everyone i know down here had their hands in the dirt today…. my gardening proceeds in fits and starts in many areas around the place. i have no real garden “plan”…. it just sort of calls me to do various things, in random places. i wish i were more organized, but i just go with the flow.
most of the veggie beds get rotated somewhat seasonally, and i do companion plant in places, but when i get going out there, i am jammin’. some would say its vernal ADD; i just see lots to do.
i often get bored with one job and there are plenty others to take its place. that’s life on the farm.
my energy returns with the sunshine, and though busy with many tasks, i do mix it up during a day’s work. in the end, it all seems to fall into place. most jobs done and a good worn-out achy feeling in my back…
we had just had four days of constant rain, and the drying out period seemed soo long.
today, the asparagus bed has been deep-dug… ready to plant new roots. also tilled beds for potatoes–it’s a bit late here, as may can be really hot/dry some years.
taking a risk is worth it tho’…. those little easter egg new potatoes will make,
even if the tops dry up.
i also started many trays of tomatoes, heirlooms (brandywine, roma-non hybrid, and american rose)…. come april, there is a local open market every saturday morning in a tiny nearby community, indian springs.
i am planning to share a booth with a friend this season. many big city folks make the drive for fresh local produce and a ‘quaint’ country afternoon…. there’s also the state park, a fancy sandwich place, ice cream shop and art gallery, and big “whimsy” garden. last year it seemed to be very active all summer, and people willingly paid good prices for organic food. i am going to offer tomato plants, asparagus, kale and mizuna greens, fancy lettuce( i like deer tongue, speckled trout-back, and romaines). later on tomatoes, if i have extra, and chile-type pepper varieties as well as japanese long eggplant. maybe collards later on, if i hold up thru summer heat.
i have always grown extra food and shared, traded or just given extra away.
in these economic times, with local farm markets getting very popular, it seems a fair trade-off.
in exchange for my good dirt, my work and my time, folks are willing and able to pay for “cheffy” peppers and eggplants. this season i am also going to put up a bit more food than my usual tomato sauce, green beans and pickled stuff. this is the first year in a long time that i am putting a real effort into making some extra money from the garden. i am grateful that the trend to fresh and local markets is finding a way into public consciousness. we will all benefit from better fresher food, and better (organic) eating habits.
this eve, am sitting in my armchair with a cuppa chai, bone weary from this long workday. i feel every muscle that hasn’t been used much this winter, and i have beautiful dark dirt all
under my nails and in my pants cuffs.
i am deeply satisfied with this first day of spring.
