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Greetings, and welcome to the new subscribers!
The beginning of March is feeling more like the beginning of April. I haven't built a fire in almost a week! We always get snow and cold in March, so don't be fooled! And keep your fingers crossed.
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Back east they say March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, but I've never found that to be true here. Over the years, I've found the opposite - in like a lamb and out like a lion. Let's check in at the end of the month!
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The New CSA Share!
I have a few spots open for a super-modified Spring Share.
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The I'm-Mostly-Retired CSA Share is the streamlined share for 2026! Slicing and cherry tomatoes, spring lettuces, and spinach will be available for pick-up in late April/early May, just like a Spring Share. These are the same plants I normally have at the Spring Plant Sale.
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You'll be able to plant the lettuces and spinach right away. The tomatoes are in 4" pots, and you'll need to grow them out yourself until they're ready to plant. They're all indeterminate and will need to be staked.
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I can't wait for the spring greenhouse to look like this! Swoon worthy...
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March Garden Tasks
Finish pruning your fruit trees! I spent yesterday getting this done. I also watered because, well, I think it's obvious - it's dry out there! There are a couple of pruning workshops coming up this week. See below.
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Start cleaning up your yard. When you cut back flower stalks, lay them aside or in your compost pile so overwintering critters can complete their cycle and wake up when they're ready. I did a little cleaning over the weekend, partly to get some sun on the garlic patch, and partly to look for new growth. Many perennials have tiny new leaves at the base. Larkspur has sprouted everywhere.
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If you're antsy, work on outside projects. I noticed a broken wooden trellis last week, so that's getting repaired today. I'm going to clean out the shed and straighten up the mess of the woodpile. Didn't burn much wood this year! Check your fences before the spring winds blow. Make sure your tools, coldframes, and season extenders are ready to go when you need them.
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Walk around your yard every few days and see what's ready for some lovin'. You'll be amazed at how quickly it can change as the days get longer. Later in the month, carefully rake out dead leaves to let your plants breathe and grow.
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Add compost to your beds and around shrubs and trees. Scratch it into the soil with a cultivator. I like to do this and all fertilizing before snow or rain to help get the nutrients into the ground. But who knows when we'll see some good precip?! Water in by hand if need be.
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Late in the month, start seeds of cool weather plants, like greens, broccoli, and cabbage.
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Go to the seed swap at the Taos Land Trust on March 28! Also watch for seed exchange stations to be set up around the county.
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March is a great month to chip away at clean-up. Don't plant anything. Just get ready to plant in April!
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This is a typical March scene we'll hopefully see this year!
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Illustration by Christie Bundy
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The New Book
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Taos Herb will have The New Book in stock soon! You can also shop at Crone & Crow, Moxie, Gutiz, and op.cit. Books. During the growing season, you'll be able to find it at Earthgoods and Petree's. Hit me up if you need a signed copy for yourself or shipped out for the holidays. You can order The New Book directly from UNM Press below. Thank you!
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Earthgoods
Earthgoods will reopen in April. No firm dates yet, though. We're still working out kinks and details. There will be a Grand Opening and a plant sale to herald in a new season! It will remain at 120 Bertha behind the southside Allsups.
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Soon! That phone number has been disconnected, so don't call it!
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Substack
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Speaking of the weather... New on Substack:
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Subscribe to Back Stories and Brain Chatter! Paid subscriptions are $8/month or $80/year. There's no paywall, though. All content is available to everyone. Buy Me a Coffee with a paid subscription. Essays come out once a month. Thanks! I appreciate it!
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Etsy
I have new blank greeting cards with flower photos, all taken in my garden! There are more in the queue, and with summer coming, there will be even more!
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I also have Earth Mama collage cards and abstract collage cards as well. Check out the whole store! I'll be updating regularly.
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