Update

The strawberry harvest this year was historically early. It went from May 12th to June 12th., which was a month earlier than last year. Also, irrigation was used 11 times to prevent large amounts of bloom loss to freezing temperatures. Now it is summer that the plants are fighting for water in a hot dry summer. I will be posting pictures from this spring.

Picture Update

Lots of pictures of a busy and productive berry season this May and June.

Easing into the spring season

Seems like we are easing into spring a little at a time this year. I know it is nearing the end of April, but I had ice outside the other morning. I have nearly doubled the strawberry patch with a new planting. Spring planting is slow getting on, and now the rain has completely stopped all farming activity for now. My strawberries look in great shape, but they will be coming on about 2 weeks later than usual. Probably around June 11th. I left the straw on longer to slow down the new growth, and I succeeded in delaying the blooming and hopefully missing the frosts.

Plans

My plans are to eventually grow many crops in addition to the strawberries. In the meanwhile, I plan to learn all I can about sustainable fruit and vegetable production.

A new local produce business

Sam's Garden Farm is an all-natural, chemical-free produce farm in Northern Peoria County.
My main farm is 3 miles south of West Jersey, Illinois and then 3/4 miles east on Walnut Creek Road. I have planted nearly a half acre of junebearing strawberries. I will be continually be working on this blog as well as on my website samsgardenfarm.yolasite.com
email any questions to samsgardenfarm@gmail.com