Spring is in full swing at Covenant Woods, and while the farm may still look like it’s just getting started, there’s so much happening beneath the surface. From new plantings to early blooms, this is the season where everything begins to take shape for the months ahead.
The farm is planting a mix of cool and warm season crops to carry into summer. While tomatoes remain a major focus this year, current plantings include bush snap peas and beans, along with leafy greens like dwarf blue kale. Zucchini, yellow squash, and cucumbers are also on the way. Herbs such as basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, rosemary, cilantro, and lavender continue to be a staple, with space also being dedicated to native pollinator plants like butterfly weed, buttonbush, bergamot, passionflower, and crossvine.
As the season progresses, residents will start to see more signs of the farm’s early success. Strawberries are now being harvested, marking the first fresh picks of the season. You may also notice edible violets popping up around the farm. These vibrant purple flowers, along with their leaves, are completely edible and have already made their way to the kitchen as a colorful garnish. Fresh herbs will also become more visible in day-to-day dining, with regular deliveries of rosemary, thyme, basil, and more heading straight from the farm to the kitchen.
For Farm Manager Madison, this season is about more than just what’s growing; it’s about connection. “One of my biggest goals is to get more residents out to the farm and interacting with the space, whether that is walking through the beds, learning about what’s growing, or just spending time outdoors.” She’s also looking forward to expanding the farm’s blackberry and raspberry rows to add more variety to future harvests.
While planting is well underway, a lot of effort is also going into preparing the farm for a productive summer season. The team is mulching pathways, enriching soil with compost, and staying on top of weeding. Tomato production is getting a boost this year, with the Florida weave trellising method helping nearly double the farm’s output. Cucumber beds are also being set up with cattle panel trellises to support healthy growth. Work has also begun to level and prepare the grounds for a high tunnel installation, which will help extend the growing season and protect crops in the months ahead.
Spring is all about setting the foundation, and the work happening now is what will make the upcoming seasons so rewarding. With new plantings in the ground and plenty of growth already underway, the farm at Covenant Woods is gearing up for a busy and productive year.