I woke up this morning, reflecting on my weekend. Sunshine greets me when I take the dogs out, reminding me that it doesn’t rain every day. In those moments, when the rain is falling on my face and the sun seems gone forever, I can easily forget that I need the rain, and without it, I may not appreciate the warmth of the sunlight on an early summer morning. Today, on this Memorial Day, I find myself thinking about such things. Today, I will appreciate the sun and other gifts in my life, and in the spirit of Memorial Day, I will remember how loss teaches me to celebrate my blessings.
The theme of how to deal with the rain will dominate our plans this next week. There is more rain in the forecast for most days this week. On one hand, the rain has been especially good for the spring greens. On the other hand, however, we are facing challenges about where to plant crops this year, and we are even making tough decisions about crops that we won’t likely be able to plant. The water table is high from 12 months straight of record rains, and our field is mostly under water. Sweet corn is delicious, but it is a land-hungry crop. With our usable field space shrinking with each rain, a daily event for nearly a month now, we will not have space for sweet corn or jack-o-lanterns this year. Otherwise, while our other crops will be placed in sub-optimal locations, we should still be able to get a decent crop from them.
We are still waiting to determine the exact starting week for the CSA, but judging from the field conditions, it looks like we will start our deliveries, the week of June 10. Once we begin delivering, we will continue for 18 deliveries. Following is a list of some of the crops that are almost ready for delivery in the first few weeks of the CSA are: Strawberries, asparagus, peas, lettuce, arugula, radishes, kale, carrots, and beets. There are many other crops that are doing well that will be ready just a few short weeks later.
In all, the season has great potential. There are obstacles before us, to be certain, but we are attempting to mitigate our greatest risks and trying to address our current challenges. I think we are at our best when we rise to address whatever challenge we find ourselves facing. Adversity is an opportunity to develop character. It also forces us to look around and see that we are not alone. Too often, I find myself believing in a myth that says that I must stand alone and solve the problems that are before me. The truth is, none of us is meant to face adversity without support. I am grateful for all of the people who work on our farm and for the people who support our mission by supporting our farm through our CSA and farmers markets.
We appreciate the business support for sure, but sometimes the support that gets me through a tough day is as simple as a kind note emailed to us or someone stopping by our stand to thank us for what we do. I cannot stress enough that our farm represents a community that consists of those who work here, and those who support us. It is my truth, and I believe that a farm that is defined by the community it serves, is the best way to navigate the uncertain waters that lie ahead for our species. I find peace in that thought this morning as I begin to plan the week before me.