The last week of Summer seems to hit you as suddenly as the appearance of a first frost. You know it’s coming and we think about and even prepare for it for weeks if not more. Put in all the preparation you want, there is just no getting away from that sinking feeling of how did we let the Summer slip away. Funny to think this way considering the work load and long days that go along with the best couple months of the year, but there is no denying the timeless beauty of the season. It’s hard not to look back and say we should have done things this way instead or maybe if we got to that a week or so earlier things would have been different. Indeed even in the best of years there exists some regret. However, instead of harping on the things that didn’t happen perhaps we’ll take a bit of time to write those things down as reminders not only for the coming seasons but as to ourselves that perfection exists in it’s pursuit.
Summer’s second to last weekend was certainly picturesque especially from a farmers’ market perspective with all of you the Good Food People showing up in earnest. This time of year going to three markets a week you can’t deny the beauty of this thing and the community that is created around it. Sharing something so essential as food and coming at it from a place of love and nutrition, makes it feel almost like a family. The first seasonal market of the year that ends for us Chester, has just 4 markets left. Thinking of not seeing folks we’ve seen week after week now for months, leaves you with a sad feeling not unlike the end of Summer itself. It’s a sadness that comes from all the good times we’ve had and for now we’ll enjoy what time remains of this season, while smiling on the inside thinking of the seasons to come.
Similarly, on the farm itself we begin to reach the inevitable end of season points that exist for growers. When it comes to planting outside there is only a handful of direct seedings and transplantings and our attention for the most part is turning to the tunnels. Most of the cover crop has been sown and is coming in nicely, besides the Winter rye which will be getting it’s turn in the soil any day now. Even the end of the main season with the crew is coming into view and we can count on one hand how many more weeks remain. Thoughts of prepping areas for the garlic and planting overwintered onions fill our heads along with sweet images of spinach and claytonia. But before we get too far ahead there still is one more week of Summer left so enjoy it, after all you deserve to.
Have a Great Week