Spring, the season of new life and growth could be more appropriately titled the season of waiting. So, the waiting season has begun and is in full swing. Our last snow pile melted several weeks ago leading us to believe that field work would be right around the corner. Looking at our records from last season, we already had carrots, beets, peas, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, onions and leeks already carefully tucked into the ground sending forth their roots. This year, our greenhouse plants wait patiently trying not to outgrow their limited environment and our seed packets are neatly stacked in a pile on the kitchen table waiting to be opened and set free in the field.
Luckily for us we were able to get in and moldboard plow our fields last Tuesday. Because we were plowing up a pasture, the surface was dry enough to drive on. Our neighbor came over to help get our plow set correctly and offer some friendly tips as it was the first time we had plowed sod before. The soil plowed up nicely, just in time to be snowed on. Since plowing it has rained quite a bit which is helpful in mellowing out the soil, but it is forcing us to continue our waiting in order to finish preparing the fields. Hopefully this weekend or early next week we will be able to disc and drag the fields in order to prepare them for planting.
As we keep a close eye on the weather forecast, we know we are not alone as our other farmer friends (and most of the farmers in the state!) are patiently waiting as well. As the waiting season progresses, we look forward to the rush to get caught up season to begin!
Hi Joan and Nick,
Very well put! The “waiting season” is the worst. I am surprised at how quickly things have seemed to dry out today! Michele