Clear Forecast

The forecast for today was one that was watched for weeks in advance as it was Parker's 9th birthday. It was lowered and raised and, for the kids, it was a good lesson in just how often that happens. It did snow a couple times, nothing that lasted once it hit ground, and for the party-goers, the weather was irrelevant. As much as you can believe them, the weather folks say we have a few warm, sunny days ahead and, after tonight, no lows in the 10 day forecast much below freezing. 50s and 60s next week. I'm taking them at their word and planning some planting this weekend.

We use no power equipment in the gardens and work the soil only lightly so we can start planting a bit sooner. We work our wide beds from the side so there is no treading on the growing area. Compaction of wet soil is something I am keenly aware of when gardening. The soil in our valley, compared to the dark, deep loamy soil of central Illinois I first started market gardening on, is quite a bit looser and sandier. It's not a soil very prone to packing or water logging. The beds are terraced into a gentle south-southeast facing slope so the soil drains well and warms nicely on these sunny days we've been enjoying. The beds are also small enough to cover for extra warmth and protection.

At the garden's back is a wooded ridge that rises 200'+ feet. Looking out from the garden are two more distant ridges. One that ends on the land and whose foot is where our spring comes out, and a steep one farther off that stretches down out of sight. It makes for a beautiful scene and a well protected valley spot. If you happen to come out to see the gardens make sure you look up to take in the view.