08/03/2025
August Update from the Farm š¼
Itās hard to believe itās already August. Summer seems to be flying, but for us, itās felt like an especially long and difficult one.
We havenāt had a proper rainfall since early June and it was just one small shower. The intense heat and lack of water have put so much stress on everything we grow, from our new rose beds and annuals to our apple trees and hardy perennials. On top of that, the dry conditions have brought an increase in pests, making things even harder.
Despite watering and fertilizing regularly, many of our plants just havenāt taken off. What should be tall, full, and flowering by now are barely a foot tall, if that. After weeks of frustration, Iāve come to believe that the compost we brought in this spring may have been contaminated with herbicide. Itās the only explanation we have at this point, especially when the soil pile itself is suspiciously weed-free, and none of our plants seem to be thriving in it.
The hardest part of all of this? Weāve poured so much time, labour, love, and cost into getting our new pick-your-own area ready this year. We invested in the proper insurance, built out new raised beds, and planted so many beautiful plants in their own little fields. And yet, we havenāt had enough blooms to open the flower cart often, let alone welcome visitors to pick your own.
Itās discouraging, but this is farming. Sometimes itās beautiful and abundant and other times itās disappointing and out of your control. I told myself almost 20 years ago I would never get into farming after my Dad got into a serious farm accident and saw first hand the toll it takes on you. But here I am š Weather and soil quality arenāt things we can change after the fact so all I can do is keep trying, keep learning, and keep holding onto hope.
Weāre still hopeful that by September, our Dahlia field will be in bloom, and our other beds will catch up. Weāll keep you posted, and we so appreciate your understanding and support.
Thank you for being here with us through it all š
Emily
