Spring is just around the corner and fields are filling up with lettuce, carrots, and a full array of brassicas. Although we have all experienced a mild winter, freezing temperatures are still a risk. Make sure to have row cover ready for extra protection during those cold nights. Research your crops and know their frost tolerance; this will help determine planting dates, row cover needs and help maximize your production.

In some parts of the Carolinas, beds are being prepped for tomatoes, cucumbers and other warm season crops. Thinking ahead, do you have a plan for keeping these crops fresh before sale? CFSA has been working on an On-farm Infrastructure Toolkit, using a grant from CEFS NC Growing Together Project, that will provide small-scale specialty growers with designs and guidance for building structures for post-harvest cooling and washing, curing, and cold storage. We are excited to be putting the finishing touches on the entire toolkit and will be making it available in early April.

Cheers,

Karen McSwain, CFSA’s Director of Farm Services and Food Systems

P.S. Looking for inspiration? The Piedmont Farm Tour, April 22-23 from 2-6pm both days, is a great way to see your colleagues’ sustainable farms and learn how they grow. Get your car pass now!