Second Hilling, July 7th, 2010

We did it! The second hilling was completed on July 7th in about two hours time, and the hoses were moved onto our rows.  Many thanks to Derek, Jan and Mike for reconfiguring the water system for this year's crop layout, and to Charlie for arranging the filling of the water cistern. Scroll down for photos.

The plants had already started producing, as the odd baby spud was found near the surface. With hot sunny days now the norm, it was obvious that mulching, and getting the field watered as soon as possible should take place as soon as possible.

The plan was made to mulch on Sunday, July 11th at 8:30 am, then turn on the cistern tap! The idea of working before the sun gets too high in the sky was our motivation for picking this early start time, and six folks agreed to attend. 

We hoped that anyone who hadn't had the opportunity so far this year to participate in the field at least 3 out of the 4-5 times per season that SPUDS membership involves, and might be free on Sunday morning would join us for the mulching bee, bring a wheelbarrow, pitchfork along with the usual gloves, water, and a hat. About twice as many folks as expected showed up, and the following post will include that report, along with photos. 

Below- members at work busy hilling our 2010 crop for a second and final time, on July 7th
  

Above and Below: rolling out the hoses to position down each row

Above: Jan and Vern attach individual row drip hoses to main water line

 - group shot of hilling crew sharing fruit kabobs after their work is complete!
Jan, Bill, Charlie, Mike, Bob, Ron D, Karl, Vern and Susan Marie
 (missing from photo: Sheila and Ron who had just left, and Fireweed on camera)