In preparation for spring

Once again it’s that weird limbo time of year when spring seems ready to burst through the door but yet the temperature continues to drop every night leaving the farm encrusted in frost. This is when I (just like the temperatures outside) fluctuate with giddiness at the prospect of the upcoming season and feeling the flames of despair and shame with how long the to-do list seems to be. I always try to do too much. 

The dining room has been co-opted into an addition farm work space. I’ve set up a card table as my temporary seed organizing station and the packets and excel sheets never seem to end. I may have become a little too ambitious with the sheer volume of seeds I am now in possession of. After organizing the seeds this week, I need to start prepping and preparing for seedlings. The barn is about to become seedling central until the greenhouse is put up in March.  

Organizing seeds and starting seedlings is such a wonderfully tactile experience. When I look through the seed packets, hear the tinkle of seeds in the crinkle of paper,  I’m transported to memories of summer time: lush green, warm sun, and the sway of beautiful flowers in the breeze. I’m filled with excitement and anticipation for the color that will dominate spring and summer. I can smell the potting soil already.

Every year I farm it gets better. And even though it never ever goes the way I think it will or plan for, each year brings new delights and challenges.