I had the pleasure of visiting Essex’s farm site in Salem in March. I had a few people tell me that there wasn’t much happening right now. I wanted to see for myself, and as I thought there was much more happening. Not the calm of winter or the overwhelming rush of summer, just the quiet awakening of the plants to the new growth season.

I asked several questions of our Salem colleagues (Chris and Ryan), hoping I could get some dirt on the spring mint farm situation.

Which season is best for farming, especially at the Salem Farm site?

Farmer – Winter. Recovery time.

Farm – Summer. When all the crops are in full swing.

But all seasons have good and challenging aspects to them.

Is spring really farming season?

Yes! Rejuvenation of plants in the waking fields and greenhouse.

The greenhouse house has heat and lights so there is always things growing, but this time of the year, more growing for the intention of planting in the field.

What do farmers have to do every day, is Salem any different?

For the greenhouses and fields – checking water is something that needs to be done every day.

What month is best for farming?

Minty progress starts in May, establishing roots.

In Salem, the opinion is that June is the best month for farming, water needs are established, plants are doing well. The heat is not at its highest yet either. June is also the best month for visiting the plants that are up and growing in the fields.

Pest Control Measures

Even Salam has to take situational treatment against insects or micro pests that will attack crops. Leafhoppers in the field (grasshopper type insects).

In the greenhouse there can be fungal issues or aphids in any season.

In both the greenhouses and fields are Nematodes (which are micro worms in the soil) and Verticillium (wilt on the Mint foliage) which both take soil testing and being on the lookout for specific plant symptoms.

Preparing the Soil for Planting, Salem style

The process for preparing the soil is the same for mint as it is for other farmers. Things that are done: are soil testing, tilling, weed management and irrigation.

Bad weeds for Salem folks (and images so you can get rid of them as well!)

Puncture vine / Goats Head, mean looking weed. Spreads by tractor and can puncture a bike tire.

Puncture vine / Goats Head, mean looking weed. Spreads by tractor and can puncture a bike tire.

Goat-head (Puncture vine; Caltrop) – Arches National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

Canadian Thistle – Another mean plant. Goes thru pants and it hurts when working around it.

Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org

 

So yes, visiting a farm near you in March does not have the bustling growth of June or the quiet calm of November, but the plants are waking up and the process is still amazing to see.

A big thanks to the Essex Salem colleagues, for having me out and putting up with my curious farm questions!

~Lena B