Spring Blossoms on the Farm

By Ron Eichner

Hi folks. With spring around the corner and Mother Nature’s last gasp of winter, spring officially starts on March 21. Area farmers and gardeners are looking forward to another growing season.

Farming and gardening have made gains over the decades, with many different and new flower and vegetable varieties to grow and harvest. Some of us have been blessed to learn from our parents and grandparents, who have worked alongside us, striving to gain wisdom.

One rule overlooked over the last ten years is that box stores and even some greenhouses offer tender flowers and vegetable plants the first week of April. This policy makes customers think that spring is here, and they had better buy now since there is a nice selection. Buying flowers in April can set you up for failure because the soil is cold and damp. There is even a chance of frost through May, which equates to inadequate growing and gardening conditions.

One important rule I take on in March, April, and May is being a “gardening angel.” It is essential to realize that young plants like sunshine and warm soil temperatures. Spring rain can strip the gains in soil temperature and leave plants with cold, wet feet or roots, hindering their growth. That is why most plants do much better when they’re planted after mid-May. So don’t fall into the temptation when you see the beautiful young plants being sold in April through mid-May.

Looking at the spring calendar, on March 17 we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, and on March 21 the spring equinox begins. On this date, daylight and nighttime are of equal length. You’ll also notice that daylight gains minutes each day.

The old saying, “April showers bring May flowers,” is a loose term that means April can be wet, and May is when timely gardening and planting are done. April starts out with April Fool’s Day and is also part of Holy Week. April 3 is Good Friday, a Christian observance recognized by many as a day of reflection and remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

April 5 marks Easter Sunday, one of the most widely celebrated Christian holidays, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus. The week leading up to Easter, known as Holy Week, is an important time in the Christian calendar and is observed by many through worship, reflection, and gatherings with family and community. For many people, the season also serves as a reminder of renewal, hope, and the arrival of spring.

May has two special days. The first is Mother’s Day, which is a time to honor not only our own mothers but a diverse range of women: grandmothers, stepmothers, adoptive mothers, godmothers, aunts, expectant and new moms. All mothers are working moms, whether at home or at work. You can honor these special ladies with hanging baskets, flowers, lunch, or dinner. Just be sure to recognize them for all the love they have given.

The second significant date is Memorial Day, a time to solemnly honor and remember U.S. military personnel who have died while serving our great country. We thank them for their ultimate sacrifice in securing our freedom and national security. Their bravery will never be forgotten.

Our family farm is open seven days a week. The farm market and greenhouses can be a destination for our high-energy eggs, homemade bacon and sausages, a meat case full of products, roasting chickens and turkeys, homemade cookies, biscotti, buckeyes, local honey, maple syrup, cheeses, dairy, fruits, and vegetables.  

Our greenhouses will have beautiful hanging baskets, flowers, herbs, vegetable plants, potting soil, and access to me as your “gardening angel.” For the kids and grandkids, stop in to see our four miniature goats, kunekune pigs and piglets, the Dexter cows and calves, and Pickles, our black cat.

Our goal is to support the community, and we hope for community support in return. We are nestled in a valley, and our farm market and greenhouses are open seven days a week. We welcome you all to come and visit Eichner’s Whole Farm and Greenhouses at 285 Richard Road in Wexford and discover “the rest of the story.”