Farming in Masks

Farming in masks is not what the Farmers Almanac had predicted for 2020, at least not the kind we are embarking upon everyday. Sure, we are used to slogging 12-hour days in rain gear, hats, hoodies and heavy rain boots, but put a tiny lightweight mask over our nose and mouth and all of sudden we have become an entirely new species.

I think, because we are so covered and protected all day in the elements with gear, that our mouth and face offer our last vestige and ability to share expressions. All of this aside, we are very happy to wear masks, mostly homemade, to protect in the midst of the unknown. We are diligently washing hands all day, running between the fields and the greenhouses as we have entered into longer planting days. The sun and warm temperatures, today charted in at 73 degrees F, are helping us to relax and do what we know is most important: grow strong, organic plants to mature for everyone in need.

Our kids on spring break have set out to planting flowers, trying to create a memorial garden for all of the lives lost. Sunflowers, Zinnias, Lavender Aster, Calendula, Delphiniums, and Love Lies Bleeding are some of the amazing choices, and we can’t wait to have these for sale later in the summer to benefit families all over the state. Never before have we felt such a deep purpose in growing food for our community, and yet we also carefully need to protect our small and vital farm crew. As we embark on our more physically challenging days, it will be imperative to balance and not work too hard this spring. Keeping all immune systems strong is of highest priority, and farmers tend to run themselves pretty ragged.

We are thankful to be growing for you, our members, and our rosy red radishes and plump green spinach have popped up from the ground to say once again as they do every year, “We are here, and we are first.”

Make sure to find us on Instagram @fullcirclefarms.