It’s with a bit of mixed feelings that I announce that we are officially selling our place. We’ve been wavering back and forth all summer about this. The main (and probably only) reason for selling is that we are planning on moving back to Southern Ontario. Both my and my wife’s families are there and we’ve known in the back of our minds that moving back there in the future was a distinct possibility. This past season farming here in Ottawa has been a wonderful experience. If I could move all of our family here, rather than us moving there I would do it in a second. I think the market opportunity for a small vegetable farm in Ottawa is fabulous. I’m a bit scared of the thought of starting the same thing up near London, Ontario where there are far more vegetable farms already and less people overall. But, I think with the right perseverance and planning it can be done.
We’re also going to be very sad to leave behind all the great friends that we’ve made over the past decade living in Ottawa. The consolation for me at least is that I expect to be doing a significant amount of non-farming work in the Ottawa area for some time to come. I would even consider traveling back to Ottawa occasionally for work in order to make starting a farm near London a real possibility
In other news, we’ve been getting a couple light frosts over the past 2 weeks and that has been a good thing for many of the fall crops. The cabbage and carrots have been tasting fabulous. I have been having some difficulty in deciding what should go into the CSA boxes the last 2 weeks mainly because there are just so many different things to choose from. I am trying to balance between giving too much of 1 thing and too many different things (and not enough of any). Feedback on this is welcome.
Tonight we are expecting -1 C and the long term forcast has nights of -2 C in the near future. I’m not really sure where things like beets and carrots get damaged by frost, but I’m starting to think of getting everything out and into the cold room. The cold room is still only 8 C, but in the next couple of weeks the temperature should start to drop in there.
This morning I took out the rest of the potatoes:
I could have easily planted 5 times as many. I stopped bringing them to the market in August already and I’ve only been giving the CSA boxes potatoes every other week. I guess I didn’t expect them to be as popular as they are.
Oh, another bit if news is that I stopped going to both markets (Stittsville and Carleton Place) because we were busy getting the house and yard cleaned up. Instead I decided to expand the CSA shares for the last 4 weeks. I’ve added 2 new families who will be getting a decent sized box of veggies for the fall weeks.
Finally, here’s a picture of the chickens in their new digs. They are now making their way through the garden in the areas where crops are done. right now their cleaning up around the asparagus and finishing off any leftover zucchini and squash.
Gresz Says:
October 6th, 2008 at 7:37 pmVisit Gresz
Chris/Amanda,
I’ve been following this blog (read everything from the start) and was wondering what you were going to do. I hope you continued the growing/farming as I need someone to learn from when I start a garden (on a much smaller scale) here in my London front yard in a month or two. Gotta start a blog soon…
Went to an orchard for apple tasting (hundreds of different types) this Sunday. Couldn’t believe how they could all taste so different. Got a couple of trees in the garden already but want two more apples, two pear trees, and maybe a plum.
Best of luck for your family on the sale and move back to Southern Ontario.
aaron Says:
October 6th, 2008 at 8:04 pmVisit aaron
Hey bro,
Let us know when we can sign up for veggies in London! It’ll be good to have you guys nearby. Bitter-sweet for you though I’m sure.
Martin Says:
October 6th, 2008 at 11:51 pmVisit Martin
Booooooh!!! I am rescinding all my offers to help in the new location.
Erika Says:
October 7th, 2008 at 1:49 pmVisit Erika
Hi Chris and Amanda,
Wow! Didn’t realize this would happen so soon, sounds like it will be good for the family though. Having the kids and grandparents in the same area is important, congratulations!
Perhaps we can get together before the big move,
Erika
Ian Says:
October 10th, 2008 at 11:30 pmVisit Ian
Chris and Amanda,
I can’t believe the amazing work you have done. I have been periodically keeping an eye on the blog, and am amazed at the variety of foods you have grown all year. I am sure you enjoyed the farm very much, and I certainly hope you keep it up, here in Southern ON! Welcome back,
ian
PS - Would you consider future deliveries to K-W??? Just kidding!
Congrats on your successful year!
Mike (tfb) Says:
January 31st, 2009 at 4:42 pmVisit Mike (tfb)
Hey Chris,
Wow, your move, that’s interesting! (I haven’t been around to read other blogs in a while…) If you’ve dropped by TFB recently, you know I’m moving as well. Kinda funny how some many things we’re doing can be similar!
Then again, that’s tiny farming!
So I take it you are continuing to farm. That’s cool. It’ll be interesting to watch your second start!!
Happy farming!!!
MIke
Farmer John Says:
March 6th, 2009 at 8:04 pmVisit Farmer John
It can be so hard to leave behind a piece of land you have put so much work into. We have done it 2 times now and are facing it again this summer. I’ve done so much work on the soil alone, not to mention the chicken coops and other building. BUT there is a great deal of excitement surrounding new opportunities on new land. New discoveries and new friends to meet. You will succeed. Farmers of made of something different than most.
Spoonfed Says:
March 24th, 2009 at 5:10 pmVisit Spoonfed
Hi Chris and Amanda,
This is really inspiring stuff, good luck at the new place. Thanks for sharing all the details, it’s been really interesting reading. I hope you keep it all up.
Martha Says:
April 9th, 2009 at 4:14 pmVisit Martha
I would think twice too or even thrice for giving up a farm like what you have. The land is so fertile and your produce is great. But it is true that sometimes, you need to make tough decision about two aspects of your life. Well, good luck and may you always be happy as ever.
Deane Says:
August 20th, 2009 at 8:45 pmVisit Deane
I love your beautiful photos - the pictures of tomatoes made my mouth water! The best of luck on your move and sale of your house.
Christian Says:
September 29th, 2009 at 8:43 pmVisit Christian
Hi, We’re located in London Ontario. I’m curious, how has your move been. How are things now in London area?
Land investments Says:
October 28th, 2009 at 10:18 amVisit Land investments
Hope you do well with your new start. Land will always provide you with a good investment.