Early to Mid-summer on Lightwater Farm

The abundance of the farm takes center stage during this season. Walking up and down the rows of crops each day brings about a sense of childlike wonder as nature puts on her show. Each act leads seamlessly to the next as delicate flowers give way to succulent peas and vivid orange blossoms, claiming their space and forming into substantial summer squash. These transformations happen so quickly now. After drinking the rains of springtime and basking in the newfound rays of summer sun, the growth upon the land is exponential. 

This is the time when we farmers really begin to feel the rewards of our work. We have prepared the fields, sowed the seeds, and planted each seedling in its place. Duties move from preparation, with rakes and broad forks in hand, to the tender tasks of maintenance. The pace shifts from urgency to an observant stroll, and we spend our hours on the land paying attention. 

Summer maintenance takes the form of weeding and tending the ever-growing plants. We string up tomato vines and cut back their excess foliage to promote air circulation. We trellis the pole beans and attempt to keep the sweet snow peas safe from the appetites of songbirds. All our energy goes now to the upkeep of the space and providing our crops with the best circumstances to thrive.

This is not always a simple task, as every being has different preferences. Some plants await the heat and relish the increase in temperature, while others shrivel or bolt as the sun makes a more regular appearance. This implies getting to know each crop on an individual basis, and to plan their sowing, planting and harvest times with the seasonal shifts in mind. The land reacts to the seasonal change as well, kindly asking us to be aware of how we utilize resources such as water during the warmer, dryer months. Learning how to align the changes of needs on the farm and land is an ever-unfolding lesson on how to work with nature. 

The warmer days are not only calling us to spend time outside. Other critters, who also call this land home, feel the inclination to enjoy it just as much! This implies more visits from rabbits, deer and birds on the farm, which is not always quite as romantic as one may think. The fine balancing act of co-creating an environment in which nature is bountiful and healthy, yet ensuring our efforts are not all gorged upon by wildlife, is a constant learning curve. To learn how to co-exist in a harmonious way with nature is key here on the farm, and can often be a humbling experience for all those who work with the land. 

At Lightwater Farm, we also dedicate certain crops to saving seed. This is another realm of farming entirely and very different from growing crops for harvest and food. It implies very mindful planting, as many varieties will cross with one another, and this can lead to the genetics of a seed changing in an undesirable way. Growing seeds alongside food brings in a new element of detail and dedication as we need to be consistently aware of which plants are going to flower to ensure the quality of our seed. It is an intricate dance with timing to have both food crops and seed crops sharing a space. 

Our efforts show up not only in the plants, but the creatures as well. We can now watch how our companion planting supports the health of the farm as we see pollinators, attracted to the borage flowers, stop by the zucchinis on their way out. We have the privilege of seeing first-hand the intimate connection between all life forms on the planet, in the small sanctuary of the garden. Each day growing food is a reminder of the various interdependencies that exist within the natural world and how vital it is to nourish those beneficial relationships. We see how marigolds deter harmful insects and cilantro flowers attract predatory wasps who prey on other pests. Alyssum carpets the ground beneath our taller crops to draw in bees and butterflies who pollinate our food and help feed us in exchange. The world of reciprocity is ripe when working alongside the land. It is a gift to have the opportunity to witness your best intentions come to fruition. When we see hummingbirds feasting on the nectar of the flowers we’ve planted, and find bumblebees asleep in the calendula, we feel satisfied with what we’ve brought to the world. 

These are the days to take it all in, to witness the once vulnerable plants we have nurtured become vigorous and burst forth into the cycles of nature. It is a wonder, to see a watermelon begin to gain its round, juicy bulk, and tomatoes begin to blush. It is a feeling of pure awe. We watch as corn puts out its tassels and beans curl their way up to the sky. The squash spread their tendrils along the earth, wide leaves taking in the light to create their sweet fruit. Every being on the land is vibrating with life, and it seems nothing less than total bliss for all.