Few things make me smile like a fat praying mantis and a compost pile. Earlier this week, imagine my luck, I got to take in both at once (see left). The praying mantis population has been delightfully robust all season, and we’ve started noticing some egg sacks popping up around the farm. With a new force of baby mantises in the making, it already feels like next season’s pest control is off to a strong start.
The compost windrow gurgling on the edge of the farm holds similar promise. Comprised mostly of manure and bedding from our neighbor’s cows, the compost should add a healthy boost to next year’s tomato field when we spread it in the spring.
While it’s nice to daydream about next season with a potential hurricane breathing down our necks, worry not. We haven’t forgotten to take care of this year’s fall crops (well, not entirely). We’re just crossing our fingers that they weather the storm. If you feel like crossing yours for us, too, I’m sure it couldn’t hurt.