A Note From Layton | May Brings an Explosion of Growth
May 17, 2024
By Layton Guenther
May on the farm brings about an explosion of growth – from the overwintered cover crops in our fields, to hedgerows leafing out, we’re keeping a tight cadence of field walks to stay on top of our production schedule. Recently seeded early spring crops like peas, carrots, mesclun, mustard greens and spinach have germinated and are greening up quickly; meanwhile, our larger transplanted crops like head lettuces, kale, swiss chard and beets are putting on lots of growth.
The tasks of seeding and transplanting crops never cease to amaze me. Here, a tiny seed pushed into the ground; there, a fragile plant tucked into a muddy hole. But lo, the urge to live is strong, and so we farmers cross our fingers, hope for the best and try to keep up. If you’ve not had the pleasure of experiencing such suspended disbelief as taking a greenhouse-grown, coddled crop and planting it out into our beautiful silt loam, please join us this coming weekend for the Transplanting Workshop.
Next week, we’ll be opening up our stand at the new Amagansett Square Farmers’ Market – you can find us there Thursdays from 2:30 - 5:30 p.m. throughout the season. Albeit somewhat limited (my joke is that the first few markets we only bring daffodils and grass clippings) this springtime harvest tends to be lush and flavorful, harbingers of crops to come. Stop by and say hello!
Last weekend, I was invited to co-facilitate a QT+BIPOC tractor training retreat for farmers at Rock Steady Farm in Millerton, NY. Three of our apprentices joined me, and together we spent two days learning alongside farmers and landworkers from the Hudson Valley and beyond. Soon enough, our new Quail Hill Farmers will get to know you all – our CSA members – who make up the rich fabric of our beloved community farm. Remembering that community is at the core of what we do, I’m grateful for the spirit of Community Support Agriculture, that brings us together in an exercise of hope, connection and reciprocity.
See you in the fields,
Layton
Layton Guenther
Director, Quail Hill Farm
LGuenther@PeconicLandTrust.org