March on a Farm

“March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb.”  How many of us were taught that in school?  On the farm it is the complete opposite. In the beginning of March, we are still in the darkness and rest of winter.  Winter is the time in the homestead where we relax and recharge from the busy harvest.  It is a time when the pastures have stopped growing and our days are short.  As March progresses and spring draws near, the workload on a farm starts to increase.  It is exciting to see things start over.  The grasses and flowers start to come alive again.  Babies are born or hatched.  Our seedlings start sprouting.  There is so much potential.  Forget new year’s resolutions; March is when farmers and homesteaders have resolutions for how they want their growing season to go. 

Things have started a little early at Haxton Homestead.  Our goats have already kidded, and we had six adorable baby goats running around.  They were even in the house for a while during the coldest days.  The birth of our first set of goat twins jump started our season.  We are now in go go go mode.  Every day starts with milking the goats and giving bottles to babies.  A few of the babies have made their way to their new farm homes where they are thriving. 

I have been busy planning the upcoming season.  Its going to be busy as we expand our educational programming.  I will attempt a garden again (fingers crossed its better this year) and have ordered seeds.  If you were thinking of starting a homestead this is the time to plan.  Spring will be here sooner than you think.  In our growing zone (6b) its time to start getting the cold weather crop seeds in soil and under grow lights or greenhouses.  Lettuce, kale and spinach all thrive in the cooler weather.  Its also a good time to test your soil and see if any supplements or compost is needed.   Now is also the time to look through all your equipment to see if anything needs to be repaired or replaced.  Don’t wait until you need it to realize your garden rake is broken. I love the book “Week-by-Week Vegetable Gardeners Handbook” by Ron Kujawski & Jennifer Kujawski.  It tells you exactly when everything should be planted in starters and transplanted into the ground.  It gives you tips on caring for each plant and even has over winter plans to prep you for the next season. 

The warm weather is coming and so is the hard work. I wish a plentiful growing season and a bountiful harvest to all of you.