Our 48X32 ft hoop house is up and the tomatoes are flowering amid cold weather. Our experience with the USDA people in North Little Rock, AR was great. They were helpful, knew what they were doing and were more like neighbors than bureaucrats. If they are going to help pay for it, they don't want to pay for trash that is going to blow away. We have been able to extend our tomato harvest and we will be able to plant lettuce for market all winter. They said this was a test to see if the value of an extended season would be worth the expense of the hoop house. In addition, they noticed that we were starting to build a sheep herd and told us about a pasture rotation program that would cut down parasite damage to our animals. They paid for the materials for building electric fenced paddocks that were secure and would enable us to move the animals every week, breaking the parasite cycle. We paid for or did the labor.I know all the arguments against letting the government help, but I see the government spending money on stuff I disapprove of and in this case, I appreciate the knowledge and financial help the guys at USDA provided locally.

I've just updated the list above. Also, I've sent directions to most people I thought would need them. If you haven't recieved directions and you still need them, just shoot me a quick email and I will get them out to you. Just be sure to know appx. where you are coming from. I'm still waiting to hear from some people as to what they are bringing for the pot luck as well, so be sure to send me an email if you still have a ??? by your name! Just a few days till the swap!!!!!! YAY!!!!! And it looks as if the weather's going to be perfect. Mid 70's and sunny! The pool is open if anyone wants to take a swim! See everyone Sunday! Tara

Yep, it has a name - Florida Weave. Used by many and generally works well. There are some great pics of it in some of the posts here. Search 'florida weave' if you want to take a look at them. You are right, in long rows additional poles are needed. ;) I had some 20 left-over plants and not enough cages for them this year so I rigged up a long FW row for them and set 6' T-posts every 3rd plant (every 6' or so). Working great so far but like yours, mine are still only about 3-4' tall. I think I still prefer my CRW cages though. ;) Dave

March,2011 will soon be history. It was a windy,snowy unsettled month in this area...quilting weather. However, I got very little sewing done. I did finish the Pineapple Blossom but most of it had been done earlier. I used 2 panels for baby quilts and have them sandwiched but that's it for them. I cut up another panel and made blocks and added sashings for a baby quilt and sandwiched the top, but no quilting done yet. I have enjoyed the posts here and looking at all the wonderful quilts. If there is a project you are doing in March,please post about it. It doesn't have to be finished and pics aren't necessary. I hope April is 'sewing-productive' for all of us. I may be at the garden a lot....can't wait for the snow to disappear. I also need to stock up on whites/neutrals/blenders, and when I go to quilt shops, I will be on the lookout for those. Have a 'quilty' day. ~Geraldine