Change is in the air. Not only on the national geopolitical level, but here at home. In the Sonoma Valley we have seen the clear end of one season and the transition to the next. Sonomans will tell you that, historically, “It always rains on Halloween,” or around then. Sure enough, the wet season has begun, and with it cooler temperatures. Catching up with Farmer Paul Wirtz, at Paul’s Produce Farm on Arnold Drive, we discussed the year that was and the winter growing season ahead.
Driving out to meet Paul at the tractor barn, I marveled at the clean rows of newly planted crops. Lettuces, brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage etc.), herbs, carrots, beets, radish and more. Summer crops were long gone, tilled in to provide nutrients for the next go-round. I sought Paul’s take on the year that was.
How was the 2024 growing season? I asked. “Good,” said Paul. “Weather-wise it was one of the easiest years. We started off wet, and were late in planting Spring crops. After that, we had great growing conditions, no major heat spells which leads to greater success in planting seeds and starts. We also have a great crew this year, including fulltime employees, but also extra help in the greenhouse and in sales.”
I asked how preparation for fall and winter has gone so far?
“We are caught up,” said Paul. “We try not to overdue summer and move early into fall preparations. We make most of our own compost on-site. We compost each bed prior to planting, and save some of these beds for use in the wet season when we are not able to take the tractor out on the fields. We will do some seeding and planting into year end, mostly lettuces, peas and cool season crops, with the majority of starts coming from the greenhouse. One of the tricks in farming year-round is keeping work for employees in the winter season.”
Anything new to the farm?
“Well not exactly new, but our Farm Manager Cody Curtis, who came on a few years back, has done a great job at overseeing our operations. Having people who are interested and love the work makes a huge difference.”
What is coming to market for the Holiday Season?
“Lots of variety. Carrots, beets, winter squash, onions, leeks, greens, parsnips, turnips, radish, arugula, celery, broccoli – and more.”
Where can folks find Paul’s Produce?
“We sell retail at the Friday Farmer’s market, Sonoma Market, and through the FEED bin from FEED Sonoma, a farmers cooperative distributor. FEED has also been able to win grants for essential food distributions including through Food For All/Comida Para Todos here in the Valley”.
We at the Grange started the vegetable contributions to the FEED distribution during the pandemic. It’s good to hear it continues and is funded.
The fact is, Sonoma Valley, once a breadbasket to the bay area, now has very little local food production. Those who continue, such as Paul, are truly working to keep our Valley sustainable. Supporting local farms preserves the rural character of our community, creates economic diversity, provides nutritious and flavorful foods, and provides inspiration in the kitchen during the cold winter months – true Cold Comfort.
(Seth Dolinsky is Lecturer at Sonoma Valley Grange, A 100 year-old Valley service organization supporting local farms and food producers, and is owner of New Land Systems, a regenerative land management company.)
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