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Winter Continues
Greetings and welcome to the new subscribers!
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I don't mind these snowstorms. The winter was so dry, that snow and rain were welcome. Snow isn't unusual for us in April, but sometimes I miss April showers that bring May flowers. That old saying doesn't apply here like it did back east. That said, they just had a Nor'easter!
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But it looks like warm weather will return at the end of the week.
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This is a quickie newsletter. There's much to do inside and outside despite the weather!
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CSA Shares for 2024
The deadline for ordering Summer Shares is April 15!
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Summer Shares include tomatoes, peppers, basil, red and green leaf lettuce, zucchini, yellow squash, winter squash, cucumbers, eggplant, and lots of flowers. You can also order Swiss chard, kale, and cabbage for summer planting.
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Consider an e-gift card for Mother's Day, which isn't far off. It's easy to choose a design, write a personal message, and have your gift delivered on the right day. These are also great for birthdays, Father's Day, or any time you just want to let someone know you're thinking of them and their obsession.
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A determinate heirloom tomato I can't get seed for anymore.
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Moskvich, which is just as productive and I think tastier, has taken its place.
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T-shirts 'n' stuff!
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Aaron and Miquela Mangum surprised me with a half-dozen t-shirts at the seed swap. They were well-received, and ever since people have been asking for them. SO! We're working on it. I'll soon have colorful samples, then will do pre-orders so you get exactly what you want.
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We're also playing with these journals Miquela makes. She gifted me with this set of 3 since I love paper and notebooks. During lunch at their shop one day, the conversation turned to making garden journals. You know how I always say Write Shit Down? Well, I was messing around back home, and this became the prototype:
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My older daughter, Ellie, is making us keychains reminiscent of the iconic truck on Lower Ranchitos. This one hangs on my bag:
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Stay tuned for details on all these things! When I know, you'll know!
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Plant Sales
Saturday, April 27, 11:00-2:00 - Annual Spring Plant Sale at Earthgoods. This is weather-dependent, and our blizzard rescheduling date is May 4. As usual, Spring Shares will be available for pick-up at about the same time-ish. I'll let everyone know exactly when. Feel free to email me with questions!
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I'll have lettuces and other cool-weather greens, tomatoes, cukes, zukes, some succulents, and maybe some herbs.
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I've also potted up some Blue Hyssop that reseeded in my garden. It's thriving in a bed that's hot and dry! Pollinators love it, too. Quarts are $10 and 4" pots are $6.
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Blue Hyssop starting to bloom in mid-June.
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I'm still not sure about a May plant sale. Stay tuned for that info, and thanks for your patience with my indecisiveness. I can't seem to plan very far ahead this year! I'm moving slowly and carefully due to some issues with my back, but it'll come together, as it always does.
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April Garden Tasks
Last month's newsletter said it had been freakishly warm. Thankfully we've gotten snow and rain since!
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Chip away at garden tasks this month. I've been cleaning up beds one by one and putting the debris in a new compost pile with fresh chicken shit. The heat of the manure helps break it down quickly. Large branches and flower stalks go to the brush pile, which serves as animal habitat. I see where critters have dug out places for sleeping, but I've never seen anybody coming and going.
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Start tomatoes, peppers, and other warm-weather plants soon. Later in the month, plant out and direct seed cool-weather plants, like lettuce, kale, beets, and carrots.
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Check your tools and equipment. I'll be going to Ace today to replace two leaky watering wands. I made a note last summer to do this! See why it's important to write it down?!
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Divide perennials and move or share.
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Hummingbirds will be here soon! Wash your feeders and stock up on white sugar. I put 1 cup of sugar in a quart Mason jar, fill halfway with hot water, and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Then I top it off with cold water. What I don't use goes in the fridge, because it will spoil if left out.
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The Book
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Speaking of The Book, you can find it at Earthgoods, Moxie, KOKO, Gutiz, Petree's Taos and Los Alamos, Buttercup Salon, Cid's, Taos Herb, Dixon Market, and of course from me. You can order on the website or hit me up when you see me in town. There's always a stash in the car. I'm also happy to meet up somewhere convenient. Just let me know! Please support the businesses that carry it! Thank you.
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The Book and me at the Annual Spring Plant Sale last year.
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