The start of the season is always charged with energy and anticipation.  There is the return of the familiar; the routine, but there is also the excitement and energy of the new and unknown. Seasons inevitably come and go, but within that certainty there is the uncertainty of weather—rain, wind, drought, unseasonable temperatures—be they high or low. A farmer’s life is simultaneously predictable and unpredictable.  It is a dance of habits, plans, and practices moving to a mercurial beat governed by the weather, pests, disease…needless to say, each season is different. Each season brings its triumphs and challenges, situations to learn from and move forward.

The hardships of last year push us to better ourselves and our understanding. How can we better ensure healthy crops, healthy soil?? What can we do to prevent weed and pest pressure in sustainable ways?? We are constantly learning, as we try new methods, perhaps fail, and then try again. It is a dance of resilience and growth, especially as factors outside our control, like rainfall, grow increasingly unpredictable.

Here we are, taking the first step into the 2024 growing season. This week we’re seeding tomatoes for the greenhouses, watering and tending to our overwintered flowers, and gearing up for an onslaught of seeding. This month we’ll begin seeding and transplanting in earnest, get the tunnels ready for planting, and start working on readying our fields if the ground is dry enough. We’ve got lots of exciting things planned for this year—stay tuned to the newsletters to learn more.