I have just reread my blog of only two weeks ago and I am amazed how far this thing has developed in that time. Now our communities are in full lock down mode, markets are struggling with the uncertainty as much as home households are. We have been getting a fair number—very surprising to me-- of calls wondering if we are even going to farm this summer. Which makes me wonder….did they think we would just shut down and go touring the world on vacation? Perhaps disappear into a cold war bunker with our potatoes and toilet paper?
This thing, as you know, got big and got big fast. Directives and policies from the fed and local level are so fluid that the information changes daily. That fluidity makes it hard to plan and set changes in motion for us at Edgewater, especially when it is in addition to trying to actually farm. That said, the answer to the question most asked thus far is “Yes, we are absolutely growing food and flowers this spring and summer.” We have taken out the loans, purchased the plants, seed and fertilizer. As you can see from the picture, stuff has commenced going into the ground. How we deliver our products safely, efficiently and effectively is very much under discussion and research as of today. If you are a CSA member, Jenny will no doubt be directly in contact with you as things develop. As members of the broader Edgewater Family, we will try to make as much information available to you through our website and on Facebook.
The Cornish Crew getting more maters planted. Mr Hobbes casting a non critical eye towards his Gramps while Mrs Dunkerton basks in the warm sun.
Among the employees there has been much discussion about how to service people interested in food production and preservation. Gardening and “putting up” vegetables is a bit of a lost art. But it is very doable. In order to service that need, we are going to produce some short videos directed primarily towards folks that have had little past experience in vegetable gardening. Later in the summer, Emily will post some demonstrations about food preservation so that you can not only participate in your own food security but also perhaps discover a worthwhile and enjoyable hobby. Because gardening season is just about on top of the home gardeners, I hope to post the first few videos on the website within a week or so….which is about what it will take for this old fossil to figure out how to make and post a video on Facebook…even with help. So keep tuned for that.
Jenny posted on the farm facebook site a PSA (public service announcement) at the very beginning of this outbreak, before folks were even allowed to mention the word “pandemic”. She correctly stated “The plants will grow, the flowers will bloom and there will be great good things to eat”. You can take that to the bank, because it is what we do. Period. So stop worrying that we are disappearing because we ain’t . Lets get some enjoyment out of these early spring sunny days, and know that we are busy down here farming hard, as are all our colleagues. Get yer rakes and shovels out, because irregardless of any snow, spring is right around the corner. Franklin Roosevelt aptly said that ‘the only fear, is fear itself”. Now get busy, stop worrying and don’t hoard toilet paper.