February kicks off with Groundhog Day to give us some insight for how much longer the cold will last. This year, we’re in for 6 more weeks of winter.
Our team checked in with growers and ranchers scheduled to be at the market during February. With recent high winds, freezing temps and rainfall, we asked them how it’s changed their spring planning, if at all.
We started in Cullman County at Henke Farms – about 50 miles north of the market.
Farmers Christine and Tammy Henke say there’s not much they can do in the fields until the temps change. The ground needs to warm up to plant. This month, they’ll buy potato seed for planting sometime in late March when the ground is warmer.
seed potatoes that have started sprouting
The Henke’s are hoping to put seeds in their greenhouse to begin spring planting for things like broccoli, cauliflower, collards, and tomatoes. They’ll only use their greenhouse this month if it doesn’t get too cold at night!
Over the next few weekends, their market spread will feature their homemade jams, jellies, and some canned veggies, plus sweet potatoes with some winter squash.
Southeast of Birmingham, we checked in with Talladega County farmers at Twin Springs Farm and Ireland Farm.
Ranchers John, Cary, and Charles Robbs of Twin Springs say February is all about keeping the mamas, babies, and steers warm, happy, and healthy. Despite the frigid temps, they’re glad to report everyone is well and looking good!
purebred, registered Devon heifers the Robbs’ purchased last fall
Cary says the cold weather has not changed either their short term or long term plans. Thanks to an abundant hay crop last year, their cows have it whenever it’s needed. She says they’re still on schedule to begin two new projects in late spring: fish oil fertilizer and compost tea.
Did you know the Robbs’ already grow their own hay to feed their livestock?
They’re always looking for ways to feed their land without harsh chemicals – and in turn, feed their livestock safely and humanely. These new spring projects will help them do just that. Instead of buying compost to fertilize their land, they’ll begin making their own. The goal is for their farm to operate 100% all natural with no chemicals used!
This month, they plan to bring pastured beef, pastured pork, and pastured veal when they’re at market on 2/7. Their sales on the 7th dictate what veal they’ll have available when they’re back on 2/28.
Just down the road from them is Ireland Farms.
a view of tunnels from our farm visit in June of 2022
You’ll find Ireland’s market table stocked with favorites like lettuces, carrots, turnips, Chinese broccoli, bok choy, kale, herbs, and scallions.
Looking to Shelby County, farmer Jim Suttle of Mountain Meadows Farm says these freezing temps have pushed his season back a bit.
Like other farmers, he’s anxiously waiting for the ground temperatures to warm. Snow peas are one of the first early spring crops, and farmer Jim says he’s getting his transplanted now so they’ll be ready.
Farmer Jim’s chemical-free grown berries, frozen from last season’s harvest
When he joins us on 2/21, he’ll bring plenty of frozen berries and peas from last season’s harvest – perfect for smoothies and baking. His signature “cowboy caviar” and assortment of jams also available.
Moving south to Chilton County, The Mathis Mini Farm has stayed busy, too.
Farmer Brad Mathis says this month is packed full of fun! They’ll be planting more greens like broccoli, spinach, and lettuces.
a row of blackberry twigs at Mathis Mini Farm
Blackberries are going in the ground this week. After that, they’ll begin planting their direct seed items like carrots, arugula, and radishes. They’ll end the month with seeding their tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash to be ready for the busy season ahead!
Mathis says while the recent cold temps have changed their plans, their high tunnel has been a lifesaver by protecting their early plantings. While everything has grown very little over the past few weeks due to being covered with frost covers, he says they should be getting some good growth now. With temps warming up a little, he’s finally able to uncover his field so it can soak up the brief moments of sunshine throughout the day!
You’ll find lettuce, broccoli, collards, and microgreens (spicy, mild, and cilantro) on their market table this week – they’re hoping spinach and Brussels sprouts will make an appearance, too.
The weather is the deciding factor for when strawberries will be ready in Alabama.
This month, fruit growers across Alabama continue prioritizing the protection of their strawberries, blueberries, and peach trees because winter’s not over yet! It’s too soon to tell when strawberries will make their farmers market debut.
ALWAYS IN SEASON: mushrooms, honey, and meat
