Jason and I are hoping to finish the toolbox project by Thursday and will perhaps transport the box down to the farm site by Friday. Three main objectives need to be completed in order to consider the project finished. These objectives include:

1. Installing the hinges for the lid

2. Installing a latch and lock

3. Painting the outside of the box with an oil-based primer for protection

We are considering the addition of locking hinges or a rod that would be used to prop the lid of the box open so that people can reach into it without the effort of holding the lid open. The lid is heavy and would be difficult to juggle as one reaches for tools.

It is quite cold in the mornings and then warms up in the afternoon until after sunset. Also, the winter has not brought a great deal of precipitation. This, in turn, has allowed the soil to dry out enough for us to overturn small sections of sod as we investigate a method for seedbed preparation. It will be important to find a method that can be replicated and scaled up.

Many people have made the suggestion of simply cutting the layer of sod; turning it over (upside-down) and placing it back in the same place. Indeed, this is an effective method and great option for people working with a uniform sod layer that might be encountered on a lawn. However, our situation is different because the soil was tilled (shallowly) in early November in hopes of disturbing the sod and encouraging it to decompose. Since then, a portion of the sod has decomposed while other parts have re-rooted. The soil is loose and un-uniform, and when sod is removed it removes a portion of soil near the root system. We are certain that we want to avoid removing the soil along with living organic matter in the process of preparing beds. However, without further decomposition it will be difficult to prepare appropriate seedbeds. While we have dry soil we will continue to explore hand-cultivation methods that could prove useful for laborers and safe for the living soil.

Toolbox With Lid

Edges of the Toolbox Lid Extend to Allow Water to Run Off the Sides and Front

Another View of the Box

E
Example of Un-uniform Sod