After years of working this land, cutting lavender, shoveling compost, mowing paths, tending the animals, I've come to believe that the right shoes are one of the most underrated decisions you make on a farm. Most people dress the part above the waist. They wear gloves, hats, and long sleeves. But the feet? Usually an afterthought. Old sneakers, flip flops in a hurry, or whatever was closest to the door. I've done it too. And I've paid for it. Footwear is a tool, and it should be chosen with...

Spring is when I give my lavender its first proper cut of the year. Once I see fresh green growth coming in at the base, I know it’s time to get to work. Start With What’s Alive I don’t cut into the old woody part of the plant. Lavender doesn’t grow back well from that. I stay just above it, where the stems are still soft and green. From there, I leave 5 inches of green on the plant and cut off everything else. Enough to keep the plant compact and encourage new shoots. Keeping the Shape I...

Spring is a working season for us here at Garden Gate Farms . It’s when the garden starts moving again, but it’s also when small decisions matter more than people realize. A lot of issues I see later in the year usually trace back to what was done too early or done without checking first. Here’s how I approach this time of year on the farm. What to do now Check your soil before planting . If it still feels heavy or holds too much water, leave it for a few more days. Planting into wet soil...