Many Hands Make a Light Load

I just recently finished an absolutely stressful freshman year of college. At times it felt like it was more than I bargained for, but at the end of the day, it wasn’t too much for me to handle. Before heading home for the summer my aunt and uncle asked if I could help put finishing touches on their new vegetable and flower operation. Always glad to help, and to take the edge off from the stress of the school year, I joined them at Hacienda Barrera to help launch Glory Fields. 

Working on the farm was very relaxing and humbling. No matter how hard the work was, seeing it come together was rewarding. Whether it was carrying loads of bricks and wood or transplanting tomatillos into the ground, there was plenty to do. I had lots of fun setting up the beds for new plants, organizing the high tunnel, and taking care of the plants in the potting shed while the family was away for the weekend.

My weekend farm-sitting went way better than I expected. I was betting on me tripping and dropping the plants or not giving them enough water; however, it was quite the contrary. The plants grew exponentially fast and thrived despite some crazy weather. 

In the short time I contributed on the farm I enjoyed every moment; and there is no shortage of fun out there. (see the pictures of me fighting a rat snake). I have a few scars, both physical and emotional, but these will heal just in time for the harvest to come in.  Unfortunately, I’ll be back in Texas by that time, but I will be watching the @glory_fields Instagram feed closely to check on the progress of the plants I helped start.  

I learned so much from working here such as how organic plants are better for human consumption, which plants are grown in which way, and even the germination period of a tomato (5-10 days, in case you are wondering).  I don’t know if I’ll be a farmer on earth, but if I continue my studies and follow my dreams, maybe I’ll be more like Matt Damon in The Martian, growing potatoes on Mars!