Dayspring Farm, in Cologne, is waiting for the ground to thaw thoroughly so that it can begin planting spring crops. That means the energy of owners Charlie and Miriam Maloney is concentrated on seedlings, greenhouses and their farm animals. When I arrived, Miriam had just finished milking and gathering eggs and Charlie was in the heated greenhouse watering seedlings. Many of the seedlings were planted a week or two before I arrived by the Maloney’s, volunteers and William and Mary students.

Charlie Maloney choosing the next batch of seedlings to water

Many of the seeds had sprouted when I arrived and Charlie was thoroughly soaking each container. The work is intensive (even more so when you consider that each seedling will be transplanted by hand) but ensures optimum plant growth.

Charlie Maloney watering plants in tubs to ensure a consistent and thorough watering

In addition to the heated greenhouse, there are two other greenhouses where crops are planted directly in the ground. During the day the sun heats the crops and at night the crops are covered to protect them from cold nights in winter and early spring.

Arugula is covered in this, one of two row greenhouses at Dayspring Farm.

The greenhouses allow Dayspring Farm to extend the growing season for their CSA and other customers and provides the family with vegetables throughout the winter.

Greenhouses allow Dayspring Farm to begin the season earlier while the ground is still not workable.

Dayspring Farm involves the local community in their efforts to farm sustainably. Their CSA (community supported agriculture) market provides vegetables to community members whom pay in advance. This provides the economic stability needed to focus on sustainable practices that nurture the soil, animals and plants on the farm. The farm uses local material when possible, like hay for mulch, invites community members to farm and Charlie teaches a class about farming at the College of William and Mary.

To learn more visit http://www.ssawg.org/maloney.html