39. Optimism
As I sit here in early March, I’m overflowing with optimism. I suppose that’s relatively normal for small farmers in the Northern Hemisphere. Spring is upon us, and with that comes visions of new varieties, new markets, and new land to plant. I think it’s beneficial to share our hopeful expectations, what with so much fear and sorrow flooding our news feeds. This rambling blog will be as much for me as it is for the reader; I’d like to be able to look back on the budding moments of spring from the dog days of summer and remember what I felt so excited about going into year two as a market gardener:
spreadsheet season is giving way to planting season
Atop the list of exciting developments is a contraption sure to get your blood pumping: bicycle powered smoothies! It’s exactly what it sounds like: a stationary bike that, when pedaled vigorously, turns the blade in a blender cup in order to serve up a fresh, delicious smoothie! We’re partnering with a local bike racer who is gearing up for an epic ride with Bike the US for MS, and we’re allowing customers to contribute to his ride by pedaling their own drink. Our smoothie menu will borrow from the proven staples from local cafe Little Green Hive, and perhaps we’ll offer some healthy add-ins from our selection of microgreens. I think the blender bike will generate some real buzz in the market, as well as offering a healthy breakfast option for our customers. We’ll bring the bike to ten select markets throughout the year; keep an eye on our Facebook page for specific dates.
I’m super pumped about our mix of varieties on the grow calendar this year. We’re sticking with some of the best performers like Tango lettuce, Touchon carrots, and Seascape strawberries. And we’re trying some new stuff: Valley Girl tomatoes, Moneta beets, and Carmine Splendor red okra. We’re upping our flower production, both edible and decorative. And starting this week we’ll start experimenting with popcorn and leeks as microgreens. So I hope you’re all ready to taste some new flavors in 2019!
With a more confident mix of products, it stands to reason that we’re hoping to build on our sales numbers in year two. We sold most of what we grew last year. But our footprint has grown and more importantly, we plan to cut crop failures at least in half. More than a quarter of the seeds planted in 2018 did not make it to market, usually because of lost battles with critters, weather or both. So we’ll time it better, we’ll protect it more effectively, and that means we’ll sell many more great fruits and veggies in year two.
Shifting focus from our micro-farm, let’s look at the city in which it resides. I’m excited to hear rumors and whispers of attention being paid in Roanoke to an issue I take very seriously: food sovereignty. Senator Mark Warner was in town last month saying all the right things about eliminating this city’s several food deserts. There is a movement afoot to bring a grocery back to Northwest Roanoke. Those neighborhoods have been without a full service grocery store for over 20 years. That’s a modern day tragedy with real consequences, and I’m hopeful that something can be done to solve it. It’s on us as residents of Roanoke to hold leadership accountable for the promises they’re making.
I’m thrilled to reiterate the following shameless plug: Garden Variety Harvests now offers edible landscape consultations. At some point, it doesn’t make sense to continue adding properties willy-nilly to our urban farming network. But in the spirit of using my city ag skills to benefit the local food network, I want to be able to give aspiring growers a head start toward stocking their fridge with home grown goods. So if you have a wild hair this spring, and you’re in the Roanoke Valley, check out our consultations page.
I’m delighted about relationships I’ve made in the local food movement. Those relationships are poised to bear fruit for all parties this year. I’ve got a handful of chefs and restaurants that look forward to sharing in the bounty this year. The Community Garden Association continues to support me with arable land and teaching opportunities. And our local fermenting guru is fit to stuff many of our field goods into jars that are belly-beneficial for our customers.
Finally, I’m jubilant about the Morningside Urban Farm, supported by Carilion Clinic. To have the local non-profit hospital so truly invested in food as medicine is such a blessing. Having the wealth of resources, financial, human and otherwise, behind our little educational urban farm allows me to just play my part in a much bigger picture. We have over 50 events on the calendar for 2019 including community harvesting days, gardening classes, yoga classes, food demonstrations with local chefs, and so much more! If you haven’t been out to see the place, go to the Morningside website and find an event on the forthcoming calendar to check out!
That’s not all I’m excited about, but in the interest of semi-brevity, let’s end with lucky #7. I hope your list of springtime sanguine is equally as long or longer!