What We're Doing:
It doesn't always pay to be early. In fact, in gardening it can be a disaster.
But no one knows the weather so maybe its worth the risk.
Well this week we planted out the first things in the field. Broccoli, Celery, Onions and several things that are seeded.
WE are on schedule, but spring it seems is not. At least its not on OUR schedule. This weekend is going to be frustratingly cold. And damp.
Because of that, we did our due diligence and covered all the planted crops with two layers of protection to give them a temperature boost. And now we will just wait and watch and stay busy doing what we can. Farming is risky and we know it. But we also believe that truly nourishing food is super important and so we go to the trouble of growing it well on our own fields. Sure there is some risk involved. But we firmly believe the risk of a few frost singed crops is much smaller then the risk of letting some anonymous corporation somewhere else grow and supply us with food of dubious quality. We feel secure in the risks we are taking.
Other then that main event, things are chugging along normally. After the temperature dip this weekend we will push chickens out onto pasture and all the garden prep will ramp up more dramatically! Fresh food is on the way!
How We're Feeling:
Dampened on the outside but warm on the inside. The chilly weather and nasty snow/sleet/rain thing is getting old. REAL spring weather would be such a lovely thing. Thankfully our crew is a very even keeled group and we're doing our best to dress appropriately and keep moving on the work.
We often say there is no bad weather, just poor clothing choices. So if we can make wise clothing choices (and drink lots of warm tea) that will be half the battle. And if we can remember that we farm for more eternal reasons then that might take care of the other half of the battle.
So things aren't too bad.
What We Need:
Sweaters and tea? We're actually doing ok.
I (Joel) am still often tempted to worry about the CSA signups. I KNOW that the second wave of signups always comes a tad later then I want, but patience is difficult. So if you're reading this, please tell your friends and neighbors that they don't need to eat food they are unsure about--we grow clean food they can trust and we deliver.
We don't need to worry about spring--she always comes. And if CSA members never come, well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Right now, there is still work to be done.
Here's a few pictures of the first little plantings being transplanted and then covered for the cold weekend ahead.
