At Crooked Pines Farm, we know that the changing seasons and ever-evolving weather are more than just backdrops to our agricultural pursuits—they are integral components that shape the very rhythms of farm life. From planting in the spring to harvesting in the fall, our success is closely tied to our ability to read the signs of the elements and adapt our practices accordingly. Join us as we explore the unique joys and challenges of each season, uncovering the secrets to thriving on the farm through it all.
Autumn Abundance
As the summer sun begins to wane and the air grows crisp, the farm transforms into a tapestry of colors and abundance. This is the time of year when our hard work over the growing season comes to fruition, and we eagerly await the harvest.
In the autumn garden, we busily gather the last of the summer crops, preserving the bounty through canning, freezing, and drying. Companion planting techniques like planting cover crops help us maintain soil health and prepare the land for the colder months ahead. We relish the vibrant hues of our heirloom tomatoes, the crunch of freshly harvested carrots, and the sweet aroma of our apple orchards. The kids love exploring the farm’s nature trails, collecting fallen leaves and spotting migrating birds.
As the harvest winds down, we shift our focus to storage and preservation. Our root cellars and pantry shelves fill up with jars of homemade sauces, pickles, and jam—the perfect ingredients for comforting farm-to-table recipes we’ll enjoy throughout the winter. Of course, no autumn on the farm is complete without the classic pairing of fresh cider and warm donuts, which we’re always excited to share with visitors at our seasonal events.
Winter Wonderland
When the first snowflakes start to drift down, we know it’s time to batten down the hatches and prepare the farm for the colder months. While the fields lie dormant, our attention turns to the care and comfort of our livestock.
Ensuring our animals have adequate shelter, bedding, and feed is a top priority. We meticulously monitor their health, adapting our feeding schedules and veterinary routines to the demands of winter. Our dairy cows continue to provide us with fresh milk, which we transform into luscious cheeses and yogurt to sustain us through the season.
Around the farmhouse, we embrace the cozy ambiance of the winter months. Our woodstove crackles, filling the air with the comforting scent of burning logs. The kids love gathering in the living room for DIY crafts, learning about the natural world through hands-on activities, and curling up with a good book.
When the weather permits, we bundle up and venture out to explore the farm’s winter wonderland. Freshly fallen snow blankets the landscape, transforming our nature trails into a magical, serene setting for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. It’s the perfect opportunity to appreciate the subtle beauty of the dormant season and reconnect with the gentle rhythms of the natural world.
Spring’s Renewal
As the days grow longer and the earth begins to thaw, we eagerly await the arrival of spring. This is the time of year when we roll up our sleeves and dive into the important task of preparing the soil for the growing season ahead.
We start by tilling and amending our garden beds, incorporating nutrient-rich compost to ensure our crops get the best possible start. Seed starting in our greenhouses allows us to get a head start on the growing season, giving our seedlings a head start before transplanting them into the fields.
Once the ground is ready, we carefully plan our planting schedule, taking into account the unique needs of each crop. Our heirloom vegetable varieties, vibrant flowers, and fragrant herbs start to emerge, filling the air with the scent of new life. The kids love to get their hands dirty, learning about plant biology and the importance of pollinators through hands-on activities in the garden.
As the season progresses, we stay vigilant, monitoring for any signs of pests or disease and employing organic pest control methods to keep our plants healthy and thriving. With each passing week, we witness the transformation of the farm, from the delicate buds of spring to the lush, verdant abundance of summer.
Summer’s Splendor
The warm, sunny days of summer bring a sense of abundance and vitality to the farm. This is the time of year when our gardens are in full bloom, our livestock are happily grazing, and the air is filled with the buzzing of industrious pollinators.
In the vegetable garden, we diligently water, weed, and mulch to ensure our crops receive the nourishment they need to thrive. We delight in watching our heirloom tomatoes ripen on the vine, our zucchini and squash flourish, and our berry bushes become heavy with juicy fruit. The kids love to pick their own produce, learning about nutrition and the importance of sustainable agriculture.
Our livestock also relish the summer months, grazing on the lush pastures and enjoying the warm sunshine. We make sure to provide them with ample water and shade, and we rotate their grazing areas to maintain the health of the land. The dairy cows continue to produce rich, creamy milk, which we use to craft our signature artisanal cheeses and ice cream.
As the summer progresses, we turn our attention to preserving the harvest. We can, freeze, and dehydrate our abundant produce, creating a pantry full of farm-fresh ingredients that will sustain us through the colder months. The kids love to help out, learning about the science of food preservation and the joy of DIY projects like fruit leather and vegetable chips.
Throughout the summer, we invite our community to join us for a variety of seasonal events, from farm-to-table dinners showcasing our bounty to family-friendly activities that celebrate the joys of farm life. Whether it’s a nature scavenger hunt, a petting zoo, or a garden-inspired craft workshop, there’s always something for everyone to enjoy at Crooked Pines Farm.
As the seasons continue to unfold, we at Crooked Pines Farm remain ever-grateful for the opportunity to work in harmony with the natural world. By embracing the ebb and flow of the elements, we cultivate not only a thriving agricultural operation but also a deep sense of connection to the rhythms of the land. Whether you’re joining us for a farm tour, a hands-on learning experience, or simply enjoying the bounty of our farm-to-table recipes, we invite you to become a part of our story and witness the magic of the seasons firsthand.
