Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Snow Day




Just a little while ago, I could look out over the knick-knacks on the kitchen window sill, and contemplate soon-to-be-green ground.

Not today.  

George cleared the driveway with the John Deere and snowblower, even with a flat tire.   I dug out the vehicles, porch, and paths. 

I'd forgotten and left the top part of the sheep pen door open to the storm, so I got to toss a lot of wet bedding out the barn window again.

Onion, broccoli, marigold, rosemary and lavender seeds are getting going in the basement under lights.   It is only a matter of time.




Monday, March 4, 2013

The cellar


Onions in a basket in the cellar.

I just took the pictures for this post, wandering with a flash around our mostly dark cellar.  

Last summer's onions are still good.   About now, a small number will try to start sprouting, beginning with a little area of yellow in the middle of the onion.    We try to eat the early risers first.  

The new onion seed is planted in several small boxes, with two rows of seed per box.    I start onions later than some.   Our clay soil stays wet so long, that we often get the seedlings in late.   But, we still get good onions.
Onion seed flat


Work space

 












My work space for starting seed flats is
basic.   I use a piece of scrap wood to make the rows for the onions.

About the time I run out of space for various kinds of seedlings, the small greenhouse outside will warm up, and some of the seedlings will be moved there.


Pumpkins in the cellar


We still have blanched and frozen string beans, broccoli, and carrots in the cellar freezer.  There are also several remaining New England Pie pumpkins in the cellar, and some other squash.   

The winter must be ending, because the wood pile that feeds the wood stove is mostly gone.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Marsh Island Express


Check out a new publication, the Marsh Island Express for local news.   It is based in Orono, and has a nice local events calendar.