Crop Mob 2: helping on Seldom Seen Farm

Thanks to all who came to give their time and energy on John and Kelly’s farm last Sunday for our first Crop Mob. We had about 60 folks who built crates from old pallets and harvested all the onions and shallots before sorting and stacking them all in the crates for curing. Others weeded and put down straw mulch on the vegetable beds. We had a celebrity appearance from little Laila, still sporting that cute head of spiky red hair, transported in the arms of Grandma ( John’s mom Pam). Finally, many thanks to Neil & Lindy Brown, owners of Pizzology in Carmel, who donated the excellent pizzas and salads for supper.

For this Sunday's second Crop Mob, volunteers are welcome! A suggested schedule as follows:

Work shifts will be 9 AM to noon and 1-5 PM. Lunch will be served at noon for the morning shift, and pizza provided at 5 for the afternoon shift. I will again need 2-3 folks to make sandwiches starting at 11:30, and someone willing to pick up carryout pizzas around 4:30.

As always, come prepared with sunhats, bandannas, ice water, sunscreen/insect repellent and work gloves. Weather should be dry, with a high of 90 but humidity dropping throughout the afternoon.

Work needs in order of priority:

1.Potato harvesting. Bring a potato fork if you own one.
2. Block hoeing the broccoli and related veggies. Bring a hoe if you own one.
3. Stringing up tomato vines
4. Thinning beets, and depending on the condition of the thinned plants, transplanting them to a new spot
5. Possible tractor work for someone experienced with running one

6. Pulling up plastic sheeting and drip hose in the onion field

7. Compost turning

8. Mowing

Please let us know by Saturday afternoon if you can help so that we can plan for meals and work assignments: 317.733.9311 or info [at] valentinehillfarm.com

Best way to get directions is www.mapquest.com/. The farm address is 2525 N County Road 425 E, Danville, IN 46122

Please remember that if you can’t help with physical labor, you can always help by sending prayers, positive thoughts, and healing energy to Kelly and her family. Donations are welcome to the Kelly Funk Recovery Fund. Also, consider taking some of your grocery dollars to the Seldom Seen Farm stand at Broad Ripple Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings and helping John and Kelly by supporting their business.