-YJXT0V691YKMBAEGB5SL/IMG_2418.JPG More Questions than Answers! - One of our native flowers.... Rudbeckia hirta, commonly called black-eyed-Susan, is a North American flowering plant in the sunflower family, native to Eastern and Central North America and naturalized in the Western part of the continent as well as in China. Wikipedia http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/8/17/walnut-hill monthly 0.5 2017-08-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1503002690985-992164YJZOL1V86D1MEV/IMG_2343.JPG More Questions than Answers! - Walnut Hill? The farm is named for the stand of young black walnut trees at the top of the drive. Juglans nigra, or black walnut, can present challenges for the farmer. The trees are allelopathic, which means they release chemicals from their deep roots which exude a natural herbicide called juglone. Juglone can kill or stunt the growth of many of the garden's fruits and vegetables. The plentiful trees informed our decision to construct raised beds in the vegetable garden. We look forward to harvesting the nuts of these fascinating trees this fall. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/8/14/a-real-farm-to-table-dinner monthly 0.5 2017-08-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1502717992751-DREYDB3HXKYRLNCK5KUE/image-asset.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - A real Farm to Table Dinner.... on the river in downtown Chicago...and in honor of our special guest from the Pacific Northwest! Everything served, with the exception of the salmon and blueberries, had been harvested from Walnut Hill Farm the day before! Bruschetta - A mix of heirloom tomatoes and Genovese basil atop grilled garlic knots Beet Salad with Chevre - Bull's Blood and Detroit Red beets Pacific Wild Salmon on bed of grilled onions and squash - Walla Walla onions, Dark Star zucchini and Yellow Crookneck squash, Maxibel Haricot Verts, and Danvers 126 carrots Zucchini Bread Blueberries topped with Greek Yogurt and served with Chocolate Garlic truffles http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/8/13/a-sea-of-tomatoes monthly 0.5 2017-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1502632406767-ZA7D9FU74SMF6BHNID8Z/image-asset.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - A ton of tomatoes? Not quite! How many tomatoes will one tomato plant yield? I was hoping to have an answer by the end of this summer. Although I thought I'd be more diligent and weigh all of my produce each week, I found it easier to do a simple count. I can backtrack at the end of the season and divide by the number of plants. To date, I've harvested 502 of these beauties! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/8/9/experimenting-with-hydroponics monthly 0.5 2017-08-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1502286765294-GA773WV6LYQVI0LLL61T/image-asset.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Experimenting with hydroponics These oakleaf lettuces are thriving in the greenhouse and are ready to harvest in 28 days. Perhaps they are a solution for winter salads. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/8/8/planting-for-a-fall-harvest monthly 0.5 2017-08-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1502216668714-6ZOSXFZS60LR5OBY486N/image-asset.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Planting for a fall harvest... Once garlic and onions have been harvested, beds are planted with a fall harvest in mind. Kohlrabi, beets, carrots, spinach, kale, and a variety of lettuces should keep us going through November! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/8/1/mmmmmmmm monthly 0.5 2017-08-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1501621554813-OGLKSTUV694SL5YDHGLF/image-asset.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Mmmmmmmm..... .....mmmmmm...good! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/7/23/hidden-treasures monthly 0.5 2017-07-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1500818361441-SQ1GH0NRCY5E3YOSQNM1/image-asset.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Hidden treasures.... When preparing one of the beds for replanting, I discovered this nest of bunnies just below the surface. I count six...and one has her eyes open, so I'm thinking they're about 10 days old. This means they are almost old enough to be moving on! Now I know why my beet leaves continue to be devoured each evening. Mama has stayed close to her babies! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/7/19/mid-summer-bounty-1 monthly 0.5 2017-07-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1500469019015-SATB0IQXGANWRD8IIMST/image-asset.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Mid-summer bounty! From arugula to zucchini...and so many delicious things in between! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/7/18/first-annual-garlic-fest monthly 0.5 2017-07-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1500381634609-TC30MWTV72DK5BP7MD65/image-asset.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - First Annual Garlic Fest.... was a huge success! Thank you to all who helped! And now to decide...what to plant in those empty beds! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/7/7/the-scapes-have-been-cut monthly 0.5 2017-07-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1499460729876-1C8VA5XF2L3O16L1DHTO/image-asset.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - The scapes have been cut... ...and enjoyed! And we seem to be on schedule for harvesting garlic next weekend. Garlic scapes are the flower bud of the garlic plant. I removed the buds several weeks ago to encourage the bulbs to thicken up. Scapes make a fabulous addition to a flower arrangement with their elegant twirls, and they are absolutely delicious to eat! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/7/4/heres-to-our-red-white-blue monthly 0.5 2017-07-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1499173150341-RL6DFSOFKIGPBB8ED688/image-asset.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Here's to our red, white & blue! Happy 4th of July to all! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/7/2/he-cant-get-enough-of-them monthly 0.5 2017-07-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1499002742265-ZZJ9NEC0T928NA91QUND/image-asset.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - He can't get enough of them.... ...he is crazy about beets! He's eaten their tender leaves as soon as they sprout, ignoring the carrots and lettuces nearby. After replanting 3 times, I finally fashioned a cage out of chicken wire to protect my young crop. This past week he made mischief with my cages, prying the edges up and crawling though the tunnel. Needing to know exactly who this nightly marauder is...I set up the time lapse camera which took a picture every 60 seconds from 8PM to 5AM. BUSTED! Makes me think that we haven't really been fair to poor Mr. McGregor! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/6/22/summer-solstice-may-have-come-and-gone monthly 0.5 2017-06-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1498137962967-KW63IAHT47218D98QEYO/image-asset.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Summer solstice may have come and gone.... but the best is yet to come! