The beginning of spring on the farm

While it is still chilly and wet weather, February 1 marks the beginning of the spring season on our farm. We know that the trees will break dormancy in the coming weeks and we want to be ready for them. Entering our third year on the farm, we know that once things start growing again everything will move at breakneck speed. We’ve just placed an order to rent blue orchard bees, which is really exciting. These bees have a preference for fruit tree blossoms and are active at lower temperatures than honey bees. By “renting” them, we agree to take care of them from when they are delivered in March in time for the pollination of cherry blossoms, until September when we pack up their house and return them for care until the following spring. And while we love all bees here at the farm, these bees are native to the western states. It just makes sense that they would be the most efficient tool for the job.

In addition to planning for pollination, we’re working to layout and grid the next acre of peach trees scheduled to arrive as soon as the freeze threat has passed. This was incredibly tedious and difficult for our first acre of trees, but we’ve learned a lot with that experience and I’m hopeful this process will go more smoothly. Additionally, we’re trying to plan out our harvest processes as this may be the first year we have a substantial yield. It will be quite the change in mindset as for the first 2 years we’ve been solely focused on health and growth. Harvest, post harvest handling, and sales will be the next big challenge. Never a dull moment.