Oysters...

Oyster Mushrooms that is. Dave started these mushrooms indoors in a cardboard box. Alternating layers of mushroom spore and wet straw were packed into the box and it was stashed in a dark closet for a month. Mycelium formed throughout the box and when it was moved into the sunlight the mushrooms emerged.

Mushroom spore are sprinkled in the box

Then damp straw is added

Once moved to the sunlight the mushrooms quickly fruit

They find the openings and weak spots in the box

Birds!!

We have some new additions on campus. These cute little chicks have moved from Dave's greenhouse to the chicken tractor (a cage that protects them while they're outside foraging).



Unfortunately one of the chicks escaped, and although it did a good job of hiding from those working in the garden it wasn't able to escape the sharp eyes of this hawk.

Hoop House

Dave has been busy with the hoop house. It's intended to extend our growing season and so far seems to be doing just that. It was set up last fall and seeds were started in March 2010. We've been enjoying fresh greens for lunch since mid-April! (The first succession of seeds were planted March 7, 2010 followed by plantings on March 11, 26, April 5, 7, 8

Back in March...



And now in mid-May...