Update from the farm: it’s wet. Last week: it was wet. The week before: wet. Well, we seem to have picked the wettest winter since 1998 to start a farm in the PNW. Lucky us! Yet we forge ahead...
After a nearly complete loss of our hoop house in the past week’s rain and wind, we rebuilt with stronger materials, burlier construction and improved twine-lashing skills. This one’s gonna make it. And we learned a ton in the process. Even on a chilly, breezy day, the hoop house is at least 10 degrees warmer inside. Add a little sunshine and it’s downright balmy. That warmth will help our tomatoes, eggplants and peppers thrive in the coming months.
In the meantime, we pray for sunshine! As soon as the soil is dry enough, we will mow the reed canarygrass and begin forming our garden beds. Our first of the season crops will include peas, salad, Asian greens, radishes and turnips. Even with all the rain, you can see spring popping up everywhere on the farm. The grass is green, the daffodils are blooming and the Canadian geese have begun to leave for northern climes. It’s a beautiful way to be reminded of the majesty of Mother Nature.