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/6/18/the-first-to-appear monthly 0.5 2017-06-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1497790698960-FWUOQ1JK3AJS8RBB26SD/image-asset.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - The first to appear.... is a Cherokee Purple! Can't wait! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/6/12/lunch-from-the-garden monthly 0.5 2017-06-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1497269738463-IIFPLR1Y2VFB6362Q7QD/image-asset.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Lunch from the garden! It is such a delight to be able to harvest fresh ingredients for our summer meals! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/6/7/the-last-kohlrabi monthly 0.5 2017-06-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1496863054601-ZF1M9RHU6A7W17BPKJSF/image-asset.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - The last of the kohlrabi... The last kohlrabi is harvested, bringing the total to over 50 pounds! It is such an efficient vegetable...ready to be harvested just when you need the space for tomatoes and cucumbers. Chef Mario made an exquisite soup with some of them, something that may be duplicated during opera season. Will plan to start seedlings in August so that they can be in the ground by September 1. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/4/3/seedlings monthly 0.5 2017-04-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1491249732818-GYRSR665IT2ER85789XD/image-asset.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Seedlings! Kohlrabi, basil, tomatoes and peppers on their way! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/3/20/spring-is-here monthly 0.5 2017-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1490020165180-2AWOI0F7PPZ2W867CCAV/Spring.JPG More Questions than Answers! - Spring is here! Yesterday's beautiful sunset bade farewell to winter and today we officially welcome spring! All over the world, days and nights are approximately equal, as the Earth's two hemispheres are receiving the Sun's rays about equally because the tilt of the Earth is zero relative to the sun. The Old Farmer's Almanac http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2017/3/15/perfect-temperatures monthly 0.5 2017-03-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1489608474124-BWFG9W0BXTRMPPSIBC66/image-asset.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Perfect temperatures.... It may be 19 degrees outside, but it's averaging 68 degrees in the greenhouse and even warmer in the sun! Perfect temperatures to start our tomato and pepper seeds! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2016/11/25/much-to-be-thankful-for-1 monthly 0.5 2016-11-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1480084144795-QYMUSH4DIFAMCBV0NH83/image-asset.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Much to be thankful for! Here John and Nash harvest Brussels sprouts for the Thanksgiving feast at Walnut Hill Farm. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2016/11/14/first-frost monthly 0.5 2016-11-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1479153877697-3MQ9ZOIBDEOKAYAZ1Q2T/image-asset.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - First frost! Our first real frost arrived at the farm this weekend. Fortunately, Brussels sprouts can withstand frost and can be harvested until a hard freeze strikes. The best-quality sprouts are produced during sunny days with light frosts at night. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2016/10/31/horseradish-1 monthly 0.5 2016-10-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1477950807248-9RJARZSM283DHCHWMSVL/image-asset.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Horseradish Here, John takes a break to inspect one of the horseradish plants which will be harvested in the early spring. Hundreds of garlic bulbs were planted at the farm this weekend and we look forward to harvesting these in mid-July. Planning a "Garlic Festival" then might be an idea....to attract some additional help! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2016/9/19/the-season-is-changing-1 monthly 0.5 2016-09-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1474313405118-7PY5LSTUTXDXTL0SS8T5/IMG_0457.JPG More Questions than Answers! - The season is changing.... ....and our growing season will soon be over! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2016/9/15/friend-in-the-greenhouse monthly 0.5 2016-09-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1473946336732-T8UAXKDOQ7H77KMKGKZA/image-asset.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Friend in the greenhouse! Mr. Toad has found his favorite place to perch...on the leaves of an orchid plant. Am hoping to find him a friend! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2016/9/15/watermelon monthly 0.5 2016-09-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1473946159209-07OCZ5MAMS3PBPR9CZNG/image-asset.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Watermelon! Labor Day weekend marked the watermelon harvest...a most delicious chore! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2016/8/30/ll775dy00cpuxzf8w8gd8o9rm5yuyi monthly 0.5 2016-08-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1472574467238-5MGJ8QT0JGBJO0RCJYW2/image-asset.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Tomato time! Dr. Grace Charles of Steamboat Naturopathic visits Walnut Hill Farm for a few days to help with the harvest! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2016/8/30/keeping-it-tidy monthly 0.5 2016-08-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1472573734800-3660SQ601C45TBEGXXOV/image-asset.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Keeping it tidy Pam Swisher of Union Square Events helps in tidying up after the weekend harvest! http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/whf-blog/2016/8/13/public-enemy-1 monthly 0.5 2016-09-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1472572830276-2GUCAA305KFVT0RPFH4K/image-asset.jpeg More Questions than Answers! - Public Enemy #1 John inspects this colorful caterpillar and soon realizes it is the dreaded hornworm. This pest is the Tobacco Hornworm, as identified by his 7 stripes, and is capable of decimating whole tomato or pepper plants in no time! Nash and Katrina spent a morning picking them off by hand, but it's a challenge because of their incredible ability to blend into the foliage. An organic solution will be used to spray the plants with bacillus thuringiensis (BT), a natural and safe microbial pesticide. http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/new-page-1 daily 0.75 2024-03-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1619958892172-AVHUFGZDNRCH3VE56112/duU%25P6jTQ4uQu9bLNtGLLA.jpg Jason's Garden http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/home daily 1.0 2024-03-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1710080975843-X1VQBI4QHLCJ2MCU5SRH/IMG_1937.JPG Walnut Hill Farm http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/new-page daily 0.75 2024-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1620061436666-GRJJYE061AGUIP3K4L7N/image.jpg Contact http://www.walnuthillfarmwisconsin.com/csa daily 0.75 2025-06-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55d32e45e4b0cb4273741ff7/1619924274772-CP6T3L6F4RZG1BBEVX5X/image.jpg CSA