Organic farming

Organic farming takes a bit of a vision . . . and as it turns out you have to outsmart goats and chickens. You may laugh at that, and a few years ago I would too, but critters have an amazing ability to strategize their way through life. At the other place, I had a nice little herb garden and strawberry bed that the goats simply could not access. Now chickens on the other hand were a bit of a problem until I got one of those "bird nets" to put over them. It seems the bright red berries draw birds and turtles. Goats love any kind of fruit leaf, but they weren't the problem at EinGedi.

When the strawberries began to ripen, I just had to pick them and let them finish ripening in my kitchen window. I was amazed that they still surpassed store bought in flavor and fragrance. Then I moved to Goshen, and it's been a new experience in being outsmarted every year, regarding my attempt at a strawberry bed. This year, by the grace of our Creator, I have a special little tucked away spot that the chickens don't know about and goats can't reach, and I have two cats that love the orchard and their presence serves as a real deterent to birds and traveling turtles. I feel blessed!

I didn't realize this new strawberry bed would be productive at all this year, but so far I've picked a dozen strawberries. That's where the visionary part comes in. As I planted each of those little bedding starts, I pictured them spreading out and becoming a full fledged strawberry bed that would provide enough for preserves and a couple pies a year. A dozen might not seem like much, but it's 1200% more than I expected! And, so far, no buddy is beating me to them.

This is a homestead harvest berry, and I thought setting it next to the measuring cup would give a perspective. I'm excited! I couldn't believe the fragrance of a vine ripened organic strawberry.