O’Neill: Winter farming is challenging but carries its own rewards

Our produce will be at market on Tuesday, despite the snow we have in the forecast for Monday night. Winter farming creates these kinds of logistical challenges, so we’ve switched up our harvest and delivery schedule to get things done before the storm. I’m feeling gratitude for my friends who will help with the market table if I need to stay on the hill and knock snow off of greenhouses and low tunnels and also for the customers who come to market to buy our vegetables. 

I’ve been marveling at how much we are able to harvest here in the middle of February. This is partly because it’s been such a warm, mild winter, but also because of all the hard work over the last few months to keep sowing, prepping and planting, staying in the rhythm of the work despite the shift in the seasons. Kale, chard, collards and bok choy are abundant in their winter glory. Lettuces and tender Asian greens like Tokyo Bekana, mizuna, purple choy and tatsoi are all thriving, as are the successions of arugula. Scallions, beets and turnips are rocking, and radishes will soon be back in the lineup.