Patience

Snow lingers outside, and I'm sure it will continue for weeks....yet inside, we are well on our way in the great seeding marathon which began in mid-January and will roll right on through August. Succession planting for cut flowers is crucial, as you want a continuous and revolving supply of flowers and greens throughout the entire growing season. With over one hundred annual cut flowers on our list this year, each of which gets planted anywhere from 2-9 times, that means a lot of time spent in seeding mode. 

As each seeding season begins, I find myself falling into the same trap and hover over my seed trays like an anxious and overbearing new parent. I am constantly checking on them - too wet, too dry, enough light, not enough humidity, temperature ok, WHY AREN'T THEY UP YET?! Don't even get me going on those seemingly microscopic seeds that need light to germinate and are sown on the soil's surface. They feel so exposed and unprotected, like sending a wobbling toddler out into the middle of a busy street....how on earth can they survive?!?

The fuss-factor continues until I reach a point of realization again, just like in years past, that patience is one of the most important tools in a farmer's toolbox. ​As farmers, we do the best we can to provide our seeds and plants with the best growing conditions and then we must release our control to the great rhythm of germination and growth that only Mother Nature owns. 

The seeds always come up, some sooner or later than expected. Most things go according to our plan, but some don't and we readjust, redirect, take notes and chalk it up as an invaluable lesson learned. All sorts of things can go wrong - some do, but most don't - and our job is only to do the best we can and stand back with great patience, humility, and awe. ​