In Sicily, spring starts sooner than on the continent. It brings the explosion of flowers and new flora. It is a perfect time to dibble new plants or to replant the existing ones. But it is also the time of unexpected storms, devastating downpours, strong winds and never-ending uncertainty in the agricultural sector. New vegetation is very delicate and susceptible to lower temperatures which can stop its growth or damage crops.
Summer in Sicily is no laughing matter. For those who are in agricultural business it is a very difficult time. The sun rises very early in the morning and humidity decreases temporarily to let the temperature rise. The air becomes heavy and the depth of panorama seems to be lacking depth. During that time, regular orchard and field irrigation prevents us from yield losses. For those who grow summer fruits and vegetables, it is a time of intense seasonal work and harvesting. Meadows and pastures are often dry or burnt down by raging fires, therefore farm animals feed on hay gathered during spring or graze on artificially irrigated areas.
For most people, autumn is associated with the end of summer holidays; but for us – Sicilian farmers, it’s the time of awaiting rain. Summer heat, stuffiness and dust, give way to fresh, autumn air. Lawns and meadows turn green, leaves are washed with rain and regain their intense color. Daily temperatures never drop below 20 degrees Celsius, but at night, it gets cooler; the chilling air pigments citrus fruits, which soon are ripe for picking. Prickly pears and pomegranates ripen. It is a perfect time to visit our island.
Winter comes in the middle of the orange season, therefore many citrus fruit plantations become a hive of activity. Although days are often sunny, they become shorter. That’s why we start harvesting at dawn when oranges are still covered in dew-drops. Vegetable producers also work intensely on their fields. While most of Europe is still covered in snow, seasonal Mediterranean crops are cultivated in Sicily. Meadows grow lushly and turn green while farm animals graze on open fields. It is the best time for making exquisite Sicilian cheese, as milk is most nutritious and rich. For most farmers it is also prime time for pruning before plants revive their shoots once again in summer.
