Groundhogs or woodchucks whichever you choose to call them, are usually an unwelcome sign on the farm shadow or not. They have a way of existing in the back round until the time(or fruit) is ripe, striking in the twilight of dawn and dusk. Emerging from their subterranean lairs, to trick us and break our hearts when we are at our most vulnerable. Ask any of us who have spent an appreciable amount of time harvesting in Durham and we can tell you the tales. A freshly transplanted round of cucumbers, trimmed to the ground over night. What appears to be and at one time was a prize tomato, with a large bite or two taken out of it as they graze. The horror of a melon patch nearly picked clean, leaving you with only notions of what could have been. This time around however at least at first glance we are welcoming the appearance of the many celebrity groundhogs and the proclamations of an early Spring.
Spring to us and undoubtedly countless others means many many things the most common more than likely being a feeling of hope and renewal. That must ring especially true for those who’s work is tied so intrinsically to the seasons. Much if not all of what we do basically has but one or two chances in the year to get done. With this in the back of our minds we begin to seed things for the summer and plan for the year ahead. In doing so it is impossible not to continuously replay in our heads all of the failures and successes both personally and as a farm. It a time of both reflection and ambition, confident in the fact that we can and will do better. Yet, humbled by the facts that we ourselves are far from perfect and many factors beyond our control drive the season.
Meanwhile philosophy and introspection aside the gears keep cranking or shall we the say the nursery(and basement) are quickly filling up. We are running 3 germination chambers at different temperatures to stimulate the sprouting of a variety of seeds which prefer different temperatures. Tomatoes, peppers, onions, herbs as well as all the lovely brassicas and lettuces you see available from us now, are being started and growing as we speak. The main season crops like the tomatoes and peppers won’t be transplanted until April at the earliest, but many of the others like beets, radish, turnip etc, are getting a head start in ideal conditions and will be transplanted out as beds open up from winter harvest. One note on the winter harvest and all of you the Good Food People. Attendance at the market and overall orders continue to be better than ever before and we are humbled by all the support you give to us and those like us. The work isn’t easy but the lightness of heart and foot you’re support lends us makes it easier and worth it.
Have a great week
Join us in participation and support for the 2024 NOFA Farm Share program. Our goal is to provide $330 Market Cards to 9 households this spring and summer. CT NOFA can match up to $600 donated to help us achieve this goal. Here is a link to make a tax deductible donation towards fundraising for this effort. Any additional funds will go towards providing more Market Cards. Thank you!