Tom Lauerman is better known as Farmer Tom. It’s a suiting name, considering he lives by the motto, “It’s not just a farm, it’s a lifestyle.” He loves spring. For him it’s the most exciting time of year.
He doesn’t grow year-round and doesn’t like the idea of pushing the seasons and prefers to go along with them instead. He follows the sun and enjoys his rest in winter. “You need time to rest,” Lauerman said during an interview with Salt Baked City.
For Tom, spring represents ritual and starting season. “Spring is a great analogy for life,” Lauerman chuckles. He explains his spiritual connection with the process of his farming. Planting intentions with seeds, germinating, fertilization and nurturing all the way through harvesting and consuming. He has a deep appreciation for this cycle.
When asked about springtime rituals that he practices within his farm, he explained that his wife, Paula Lauerman, makes ‘subtle energy jars’ with glacial till and other items with paramagnetic properties to sit alongside the plants during growth. They even do murals and put personal items of patients next to the plants.
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Farmer Tom and wife believe that intention and visualization transform the plants and are extremely beneficial for your own personal psyche.
“The more you put into the plants the more they put back into you,” said Lauerman.
Tom explains that plants have healing powers, and, in his experience, they are receptive to the energy around them. Thought, word, and action is the model he thinks by.
“Action is the critical part,” Lauerman said.
The other springtime ritual he stands by is getting out in the fields early. He said the first ten days of sunshine are crucial to get under grasses and create a head start so you can save yourself some work in May when it’s time to plant.
First thing first, Tom suggests that you purchase quality, FDA regulated seed.
“Protect yourself,” said Lauerman. “Do your due diligence when selecting seed and talk to at least 2-3 farmers personally.”
He also recommends that you look at three different COA’S (certificate of analysis) with six to eight months between them to show that the genetics are stable.
He also recommends starting off early on by testing your soil and water. He suggests you send samples to a local lab and mentions that often time your fertilizer company partners with labs so that they can put together free packages for you.
He also explains getting your seeds and either starting in a greenhouse with lights and heat is the most cost effective.
“You can buy clones, but it will be more expensive,” said Tom.
He also suggests you send plants to a nursery that does propagation.
“They will also help you with timing, which is important,” said Lauerman. “You want to find a company that can do it ahead of time. Plants need to be in the ground at three to six inches, any higher than that they blow over and create extra work – especially in Windy areas”.
Tom also warns farmers to stay keen with any partnerships whether seed breeders, brokers, processors, or oil refineries.
“Keep open communication and save angst,” said Lauerman.
Adding, if you are doing any pre-buying ask for payment up front; at least partially.
Farmer Tom’s last piece of advice comes with a poignant tone, “If you don’t have time to do it right the first time, you definitely don’t have time to do it again!”
