The First Chores of Spring

As the middle of March arrives here in the Heartland, the community is beginning to feel the first hints of Spring, bringing a little hope to each day. The mornings are still cool, but the sun lingers a bit longer in the evenings, and the birds have started to return with their early songs. Everyone is watching the weather closely, knowing that Easter and Good Friday are not far off, and that this is the time of year when the outdoors begins to call people back into their yards and gardens. We hope this note finds you well and enjoying the small signs of the season wherever you are.

Around the Amish homes in our area, the first outdoor chores of Spring are beginning to take shape. Some families were able to plow their gardens a couple of weeks ago when the ground was unseasonably dry, but most are waiting for the soil to firm up again after the welcome rains that have been passing through. The moisture has been needed for quite some time, since even the Winter months brought very little. Now the challenge is to find the right moment between showers to begin preparing the garden beds. The Amish often say that the true sign of Spring is when the frost has left the ground, and the temperatures stay above freezing for several days in a row. That is when the real work can begin.

The first chore that tells many families Spring has truly arrived is mowing the lawn and planting the garden. Children especially look forward to planting time. They love watching the seeds sprout and checking each day to see which row will show the first bit of green. It is a simple joy, but one that has been passed down through generations. In many Amish homes, the children learn early that the garden is not only a place of work but also a place of wonder.

There are always small repairs to be done as well. Fences often need attention after Winter, especially once the animals notice the greener grass on the other side. Branches and twigs scatter across the yard that must be gathered before the first mowing of the season. Rakes are usually the first tools to come out of the shed, since they are needed to clear the ground and make way for new growth. These chores may seem ordinary, but they mark the beginning of a season that brings families back outdoors after months of cold.

Fruit trees and berry bushes are watched closely this time of year. An early Spring can bring blossoms sooner than expected, which can be a blessing or a worry depending on how the weather behaves. A late frost can damage those early buds, and in those years the trees may not bear fruit. It is a reminder that nature has its own timing and that patience is often required. Still, the sight of the first blossoms is always a welcome one.

Many Amish adults carry fond memories of working outside with their parents or grandparents in early Spring. One woman in our community shared a story of helping her father with a building project. She remembered him telling her to speak up if she ever saw him make a mistake. She replied that she assumed he knew what he was doing, and he gently reminded her that everyone can make mistakes. It was a small moment, but one that stayed with her through the years.

Spring chores can bring challenges, too. When the weather turns cold again after work has begun, it can be discouraging, especially if young plants freeze and must be replanted. But even that becomes a lesson for the future. The Amish often say that Spring teaches patience better than any other season.

Some chores feel more like traditions than tasks. Spring clean-up often ends with a small bonfire, where twigs and branches gathered from the yard are burned while the family enjoys the warmth. Children are taught to be careful around the flames and to respect the tools and equipment that come out this time of year. There is usually an age limit on using the lawnmower and other power equipment, and the younger ones learn by watching and helping in other small ways.

For many, the most satisfying part of early Spring work is mowing the lawn for the first time or planting the first seeds. These simple acts mark the beginning of a new season and bring a sense of renewal that is felt across the community.

Stories from Our Amish Basket Weavers

Here are a few of the most notable moments from the families who weave the beautiful baskets featured on AmishBaskets.com, shared with us this week.

The Borntrager Family

There was a bit of excitement in the Borntrager district this past week when a pony managed to create quite a scene on its way home from school. Two of the children had tied the pony and small cart while they stopped to drop off homework for a neighbor's scholar who was feeling under the weather. Somehow the pony slipped free and trotted into a nearby field where several larger horses were grazing. Seeing a pony running toward them while pulling a cart was more than the horses knew what to make of, and they scattered in every direction. One was so startled it cleared a four-foot fence as easily as a deer. The pony, still determined, chased after them until it finally gave up and stood there looking rather exasperated. It gave the neighbors plenty to talk about and a good laugh once everything settled down.

The Mast Family

The Mast boys had a bit of excitement of their own this week as they received the payout for their Winter mouse trapping project. Like many barns, the Mast barn becomes a cozy place for mice during the cold months, especially with feed close at hand. Phineas and Rosa offered the boys a nickel for every mouse they could catch over the Winter, and the competition quickly became a friendly family challenge. Their oldest caught eleven, and the middle son managed twelve, which he was quite proud of. Their youngest is already looking forward to next Winter when he will inherit his older brother's trap and try his hand at earning a little spending money. It has become a small tradition in their home, and the boys enjoy the sense of accomplishment as much as the coins they earn.

"If there is a smile in your heart, your face will show it."

— Amish Wisdom