All that’s left to do now is the tucking in, my farmer friends told me today by e-mail. They have called it a year, and most of my intership in organic farming is over. What the starving deer didn’t eat of the fall greens will go to the local natural foods stores, or to friends who place special orders.
If I’m lucky, I’ll get to help plant next season’s garlic, which must winter over before sprouting in the spring. All I’ll have for comfort now are the seed catalogs I’ve ordered. One came in the mail already, and I’ve been dreaming up dishes with newly offered heirloom potatoes and tomatoes I hope the market gardeners here will plant.
But before I turn the compost of this experience into the rocky Southern soil of Giles County, I wanted to list the lessons I’ve learned over the summer.
Things I’ve learned working on a small family farm:
-Besides the hoe, a widebrimmed hat and sunscreen are the most important tools to take to the field.
-Cool, clean water is the most delicious drink on earth.
-Don’t waste food; someone worked too hard and was paid too little to grow it.
-Racoons, snakes, dogs, hawks, people — everybody loves chicken.
-Nobody can make it rain.
Tags: agriculture, Farming, Giles County
Pam wrote,
Excellent blog! I love the colorful images and turns of phrase. I’m also intrigued by your interesting links!
Keep up the good work.
Link | November 3rd, 2007 at 2:06 pm