With the unofficial end of Summer looking at us square in the face there really isn’t much denying that the sandals and swim trunks need to be put away for another year. No matter what the end of Summer means for you one thing is for certain that people all across the country are taking some time off to celebrate Labor day. Unfortunately with the passage of time and the change in much of the workforce focus, surely the true reason for the holiday may be lost on many. And sadly as with most holidays it is many of the” laborers” who still must go to work because without a paid day off it can be difficult to afford that luxury. So with this in mind perhaps we can switch the mentality around, taking the honoring and celebrating of those who do what we cannot or refuse to do, from just one day a year to each and everyday. We farmers can be a lucky bunch, receiving much praise and admiration for what we do. And don’t get us wrong we appreciate it but we also want to encourage all of you to extend that love to all the laborers and workers out there doing their part making this world we all live in go round.
Now on the subject of celestial spinning as the Summer dwindles away so does the amount of light each day. This affects us growers in a few major ways, first and foremost we do get the benefit of being in the house earlier and getting up a little later. Unfortunately, the amount of things that must get done in a day does not proportionately change with the reducing light, so the result is that old familiar farmer hustle to make up the difference. The reducing light also means slower plant growth which is in and of itself a double edged sword. On one hand it is nice because veg will likely not bolt and can grow into it’s full potential producing that all too beautiful Fall veg you know and love. It also means we can begin to plant things that all of us Good Food People love but just won’t work in the Summer. It also unfortunately means that the days to harvest or maturity for veg gets extended and with many things at this point is too far off to be a reality at all. Even the things we can plant will take longer with each passing week. September and with it Labor day starts the timer on the clock which reminds us, plant it soon if you want to see it in 2026. So we must adjust to the season, leaning on our experience and desire to push the envelope, driving forward in the ever continuing Quest of growing organic nutritious veg.
Of course with the arrival of September, the end of the season for some of the Farmer’s Markets we attend begin to come into view. As hard as it is to believe we have only 5 Chester Sunday markets left of the season. It has been a really great market so far and we are feeling the love from all of you more and more each week and each season. The power of Good Food and Community is truly evident at each and every market we attend a special time and place, proving the value of substance over convenience. We hope everyone who has the day off is enjoying life with those closest to them and if you are out there grinding, getting that work week started already know that we love and support you.
Have a Great Week