2009 Growing Season – Week 2

On Easter morning, one week past first planting, I took a peek to see what might be up and was delighted to see many tiny seedlings in the mesclun rows.  Looks to be the mustard that popped up first.  Just a couple weeks away from harvesting the first tender leaves.  Too bad I didn’t get this project started two weeks or so ago when we had the first break in the weather.  🙂  Better late than never!

The hoop house is performing well!  It survived its first wind storm without lifting off, and is indeed providing some protection and extra warmth to the babies within.  On a sunny, but cool and breezy day last week, the temperature inside was about 5 degrees warmer than the outside air temp. and the soil was warm to the touch.  Such a simple thing may make a big difference.

To encourage my locavore heart, I’m reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver for the second time.  Have you read this book yet?   I love it!  In the book, Barbara, her husband Steven and daughter Camille document a year of procuring as much of their food as possible from neighboring farms and their own garden.  It is a fun, inspiring, and very educational read, and will open or re-open your eyes to the gas guzzling food industry upon which the average westerner depends.  The book also treats you to some fabulous recipes focusing on the use of fresh, in season produce. Yummy stuff!

Visit http://www.animalvegetablemiracle.com for more on the book and Barbara’s family’s project.  There are some lovely photos and stories from readers sharing their own adventures in gardening and eating local and more recipes.