IT HAS BEEN a busy few weeks on the farm: the fields have been cultivated, the irrigation repairs completed and the plastic laid. Soil temperatures have increased, and now planting season is upon us. The baby plants that we started from seed in the greenhouse so many weeks ago are finally ready to face the world outside their sheltered and controlled space. Over the past ten days, we have transplanted them into warm, cultivated and prepared soil-beds with room to grow and spread their roots.
We transplant over 30,000 plants from our greenhouse to the fields! With planting comes the anticipation of abundance: fresh vine ripened tomatoes and melons, sweet Walla Walla onions and corn, peppers of all sizes and colours, and of course, in the fall, a cornucopia of pumpkins, squash and gourds. May is a busy month of planting for our farmers but it’s also an exciting season, bringing with it the expectancy of fresh produce to come this summer.
The first crop we harvest is strawberries, fresh from our “Grandview Flats” farm location. We expect the first juicy berries to be ripe in early June. For regular crop updates, follow us on Facebook, Instagram or check out our "Produce In Season" tab on our website.
We simply could not grow so many acres of fresh produce without the help of our team from Mexico. Each year they leave their families to come and work for the season, some of them for up to six months at a time! We are blessed to have had many of the same men come for 10 seasons or more. They have been blessed as well, as a steady, fair income means being able to better provide for their families. The whole team has an incredible work ethic and we are so grateful for each and every one of them.
As I’ve been contemplating the planting season, my mind has turned to the different ways of handling the seasons of life. Some people put down roots in one place, growing slowly and steadily. They try to avoid too much change in their surroundings, hoping to grow stronger because of the familiarity and the roots that keep them grounded and nurtured. Others grow and mature in just the opposite way by exploring new places, stretching themselves to try new experiences, living in different places and tasting new foods. They choose to be ever changing because that is ultimately what keeps them grounded.
One is not better than the other; growth is important, but the secret is being content with who you are and growing in a direction that makes you blossom, bear fruit and be the person you were meant to be. I need this reminder every now and again as I get itchy feet, but I know without a doubt that I’m a “deep roots kinda girl” – which is a very, very good thing for a farmer’s wife to be!
Here's to a good growing season ahead, both at the farm and in your life!
Tamra
For the family.
Apple Rhubarb Muffins
It is Rhubarb season and, believe it or not, we have Davison Honeycrisp Apples to sell at our Market!🍎
"to be a sustainable farm business that builds loyal customers, fulfilled staff and positive memories in a wholesome environment for our community to enjoy."
