Even though we did need rain as we’re pretty much in drought, I still wish it hadn’t rained so much. I wanted to get the asparagus planted to ensure the crowns in the basement were fine. But sometimes (most times!) we don’t get what we want. We’ve gotten about an inch and a half so far and it’s supposed to rain until dark. So, guess where I’m working today. Yep. Inside. After packing seed orders, I’m starting to plant our melons today. They grow slower than squash and pumpkin plants, so they go first. Will’s finishing up repairing the spare haybine, in the rain. He says it’s a “Washington rain,” what he was raised with, and it doesn’t bother him.
The plants in the greenhouse, peppers, tomatoes, and petunias, look wonderful. Drew’s been watering them faithfully, with the watering can. Nobody told him we use the hose and sprayer wand. Oops! I corrected that last night. Sorry Drew. We are still growing a lot as we want to make sure that when we turn the seed business over to Lynn and Jesse in August, that they have plenty of seeds to continue the business on, into next year, fully stocked.
Have you noticed the prices climbing in the stores? I sure have and it’s pretty scary. I feel so bad for folks on a modest or limited income who are trying to buy groceries. I know there’s a few things in the produce aisle I’m passing up that I often buy, such as fresh broccoli and cauliflower. No way I’m paying that much! I’m going to grow more this summer and freeze it up, instead. For now, I’m doing like folks did in the “olden” days, just not buying off-season produce. It didn’t used to be on the winter shelves, as it is now. I’m sure glad we can grow so much of our own food! Thank God for those seeds that surround us.
I’m also very grateful to have started an orchard when we did. The trees came through the winter with no damage from voles or other things so we should have a bounty of fresh fruit to eat and put up. I do want to get a big container started for strawberries as the grass has invaded our old strawberry bed. So much to do this time of the year. And I’m happy to be able to get at it! — Jackie
