Farming Through Winter
We wrote a long detailed post about the challenges of winter farming but, with our imperfect technology, we lost the draft.
The gist of our message was that winter farming is hard, it poses unique challenges, and, if you’ve suspected that we aren’t harvesting “enough” lately, you’re correct. We lost some crops to the cold and to disease pressure. We were not completely prepared for the early and harshly cold temperatures this winter season, we were understaffed through much of the late fall, and we are paying for that now.
BUT!! All is not lost. We are continuing to harvest loads of delicious lettuces and leafy greens from the greenhouse. We still have a healthy supply of sweet, sweet carrots, turnips, and radishes from the garden. And, though our broccoli, cauliflower, collards, cabbage, and romanesco have been scarce lately, we have many many more brassicas that will be ready to harvest soon!
Looking ahead: We plan to continue harvesting lettuces, greens, roots, and brassicas into spring and early summer. And as our spring crops begin to come in, you will see garlic, onions, and taters followed by squash. And then we’ll harvest beans and cukes and peppers and, of course, tomatoes! (We already have over 1000 tomato plants started, and that’s just the beginning!)
Here at the farm, “Eating the Seasons” requires us to respect Mother Nature and to appreciate the flavors, textures, and challenges that each season delivers. And it demands we take lessons from each season so that we can do better the next. It is a never-ending cycle and a humbling journey.
THANK YOU for supporting our farming adventures. Your loyalty during these “down” times allows us to keep growing (and keep our team employed!) year round. We are honored to feed you and your families, and we are looking forward to a delicious year!
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