As the days grow longer, we’re deep into one of the most important parts of our farming year — summer garden planning. While harvest season still feels a little ways off, this is when the foundation for a successful summer is carefully laid.
Thoughtful planning now helps ensure steady harvests, healthy plants, and resilient soil throughout the hottest months of the year.
Seed Selection & Crop Planning
Each winter we review notes from last season — which varieties thrived, which struggled, what you loved most, and what sold quickly at the farm stand. From there, we select seeds based on:
Flavor and quality
Disease resistance
Heat tolerance
Days to maturity
Storage potential
This summer, we’re planning a balanced mix of staple crops and specialty varieties. Expect slicer and tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, cucumbers, summer squash, green beans, melons, and lots of pumpkins and decorative gord’s.
Soil Health & Bed Preparation
Healthy soil is the backbone of everything we grow. Before planting begins, we:
Add compost to replenish nutrients
Rotate crop families to reduce pest and disease pressure
Test soil where needed
Prep irrigation lines for efficient watering
Plan succession plantings for continuous harvests
Crop rotation is especially important in maintaining long-term soil vitality. By moving plant families each season, we help naturally manage pests and improve nutrient balance.
Succession Planting for Steady Harvests
Rather than planting everything at once, many crops are seeded in stages. This approach helps prevent overwhelming harvest weeks and keeps fresh produce available for longer periods. Crops like lettuce, beans, and cucumbers will be planted every few weeks to maintain consistent supply.
Irrigation & Heat Planning
Summer weather can be unpredictable. We’re reviewing irrigation systems, mulching strategies, and shade options to help plants withstand periods of intense heat. Water conservation remains a priority, and we focus on deep, efficient watering practices that strengthen root systems.
What This Means for You
As we move toward summer, you can look forward to continued sharing and behind-the-scenes updates so you can follow along as seedlings sprout, beds fill in, and the garden comes to life.
Planning season may look quiet from the outside, but it’s full of intention and preparation. Every map drawn and seed ordered brings us one step closer to a vibrant, productive summer.
Thank you for supporting our small farm and being part of this growing season with us. We can’t wait to share the harvest.
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Thank you,
Craig Pierce
CR Hops Farm
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