Serendipity

One of the most rewarding things about working on my suburban farm is when I come across the unexpected. You can plan everything to the best of your abilities, but fun surprises make for some pretty awesome rewards.

For example, this afternoon I found a whole crop of carrots hiding out in the little spot where I planted them last summer.

Carrots, discovered after the snow and frost abated, March 2009

I swore these carrots were a resounding failure. Back in late August, well after their 75 days had ticked away, I plucked one green, fluffy top from the soil, only to discover the most pathetic, anemic root I’d ever seen. So I tossed it, and considered the rest of the crop a failure.

Today I decided to pluck one of the old carrots, and discovered a fat orange root. Wow! So I pulled the rest, and came away with four edible carrots.

Now I’m rethinking carrots in the farm this year. I hadn’t planned on growing them, but now I’m excited about making a better go of it.