CALDWELL, Idaho — As temperatures soar this summer, Nicole Van Lith, owner of Lovely Hollow Caldwell Farm, finds herself facing early mornings filled with concerns over her flower crops and the well-being of her customers.
“This heat feels unusually early this year; typically, we expect it closer to the end of July,” Van Lith observed.
Van Lith and her team at Lovely Hollow Farm diligently tend to eight acres of flowers, performing tasks like weeding, watering, and fertilizing.
“With the intense heat, we’re focusing more on fertilization. Watering frequently depletes nutrients from the soil and any organic matter we’ve laid down, so I’ve been fertilizing once a week, either in the morning or evening,” Van Lith explained.
Having operated her u-pick flower farm for over six years, Van Lith specializes in growing zinnias, dahlias, snapdragons, and sunflowers. However, the ongoing heatwave has brought challenges that affect both her crops and her clientele.
“I’m always concerned about our customers, especially in this heat. I want them to stay safe while enjoying their time picking flowers; heatstroke is a real risk,” she emphasized.
The impact of the heat varies among the flowers; while some flourish, others struggle to survive under the scorching sun.
“You can see the struggle when I check on them midday; they’re all drooping, but I can’t water them more than I already do. It’s frustrating,” Van Lith lamented.
Looking ahead, Van Lith remains uncertain about what the future holds for Lovely Hollow Caldwell Farm. Nonetheless, she remains dedicated to sustaining her business through these challenging conditions and looks forward to welcoming visitors as the weather cools, hoping they will enjoy the farm’s autumnal offerings, such as pumpkins.
