Spring weather has been anything but predictable, but the fields are slowly coming to life. Here’s what we’re planting, what’s growing now, and what’s fresh in the market this week.
One minute we’re wearing our Lee & Maria’s T-shirts, and the next we’re back in sweaters. That’s spring farming for you.
When you’re out in the middle of the fields with nothing but open air around you, the weather feels even more extreme. Over the last few days, temperatures climbed to what felt like more than 90 degrees, making it incredibly hot in the fields. Then, just as quickly, the cooler air rolled back in.
We haven’t seen weather this inconsistent in quite some time. Like every farmer, we continue adapting day by day while keeping a close eye on Mother Nature.
The fields are coming to life
Even with the unpredictable temperatures, the fields have been full of life lately. Butterflies, yellow finches and bumblebees have been keeping us company while we work. It’s one of those simple reminders that the growing season is slowly coming to life all around us.
Everything is planned and ready for planting whenever Mother Nature gives us the green light, but for now, patience is part of the process. We’re still holding off on planting our watermelon, cantaloupes and a few other heat-loving crops because we’re not fully confident the weather is settled yet. The last thing we want is for a sudden cold snap to damage them before they even get started.
What we’re planting now
In the meantime, our fields are filling up with crops that can handle these changing conditions a little better. Over the weekend, when it finally felt like a perfect summer day, we planted more red and white potatoes, two varieties of lettuce, cherry tomatoes, zucchini and swiss chard.
It’s been a while since we’ve grown swiss chard, and we’re excited to have it back again this season.
Our potatoes especially have been loving the cooler temperatures. We now have more than 10 rows beginning to push their little green leaves through the soil. Potatoes thrive in cooler spring weather and tend to struggle in extreme heat, which is exactly why we get them planted nice and early each season.
So far in our fields, we currently have garlic, rhubarb, potatoes, beans, grape tomatoes, zucchini, lettuce, kale, swiss chard, parsley, basil and corn growing. Up next is watermelon and cantaloupes, once the weather cooperates a little more.
What’s fresh in the market this week
In the market, we’ve brought in beautiful local beets this week, perfect for roasting or boiling. We’re also continuing to stock lots of local fresh produce, including asparagus, strawberries, radishes, bok choy, fresh heads of lettuce, sweet potatoes and shepherd peppers.
It’s a good time to top up on groceries for the week, especially as more spring and early summer items begin making their way into the market. You can also browse what’s in season now online for easy planning.
BBQ season is getting closer
We also just brought in Jumbo Skinless Brenner Wieners, arriving just in time as we head into BBQ season. Paired with all the fresh vegetables in our market, it’s starting to feel more and more like summer meals are right around the corner.
Whether you’re planning dinner, stocking up for the week or just waiting for that first real taste of summer, our farm market is starting to shift into the season ahead.
Visit us in Kingsville or shop online for local pickup and delivery.
