A new year and the days are flying by. People often ask what we do in our downtime and the short answer is, we work. Not on the same schedule, the pace is much slower than mid July, but no doubt if you know a farmer they are most likely still working. Whether planning, budgeting, ordering, constructing, or growing it never quite stops.
Here at Folks we have been running our seed germination tests. In this process we go through the entire seed collection and pull test samples. Labelled and wrapped in paper towels and sandwich bags we wait for the seeds to sprout and measure their rate of germination. I am pleased to say much of our lettuce is still performing well in the 90% along with our flowers. I am also very excited to see new varieties like the Marketmore Cucumber and Valencia Onion sprouting close to 100%.
The tomatoes have been lackluster, rates closer to the 40s. In order to bring up the germination I will “re-clean” the seeds. Rubbing and fanning will blow off less viable seeds and hopefully bring our germination rates back into sellable percentages.
Our hearts were devastated by the recent Marshal Creek Fire. The lightning speed devastation was terrible for those impacted. We will be bringing down 100 pounds of winter squash and several gallons of squash soup this week to provide support for displaced families. We are working Moxie Bread Company and Fed Boulder with these donations. Hopefully this blanket of snow will linger a while longer and keep the land protected.
Sometimes it is difficult to remain optimistic about the future. One take away I have learned from the previous years of Folks Farm is that we are products of our mindset. Last year I struggled to remain positive, to enjoy the moments of beauty or success. In this way I manifested many of the challenges we faced. This year I am working hard to keep building optimism. Folks Farm is going through a lot of changes this season many of which will be physically and mentally demanding. Moving our greenhouse, increasing infrastructure on our main farm, and beautifying our farm stand will only bring better customer service and make our lives easier.
The greater work is finding time to resource myself and those around me. Taking breaks, getting rest, eating well, exercising all need room in a farmer’s life. This effort will bring out the best in the business and ourselves and provide the palpable heart of the operation.
Our 2022 Main Seasons CSA is now live. Thanks to everyone already signed up, we are deeply appreciative. There are benefits added into this year’s CSA including half off cut your own flowers, 3 pick-up locations, and an invitation to our end of season CSA member Harvest Party. Find more information at our website.
For anyone with extra time interested in getting involved send us an email at info@folksfarmandseed.com for volunteer opportunities.
2022, here we go!