SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Winter preparation work continues at area farms and gardens despite the approaching winter solstice on Dec. 21.

Farmer Dan Bigbee and his staff at Fassnight Creek Farm are cleaning up after the past growing season and preparing the land for winter. The work includes breaking down wood for firewood sales and setting up fencing to keep deer and other animals away from crops.

Both Bigbee and the University of Missouri Extension recommend soil testing to determine nutrient needs for plants.

“It’s kind of like going to El Paso, ordering a bowl of chili, and putting hot sauce on it before you even taste it. It might have been the hottest chili on the planet. So, let’s find a baseline by getting that soil test,” Bigbee said.

Large operations and backyard gardens should cons

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