Ahhhh, the Winter Slow Down mode is stretching it's legs and getting ready to move into Spring Running mode.  All winter we think about what to keep the same and what to change for the upcoming growing season.  Then the day comes when we flick the switch in our heads and it's time to implement the changes and document the list that stays the same.  Today is seed order day. 

Although harvest season begins in April for Farmers' Market and May for the CSA, we begin planting in January.  All plants have a "date to maturity" which is the number of days needed to produce a harvestable fruit or vegetable.  Plants like leeks and onions are "long" day plants.  Each take about 100 days to mature.  However, they can take the chilly spring weather, so we start them now, inside and then they will go outside under a row cover.  Row cover is a woven fabric of sorts that is both light and moisture permeable.  The goal of a row cover is to insulate the ground and plants.  The row cover resemble a white blanket on the row and is supported with u-shaped wire hoops.  The hoops hold the row cover up off the plants, preventing rubbing and wind damage.

Stay tuned for winter farm pictures.