Editor’s Note

Winter is a great time for planning, especially for next spring’s garden. Without a plan, you’re liable to have way too much of what you know you can grow versus not enough of what you need to try. That’s a trap some hobby farmers fall into. You may be growing the best sweet corn in the county but you’re not growing as a farmer. Are you planting different crops each year, in addition to your regular standbys?

Last summer, I tried growing spaghetti squash for the first time, a vegetable that I was unfamiliar with. In the past, I had stayed with the tried-and-true summer squash, because that is what I knew and liked. But then I saw spaghetti squash as was intrigued, so I planted it instead. It grew easily, and we had a great harvest. Best of all, its unique texture and taste were incredible. Plus, it’s super easy to serve: Just bake and eat plain (pictured below)!

As human beings, we should always be constantly growing, becoming better fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, friends, coworkers, etc. and not just in our relationships but in our careers, too. One of our company core values is “Keep Climbing — Never Stop Learning — Always Innovate.” That’s a good value for everyone to have and follow.

To start the third decade of this century, be sure that you’re still growing. Plant something new, and email us (hobbyfarms@hobbyfarms.com) about your success or failure. — Roger Sipe, Editor