Soil Fertility

February is a slow time of year here on our farm, especially during wetter years. The rain, though much appreciated, keeps us out of the fields – just as they dry out, another storm comes! – resigning us to equipment repairs and maintenance, site cleanup projects, and fine-tuning our plans for the coming seasons. And, now, setting up for asparagus!

Before welcoming the winter season, we had a few projects needing attention. The biggest one, outside the scope of our normal annual tasks, was an irrigation infrastructure project.

While we, and many other farmers, still believe in the merits of certified organic, we feel the USDA is bending to well-financed lobbying efforts and is no longer upholding the standards outlined by the National Organic Program.

The process of taking down the tomato plants is not quite as tedious as getting them going, but is a cumbersome task no less. 

While Labor Day may mark an end of summer for some, we generally look towards the crops to let us know when seasons end. September is a transitional period where summer and fall blend together, the seasonal crops and activities overlapping. Whether it’s “late summer” or “early fall,” the between time is full of excitement as we begin harvesting winter squash (also known as hard squash), officially finish with watermelon (but then continue to bring in smaller harvests from our grafted plants that are still somehow looking great), continue on with harvesting tomatoes (while starting to take down early plantings), and begin planting for fall (true fall, that is).

Right now, we’re harvesting the type of fruits we dream about in winter. Bright red watermelon so crisp, sweet, and juicy it “pops” when you cut into it; juice dripping down your hand as you enjoy a slice. The sweetest fresh corn and refreshingly delicate cucumbers. A medley of melons – true summer flavors. And, perhaps, the biggest treat: soil-grown, vine-ripened, peak-summer tomatoes.

About a month behind schedule, our asparagus harvest began in late March and is still underway. We hope you’ve been able to enjoy some of this spring treat, now possibly paired with peas! Our sugar snap pea harvest is just now starting! It’s a little later than usual for us due to planting late and cool spring growing conditions.

Cover crops are kind of a big deal in the organic farming world, and are becoming more widely used in conventional operations, as well. You may have heard of their benefits in “carbon sequestering,” a real buzz-topic of late, but the benefits of cover crops extend well beyond their ability to create, capture, and recycle carbon. 

This salad is a delightfully refreshing spring treat. Both the asparagus and celery are kept raw - enhanced by sweet almonds, zingy lemon juice, and fresh mint. It comes together very quickly, but delivers a lot of flavor! Simple food for big flavor. The cheese is optional, but highly recommended.

This time of year, people start asking about our asparagus. When will it be ready?