For the last seventeen years, we have had an annual tradition; you could almost call it a ritual. And that is the “sticking” of the strawberries. We purchase unrooted strawberry runners from Prince Edward Island (Canada – where the cold winters keep pests and diseases at bay) and then have to stick them (sorry I can’t demonstrate the technique) into plug trays and run a timed mist on them until they root in the trays.

Today (August 31) was the day.  We “stuck” 15,000! There is something very comforting and comfortable about this yearly ritual. The memories come flooding back and make you feel as rooted as the strawberries will be. It’s family bonding time. One thing I love about farming is that every year is so different – yet so much the same. There are always new challenges, but the tasks develop a predictable, comfortable rhythm.

Today we welcomed our new “class” of strawberries which will be “performing” next spring.

Farmer John

One thing I love about farming is the reality that each year you get a new beginning – hopefully learning from the previous year’s mistakes (and successes), trying new approaches, new marketing techniques, new varieties, new apprentices and new customers (although the returning ones are so gratifying).  It’s that time of year!  New opportunities…fresh starts…it’s exciting!

It’s hard to believe that we will be harvesting our 17th strawberry crop this spring!  In some ways, we feel like “old farmers”, but in other ways, we feel like complete novices.  As Thomas Jefferson said, “but tho’ an old man, I am but a young gardener.”

The tomatoes and celery  have been seeded and are so plentiful that we not only have them on our transplanting shelves but also in our living room!

The maple trees have been tapped and those of you who didn’t try our “Tree Water” last summer will get another chance to taste this delicious, refreshing, all natural, straight-from-the-tree drink this summer.

Besides all of that, we are planning for a farm wedding on April 26th!  Yes, Kirsten and Nick are tying a forever knot – just two days before our CSA begins!  Plans are coming together and their tiny house is taking shape.  They will be on the farm after their honeymoon, but are looking forward to a slower, more relaxing summer as they adjust to married life.  You can follow their tiny house progress at nickandkirsten.us

Keep posted for a full introduction to this summer’s work force.  We will have 5 apprentices outside of our family.  They will all be here by the first of March and then we will give a proper introduction.

We invite you to join us  in this “New Beginning.”  It’s going to be a great season!

Pam for (John, Kirsten, Nick, Joshua, Zack and Caleb)