Notes From the Field - Dormant Seeds

Anna Kelchlin, Assistant Grower

"Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed.... Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders."

-Henry David Thoreau, The Succession of Forest Trees

This week was cold and wet.  As some crops get turned back into the Earth other crops are making the most of the remaining sunlight.  There was a steady mist for most of the week and at one point my pointer finger went numb impinging on my ability to get the rubber band around a bunch of tat soi the full three times.  We felt the sun flicker for just a minute while harvesting Hakurei turnips.  I remember turning to Miriam and we both closed our eyes for a moment to bathe our skin in the precious light.  It was a fond reminder of the not so distance months of summer. 

Working with the land seems to extend time.  Each month feels like three in one and each full growing season feels like a lifetime.  And in a way it is.  As a crew we get to know each other well.  We work in all weather conditions, we move, twist, strengthen our bodies physically, and nourish ourselves with a lot of the same foods.  We can bring to life numerous families of crops in a single month.  When one person is away for a week, the landscape shifts dramatically.  My mind and body feel like it's been through much more life than in comparison to the winter months.  Muscles have become stronger, the upper back a bit tighter, skin slightly worn with new scars, and lungs expanded with fresh air.  The farm season is condensed, like a vegetable bullion cube: compact, yet full of flavor and hard work.  Through all of these experiences throughout the season we get to know ourselves better and become that much more connected with our fellow farmers, our food, you all, and the Earth.

It's that time of year for hot soup, homemade bread and to think about the near future: Winter.  On our field walk this week we examined each parcel of land to determine what vegetables we have for the last couple weeks of distribution and believe it or not our winter share.  We made an enormous list of root vegetables, hearty greens, cabbages, storage onions and garlic, leeks, winter squashes, potatoes, and much more.  Luckily for us farmers, we will now have a bit more time to prepare this food, and to share this with others.  I myself, as an assistant grower, am thinking about what I will do for the off season.  It's a tricky thing farming: I so much love the growing season here in New England, and yet this will be my third season transitioning to another winter job.  It brings slight anxiety, but also relief at the idea of some needed physical rest and excitement for my mind to be able to read again before bed.  It's a time for contemplation.  This time allows for seeds to develop; for studying about pests and diseases of the Brassica family and for planning life dreams like teaching yoga.  Before we know it these seeds will to come to sprout in the spring, but until then get rest, nourish your body, and enjoy the beautiful season of fall. 

For the Farm Crew,

Anna