Let the games begin! In mid-February, the plant world in our area starts waking up, begins coming out of hibernation and slowly revs up its growth rate. This is the time to start planting indoors and preparing for planting outdoors when the last hard frost date comes. Having the high tunnel means I can get some food in the ground now and get plants started destined for the field outside later in Spring.

The new propagation hut and warming table are pampering my new starts and germination has been good. I call this the keiki hut as a throw back to my island time. Keiki means “baby or child” in Hawaiian. Still dialing in the temperature fluctuations from night to day but, so far, the plants I’m starting have responded well to their new environment. Spinach, lettuce, cabbage, chives, onions, scallions, parsley and bok choi are in soil blocks. Arugula and peas are direct seeded in a raised bed in the high tunnel. And I’m planting more and more every few days. Plus, Peter built me many cedar planting trays and it is a pleasure to make soil blocks in something natural, not black plastic.

Peter finished building the farm stand! We tag teamed the roof and, now, I just need a couple of sunny days in a row to finish the paint job. I think y’all coming to buy produce at the farm are going to enjoy the convenience and tidiness of this new stand. I know I will!

Peter also made me a work table for the high tunnel, 2 tool racks and a portable wash up station for the field. He is one handy help mate and I am so grateful for his contribution to this project and my life. What a gift he is!

The wildfire last September burned our house as well as his shop (he is a professional marimba maker, a musical instrument made of wood). My folks are letting him use their shop as a temporary work and storage place for all the tools he’s needing to buy to replace all he lost. We are still waiting to get the thumbs up from the county to start rebuilding our home. So, I’m taking advantage of his down time by keeping him busy with projects for me! He says he loves making things for me that I immediately use to the fullest. He is definitely making my life easier here on the farm.

Here’s to the start of a beautiful new year and hoping to see y’all soon at the new farm stand. I’ll keep you posted on opening day.