The challenges and joys of spring on the farm
“To be a farmer is to be a student forever, for each day brings something new.” - John Connell, author.
Spring has finally made its debut on the farm. While I’m grateful for the recent warm, breezy days, which have helped melt the huge snowbanks we still had quite quickly, the jump in temperatures is not always great for young seedlings. The rapid shift has also thrown me into a little bit of a panic, with all the things that have to be done before planting can begin.
I was thrilled initially when I saw the forecast for this week with highs in the 70s and even a few days in the 80s. It meant that plants could start spending days outdoors and evenings in the small backyard greenhouse we put up as a temporary plant-holding spot before we are able to install our high tunnel later this spring. However, this weather has been a great shock to some of them, especially with the gusty winds we’ve had. I’ve opted to give some of them a midday break in the cool shelter of our garage.
Since starting seeds back at the beginning of March, I’ve had some failures. With the weather being so cold and snowy still last month, I couldn’t move things out of the germination chamber or garage as soon as I’d hoped. This, along with some overwatering on my part, led to leggy seedlings that perished once I brought them out of their safe space and some that dampened off.
This is a lesson I had to learn. For whatever reason, I thought the farm timeline here would be exactly like the schedule I followed near Madison, where I was before. Looking back on it now, why would I think that things would be the same in a totally different planting zone that seems to be about a month behind weather-wise?
More recently – maybe because of the mistakes with the seedlings, maybe because it’s the beginning of a new season – I’ve been thinking about my “whys.” Why am I doing this? Why have I chosen to be a farmer? Why jump from a career I was trained in to something I had no idea about?
These are some of my answers:
I love food! I truly enjoy cooking things that are fresh and tasty. I also believe I’m helping the greater good by supporting small-scale, nearby producers when I’m able to and hope people will feel the same way when they support me.
Being outside brings out my best self. I feel nourished by the dirt under my nails, being surrounded by birdsong and noticing life all around me.
I want to help people get connected with local food, sustainable farming practices and the opportunities that come with growing or making things yourself. I’m passionate about education, advocacy and empowering people.
I always want to be learning. The quote above really is true – farmers are forever students.
Looking ahead, I’m faced with a lot of hurdles this first year on my own farm. But it’s exhilarating! And there will be so many rewards. I can see them already. The garlic survived the winter and is emerging into the sun. Soon we’ll be constructing the high tunnel, which will help curb issues I’ve run into this spring next year. I can’t wait to bite into the first cucumber, the first carrot, the first everything! It’s going to be a wonderful season of challenges, successes, learning, failure and joy.