By Doug Fabbioli

March in Virginia is when farmers and gardeners start itching to get their hands in the dirt. The cold of winter is easing up and the days are getting longer. The desire to make the most of the new growing season is running through their blood and they want to get started.

The growing season for most farmers starts not long after the harvest comes in and the first fall frost has killed off the last of the plants. The seed catalogs start to come in the mail with pages of seeds to peruse. Then the conference season starts and we get together so we can learn about new crops and methods, talk with fellow growers and compare notes on past experiences and the upcoming season.

I noticed the garden centers are already selling grapevines and berry plants. However, I would not recommend planting these outside until the threat of frost has passed.  Lots of folks are getting their seeds started in pots inside their house or in a greenhouse. Other crops do better starting in the ground where they will grow for the season. Other plants like garlic, broccoli, beets and peas are cold hearty and can be planted in the soil in March with little fear of cold damage.

As a grape grower, I don’t need to plant vines each year, but I am looking at planting some clover in the space between the grapevine rows to increase the nutrients available for the vines. I am itching to get out and move a bit of soil but I am waiting for things to warm up and dry out a bit more. Driving on wet soil adds to a compaction issue. Compacted soil creates a barrier for the roots to penetrate deep in the soil in the vineyard.

The joy of spring and the hope of a bountiful growing season is what keeps us going each year. Each season has challenges but the season ahead will be best one yet! We hope your gardens and farms grow well this year!

The green at Fabbioli Cellars this March is the celebration of the Celtic Nations! Specialty cocktails, food bites themed to the Irish culture as well as our annual visit from the Irish dancers on March 16th. Come visit us and other local farm wineries as we continue to grow the flavors and spirits you love to enjoy all year round. Thanks for your continued support!

About the Author: Farmer, winemaker, entrepreneur, educator, and leader, Doug Fabbioli has been accelerating the growth and quality of Virginia’s wine industry since 1997. With his wife Colleen, Doug is the owner/operator of Fabbioli Cellars in Leesburg, VA. He is the founder and director of The New Ag School, which focuses on teaching the next generation of farmers and agriculture-related leaders. No wonder they call Doug Fabbioli the Godfather of DC’s Wine Country.