Winter Reflections

After a few weeks of relative quiet here on the farm we are excited to resume our weekly delivery of winter shares. My own rhythm has slowed considerably and mimics that of the farm. Plants move nutrients more slowly during winter, which results in often sweeter and more pronounced flavors. Carrots become crisper, and when temperatures dip into the 30's brassicas, like kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower and collard greens respond by converting starches into sugars, increasing their brix concentration. A higher brix level protects plants from freeze damage and sweetens their taste.

While the earth is in its seasonal slumber I give myself permission to dream, reflect, meet people I normally don't get to see during the growing season, and of course get a little more sleep. I ponder what the dance will be like for the upcoming main growing season.

For sure we'll have uncertainties and challenges to face, whether it's unpredictable rainfall and temperature patterns, exotic insect pests like the new brassica loving Bagrada stinkbug, or an increasingly tenuous groundwater supply. While the world around us is filled with complexities and contradictions, farming is very grounding.

Looking at the seed catalogs as we craft this year's crop plan the farm is a beautiful canvas of possibilities, and that familiar eagerness to jump on new projects stirs inside of me. Soon the buds on the trees will start swelling, I already see the first flower buds forming on the strawberries, and the green house is starting to become active again.

The dry weather allowed us to get some field planting done, and this week we started pruning the apple trees. Before we know it'll be spring and we'll surrender once again to another seasonal call to tend to Mother Nature's rewarding abundance.