Ready, set…
By Omope Carter-Daboiku
As Winter tightens its grip and ice crystals cover the ground, we farmers dream of lush fields of green. We’ve analyzed last year’s production, laid out our crop plan, and perhaps, even ordered seed or are sprouting some we saved. This is the season of preparation.
If you are a beginner, watch the sun as it crosses your grow space. Which way is your plot oriented — east to west, north to south, or on a diagonal? Record how many hours of sunlight your grow spaces get? What is your sun profile — early eastern sunrise light, or hot western sunset light? This is how to determine which plants will go where, remembering that plants that bloom need more light than non-blooming plants; and, that as corn matures, it casts a long afternoon shadow.
Our North American Winter Solstice — the fewest hours of daylight — has passed. The increase in daylight hours will be easily noticeable by February 2, Cross-Quarter Day to some and Groundhog Day to others, marking halfway to Spring Equinox when day and night are equal. Tree sap begins to flow, green emerges from twigs and soil, and animals begin mating.
Now’s the time for a landscape walk to check the security systems. Are there any holes in the fence, or is it sagging anywhere? Can you forage repair materials or must you order them, along with ground and row cover cloth to forestall weeds and protect early plantings? Need solar-electrification or illusion roping to deter deer? Should the fence go underground to ward off those pesky whistlepigs?
Cold frames will let you direct sow early hardy crops outside, like beets, carrots and radishes. Tender blooming veggies like peppers, squash, tomatoes and okra must wait until soil and air temperatures warm. Meanwhile, start clipping recipes and prepping canning equipment to process the bounty when it comes. Get busy now; and, don’t let the groundhog catch you sleeping!
*The author is a Story & Media Artist at Agraria.
