Ten Speed Farm offers delicious, handsome, sustainably-grown vegetables from beautiful farmland close to home in West Brattleboro, VT. The 2011 season has ended; sign up on our e-mail list to get updates about next year’s harvests!

Peas, oats, buckwheat, rye.

Posted: April 8th, 2012

Late in October, I planted my garlic on a new piece of land. I hoped this would be the last move for a while. I dreamt of harvesting that garlic, and planting the selected seed cloves right back in the same field.

…and then, I moved my farm again. Those of you who have been keeping track will know that this is my fourth piece of farmland in four years. Wowzer.

This time (cross your fingers), no family disputes will stand in the way of me and my weary, spoked farm. Right now, it is a neat square of spring hayfield. Soon, much activity! But not, perhaps, the kind of activity you’re imagining.

Because of so much moving around, I’ve decided to let 2012 be a building year. I will not grow veggies for sale this season. Instead, I will focus on getting this new land ready for cultivation starting in 2013. I have grand plans: shed building, hoophouse construction, calculated tillage. Plant field peas and oats late May and mow them down come July. Till that in, and plant buckwheat. Repeat in September: till the buckwheat, then fling rye seed into every corner. This is all to say that I’m building a Ten Speed Farm that will produce more handsome, delicious vegetables than ever before. Healthy soil is the foundation of any sustainable farm, and I’m determined to take my time with this. If you could see it, you’d understand. Dreamy, thick topsoil – I’d be a fool to rush this land’s transition from hayfield to cultivated vegetables. I will take this season to prepare my land the right way, and we’ll all be happier farmers and eaters.

I’ll be in touch in a couple of months, once I’ve signed a lease and can tell you more about this beautiful new land.

Happy Spring, everyone!

Your farmer,

Rebecca