Spring is here and farmers are preparing for the growing season ahead, but this past winter’s weather has been making things a bit different.

That includes for Richard Phelps, who is beginning to plant potatoes on his farm. He’s worried there could be a drought similar to last summer and wants to ensure the crops get all the nutrients they can.

“It's a risk to plant early, but I’m taking it because it's dry and hot and for them to come up and sprout, they need the moisture that's in the soil,” Phelps said.

Phelps is an organic farmer and beekeeper. His family has been farming on the same land for more than 100 years. He’s seen a variety of weather patterns and has learned how they can impact crops.

“I love being out in the sun. I hate winter. I just love sunshine, and I love growing things, watering them and seeing them grow,” Phelps said.

This past winter wasn’t a typical one though. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, New York, along with 10 other states, had their warmest January to February periods on record. Weather spotters in the Hudson Valley, reported between 20 and 30 inches of snowfall this year. That area typically sees 30 to 40 inches on average.

Phelps said this hasn’t been helpful for crops, specifically garlic on his farm. 

“Because there was no snow, and the ground was uncovered, I lost some of my garlic to freeze, and that's unusual. So, in the early winter, it was very cold very soon, and our little bit of snow wasn't enough to keep the garlic from heaving out of the ground,” Phelps said.

While this past winter’s weather wasn’t great for growing crops, Phelps said it did help his honeybees out as the warmer weather helps.

“There was much less stress on them. They were able to come out more frequently to have their cleansing flights and get a drink of water, which is important to them rather than being locked inside the hive in a cluster for the full length of the winter,” Phelps said.