Welcoming the 2011 season

Warm temperatures and powerful sunshine melted 5 inches of snow on Sunday.  I awoke thinking it was time to plant spinach, after dreaming of a backyard garden full of bean plants and lettuces.  I have to be honest and share that I have really been enjoying this winter, actually wishing for another month (or more!) of invigorating cross-country ski adventures.  I realize that is not always a popular sentiment, so we’ll just stop there and switch gears to focus on what’s ahead!!  

What comes next (weather-wise) is anyone’s guess.  March could bring more snow, although last year, I think we broke with tradition and had very little (or even no) snowfall in March.

We should be in pretty good shape this spring for planting.  Raised garden beds tend to warm up more quickly than traditional, flat farm fields.  They also drain faster and allow for drier planting conditions.  Ideally, the soil is moist but not soggy when new seeds and transplants go in.  Unless we are hitting 90 degree days in May, this winter’s snow cover should keep our soils active and ready for spring crops.

snow-covered raised garden beds

 If you are starting to think about your CSA share or backyard garden this year, please check out the updates for 2011 by clicking on the blog pages (“prices” and “crop lists”).  If you are a returning member who has had both a CSA share and garden in the past, but are now considering just one or the other, please note that those options are available with Backyard CSA.  Some of you are ready to manage and maintain your own home gardens (bravo!!) but would still like to receive a traditional Backyard CSA share.  No problem!  Half-shares are available too.

Please contact me with any questions you may have, and we can start to plan your 2011 gardening season. 

Jen Adams

backyardcsa@gmail.com