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We are having our second heavy rain storm here in the valley today after a beautiful, but cool summer.  I always tell people that we can usually count on the first good rainstorm around the 3rd week of October, but nature is relieving me of my watering duties early this year.  There are two times of year that demand the most from the farmer and the gardener in me, one is early spring and the other is October (better known as "Rocktober”, rock and roll time.) 

I finished my work on the cottage garden at 7:00pm last night, it was a mad dash to switch out all the summer annual color to winter and spring bloomers.  It is also the last window of time to plant the cool season vegetables.   The timing is critical with our Northern California climate.  You want to plant while there are still some warm days to promote overall growth, most importantly  a root system before the ground temperatures cool.  On the other hand, hot Indian summer days can fry the young seedlings.  If you manage to time it right before a good rain storm, the moisture will help neutralize the manure and compost that is used to amend the beds twice a year. This year I am blessed and my timing is perfect.  Most everything is planted and the rest of the month can be spent harvesting the orchard and production garden at Sugar Hill Farm.  I should have a few weeks to can and freeze what I will enjoy throughout the winter and spring. 

For the winemaker,  this is the time of year that he/ or she is most firmly planted in their farming gear.  The winemakers represented here at The Madrones, have most of their grape harvest completed and crush is well under way.  On the other hand, there is still those grape varieties requiring heat that are not quite ready.  It is a nail biting time waiting for the last of the harvest to be picked.  Sugar levels are being tested daily and the weather forecast is watched on an hourly basis.  They pray for warmth, especially after a cool summer.  The nights are spent tossing and turning, chasing away storm clouds and fog in their sleep.  For that reason, I am thankful for the 80 degree weather we have ahead us this week.  With the touch and go atmosphere of the season, hopefully this years harvest brings about the character and depth in the fruit that will shine through in their wine making.  For myself, I’m looking forward to winter soups and that first bloom in spring.