Eat Local. Live Wholesome. Cherish Traditions.
Ah, winter. A time when our most significant challenge might be deciding which Netflix series to binge next or debating the merits of hot cocoa over mulled wine. But while you’re snuggled up in layers of cozy comfort, Huckleberry Farms is bustling with activity.
“What?!” you exclaim, tea spilling. “Isn’t farming just…you know, a summer thing?”
Hold on to your woolen hats, because we’re about to unravel the mysteries of winter on the farm!
Silent Ground, Busy Hands
Contrary to popular belief, winter isn’t a time when farmers just hibernate (though, don’t we wish!). The landscape might seem dormant, but there’s a flurry of activity happening.
Prepping for Spring
Before we can plant new life, we must ensure our soil is ready to nurture it. During winter, we:
- Soil Testing: Checking nutrient levels to ensure our spring crops have a robust start.
- Composting: Turning organic waste into black gold. Our winter composting preps nutrient-rich food for the soil.
Critters in the Cold
Our animals don’t pack up and vacation in the Bahamas during winter (though the chickens might appreciate a pina colada).
- Coop Comfort: We add wind blocks and ensure the bedding is deep enough, using the deep litter method to keep our birds warm.
- Rabbit Retreat: Cages get bedded down in thick layers of hay with wind blocks for our fluffy friends.
- Water Woes: Winter means freezing temperatures, so we ensure water buckets are hole-free, and rabbit water bottles are brought indoors.
Planning and Purchasing
Winter is also about dreaming of what’s to come.
- Seed Selection: We carefully choose our seeds for the coming year, ensuring we pick varieties best suited to our soil and climate.
- Budgeting and Business: Crunching numbers, planning expenses, and setting goals for the upcoming year. (Also known as the ‘Why did I buy that extra fancy garden tool?’ month.)
Learning and Community Building
Even when the ground is frozen, our passion for agriculture never cools down.
- Workshops: Both attending and conducting. There’s always something new to learn in farming.
- Networking: Connecting with other local farmers, suppliers, and community members. We might share a cup of hot cocoa or two.
Winter’s End: Setting the Stage
All our winter tasks, from soil preparation to equipment checks, set the stage for the rest of the year. As winter ends, we’re ready to plant seeds not just in the soil, but also in the hearts of those who appreciate the value of farm-fresh produce.
So, About that Cocoa…
The next time you’re sipping your favorite winter drink, spare a thought for us, the busy bees of Huckleberry Farms. We’re not just bracing against the cold; we’re embracing it, using it to set the stage for the bounties the coming seasons will bring.
Hungry for More Farm Tales?
If this behind-the-scenes peek piqued your interest, there’s a lot more where that came from! Dive deeper into our farm’s journey, explore our shop for fresh winter offerings, or connect with us through the ‘Let’s Chat’ page. Let’s cherish and celebrate every season’s unique flavor together!
