We suppose it sounds better and maybe makes all of us feel a little better to say that the end of this year has really come out of nowhere. The truth being that in fact we saw it coming, day by day, week by week and month by month here we are. December is all but over and January is peeking out from around the corner just waiting to say hello. We have luckily done a pretty good job of wrapping up the farm tasks for the season. Nearly all the row cover is out of the elements and hanging safely in the tunnels. We moved the second caterpillar tunnel this past week just in time to protect our precious spinach from the approaching cold. There still remains a bit of garlic to be planted and with any luck we’ll get that done this week too.
This time of year is a strange one for growers like ourselves because it does really require a shift in mentality from the rest of the year. Of course we are blessed with more time to rest and a bit less pressure on each daily task however that is balanced out by the challenges cold weather presents to both work and growing. Yes, it is true for every time of year but the fact that mother nature and the cycles of the seasons really run the show is rarely as apparent than in the cold grip of Winter. Long stretches of cold and cloudy days can bring production to a standstill, further delaying plans for bed preparation and planting that in other times of year can be done at will. As we reach the Winter solstice and begin to gain more light each day our friendly veg receives the cue to switch from a Fall growth cycle to a Winter/Spring go to seed frame of mind. Before we know it the stands of greens we’ve reliably harvested from for months, begin to grow thicker stems and flower. Almost overnight a high tunnel’s landscape changes from green and red leaves to yellow and white flowers. Though frustrating from a harvest standpoint there is something quite heavenly about being immersed in the vivid colors and floral aroma, with the desolate background of Winter just feet away. The inability to act on a whim requires careful planning and coordination. We must begin to seed and plant again but not too much too fast. We want our transplants to be the right size when beds open up for replanting, but again if they are left to grow too long before transplanting the success of the crop becomes quite questionable. For growers like ourselves much of Winter’s earliest days are spent planning, waiting and talking ourselves down from doing too much too early, while at the same time keeping our eye on the schedule of what to start planting and when. You see just as quickly as a tunnel of salad greens can flower the time to plant things for the coming season will arrive. And as wild as it may seem that key time can easily pass you by when you are caught up in the whirlwind of early season preparation and production.
Few things bring to the forefront of reality just what time of year it is than the final market and pick ups of the season. And yes that is what we are looking at this week with the final New Haven Market and last two pick ups on farm for the 2024 season. Cold continues to be a challenge so we want to remind everyone ordering for on farm pick up to get your orders as soon as you can after the pick up time to avoid possible cold damage. The past couple of New Haven Farmer’s Markets have been a bit of a test of will for both vendors and customers alike with the freezing temps. Despite this we have continued to be warmed by the love and support from all of you the Good Food People, who continue to support all of us despite the challenges mama nature presents. We have one last out door market of the season this coming Saturday before we will be hanging up the overalls for the year. Similarly Friday and Saturday this week will be the last on farm pickups of 2024. Christmas week we will be trying to take as much of a break as we can and will be returning with the first market and pick ups of 2025 1/3 and 1/4.
Have a Great Week