The past few weeks we’ve been browsing all the seed catalogues finally making their way to our mailbox. It is the best! We use this time to dream about our plans for the growing season ahead. We ask what worked well last year and what our goals for improvement are for next year. I’ve talked to several gardeners who are doing that as well - it’s one way to get through the cold of February.

One thing that we want to change for the year ahead is to grow more crops to last us into the winter months, more watermelon radishes, winter squash and giant kohlrabi for example. What are some things that you would like to see?

In addition to ordering seeds, we are also getting ready to set up the greenhouse for planting our seedlings. Last year we had some trouble with our seedlings, and we did a lot of troubleshooting and inquiring last season, but failed to come up with a clear understanding of what was happening. But now, with clearer heads, we are aware that the problem was in the water that we use to irrigate. Now we are learning about strategies to monitor and amend that. I often say that farming has required us to become scientists!

It is deep winter here, but so much work happens to make the most of our very short growing season when it gets started! Can’t wait:)