What Vegetable Farmers Are Doing in March: Preparing for a Bountiful Market Season

As winter gives way to spring, vegetable farmers across Virginia are hard at work preparing for the upcoming growing season. At Long Family Markets, we’re proud to partner with incredible farming operations like C&A Produce from Montross, Virginia. This family-owned and operated farm not only grows an impressive variety of fresh, local produce but also goes above and beyond to give back by donating to local food banks and organizations.

Here’s a look at what farmers like the team at C&A Produce are doing in March to lay the foundation for a successful market season, while making a positive impact in our community.

Starting Seeds

March is prime time for starting seeds, both indoors and in greenhouses. Vegetable farmers carefully plan their crops, selecting varieties that thrive in Virginia’s soil and climate.

• Warm-weather crops: Farmers start tomatoes and peppers indoors under controlled conditions, with squash and cucumbers following a little later. These plants move outdoors as the weather warms.
• Cold-hardy vegetables: Early crops like spinach, lettuce, kale, and radishes are sown directly into the soil, since they tolerate cooler temperatures.

Preparing the Soil

Healthy soil is the foundation of a productive farm, and March is all about getting the land ready:

• Testing and amending: Farmers test the soil for nutrient levels and pH, adding compost or organic fertilizers as needed.
• Tilling and shaping: Fields are tilled to aerate the soil, and raised beds or planting rows are prepared for good drainage and growth.

Planning and Scheduling

Growing vegetables for a busy market season takes careful planning:

• Succession planting: Farmers stagger planting schedules to keep the harvest coming all season long.
• Crop rotation: To maintain soil health and reduce pests, farmers rotate crops, planting different vegetables in each field every year.
• Irrigation systems: Farmers check and repair irrigation systems so water delivery is efficient and reliable.

Maintaining Equipment and Facilities

March is the time for last-minute repairs and upgrades:

• Greenhouse maintenance: Greenhouses are inspected for winter damage and outfitted with ventilation and heating as needed.
• Tool preparation: Equipment like seeders, planters, and sprayers is serviced so everything runs smoothly once planting kicks into high gear.

C&A Produce: A Family Tradition of Freshness and Giving Back

At C&A Produce, the hard work happening in March sets the stage for the incredible variety of vegetables they’ll bring to Long Family Markets, and it reflects their commitment to the local community.

While providing fresh, high-quality vegetables is at the heart of what they do, C&A Produce also takes pride in giving back. They regularly donate fresh produce to local food banks and organizations, helping families in need access nutritious, locally grown food. That generosity embodies the spirit of community Long Family Markets celebrates.

By growing a wide range of vegetables and contributing to food security, C&A Produce shows that farming is about more than the harvest. It’s about building a stronger, healthier community.

Supporting Local Farmers

When you shop at Long Family Markets, you’re not just buying fresh produce. You’re supporting farmers like C&A Produce who work tirelessly to grow and give back. Their dedication in March and beyond fills our marketplace with fresh, healthy, locally grown vegetables while uplifting those in need.

Our weekly market season kicks off each April. Join us in celebrating the incredible efforts of local farmers, and savor the fruits (and veggies!) of their labor. Together, let’s support our community and strengthen the ties that bind us all.