I was really hoping that this storm that the weather man called for was
just a joke; an early April Fool’s Day prank. Last year at this time, I had the
first planting of lettuce sitting in the finishing tunnel waiting for me to
rush and get a field prepped for transplant. I had the yard clean up just about
done, Heidi was painting the stand and Paula was getting livestock ready to head
out to their fresh spring pasture. And I cannot forget about my “huge spring
project tradition;” Tom was working on some construction around my barn and
farm house. Our rain boots were tucked in the mud room and we were in t-shirts.
Last year was one of the driest springs I had ever seen.
People ask how I prepare for Mother Nature. I don’t. I just try to plan
ahead and attempt to be one step ahead of her. I do not usually win but at
least I make an effort to be the one in control. This year, I started seeds
when I always do. I actually started my first crop of lettuce one week ahead of
last year. I know each year is different but I was trying to get a head of
myself in case this spring was even earlier than last year. I actually have the
first crop of lettuce ready to hit the fields. I was just about to move it to
the finishing tunnel to cool it down and hold it back the best we could until
this snow storm rolled in and screwed up my plan. No matter what, she is always
the one in control of the Farmer.
I am thankful for this last drink Mother Nature is giving the land but
I am crossing my fingers this is the last from Old Man Winter because everybody
is itching for spring; it has certainly been a long winter and we are looking
forward to all that the growing season has to offer this year.
When this snow melts, there are a few lettuce plantings, kale, and
collards that will make their way into the finishing tunnel. It is an
opportunity for these plants to go from their perfectly controlled climate in
the seeding greenhouse that is usually around 60 degrees, over to a cooler
tunnel that will harden the plants off before they graduate into the fields. It
is less stressful for plants if they have a less dramatic change so we make
sure they continue growing rather than becoming stressed out and setting
themselves back.
Once this snow is gone and the weather warms up a bit…we will be ready
to get the land prepped and the early crops in the ground. So enjoy all that
this snow storm has to offer, build snow men, enjoy the opportunity to get some
exercise and just remember that Mother Nature always gets the final word.