This Week at the Farm: Seasonal Hiring, Winter Produce, Gardening Tips

Although most of us are stuck inside and at our desks, this is a very exciting time of the year as we plan and prepare for the upcoming season. We’re busy deciding what to grow in the vegetable and flower fields, and we’ve started hiring seasonal staff (click here to see our open positions and apply).

Managers are flipping through seed catalogs, making field maps, creating seed charts to keep track of when to start seeding, when to transplant, and when to direct seed in the fields throughout the season. Seeding will officially start at the beginning of February, and as the seeds start to arrive in the mail, it feels like spring is not too far off.

Early Bird

If you’re already thinking about summer like we are, planning ahead could pay off – the early bird gets the worm, right? Through January 31, we’re offering early bird discounts for summer camp and season-long perks with the purchase of a Produce Plus CSA Card. Check out the details and sign up on our website.

Local Food in the Winter

While you wait for spring, you can still find seasonal produce available locally at the Co-op Food Stores in Lebanon and Hanover, including Cedar Circle carrots and onions. And don’t forget to stop by the Norwich Farmers’ Market! Much of what’s available this time of the year can last well into the winter if stored properly. We made a guide to help you store winter produce you buy at the local markets.

And did you know that there are several restaurants in the area that make an effort to source locally, even throughout the winter? We’ve been supplying Piecemeal Pies, Juel Modern Apothecary Cafe, and Peyton Place with carrots and other winter veggies. By supporting these small businesses you’re supporting local farms, too!

Here at the farm, we’re still working through crates of carrots harvested this fall, and Theo’s planning on filling the freezer with Carrot Ginger Soup for when the farmstand opens again in April. Here’s a recipe to try at home this winter: Zesty Carrot Bisque.

Gardening Tips

In the dead of winter, we often spend time dreaming about lush summer gardens. It’s not too early to start planning yours, so we’re going to share gardening tips from our Annual & Perennial staff. You’ll find these tips at the end of each newsletter throughout the winter.

Tip #1: Grasses
When you think about your perennial gardens, does grass come to mind? Well, perennial grasses are not for the birds… or are they? Did you know that many perennial grasses provide a habitat and seeds for many of our native birds? They can be useful even in winter if you wait until spring to trim back last season’s growth. By growing grasses in your gardens, you are not only adding texture and full season interest, you are also supporting wildlife, naturally.

Upcoming

• January 31 – Last day for early bird CSA & camp signups
  
• February 22 – CSA Day *stay tuned for details
• April 27 – Opening Day!