Well, we’re in the dead of winter, and all I can think about is spring! Not only to see sunshine and be able to get outside, but to start to work in the garden and greenhouse.
In the early days of Red Gate Farm, my mom came out for the summer from Arizona and was the President of Gardening. The garden thrived and we had a great variety of things growing to sell. She hasn’t been out here in 3 summers and during this time my baked goods took off, so my garden has suffered in the process. I hope to change that this year by getting a jump start on planting seeds and offering garden space in exchange for some labor.
Every year I plant a flower garden and tomatoes, no matter what, but would like to get back to green beans, lettuce, kale, arugula, potatoes, peppers, eggplant, and melons. Last summer my husband set up zone watering and we had that on timers, so the only thing I have to do is get the stuff in the ground and keep it weeded. It seems simple enough, but I never seem to have the energy to do it after baking all night.
I only use heirloom seeds in my garden and am excited to get in the greenhouse and start them in the coming 6-8 weeks. I’ve got warming mats to start them, but no space anywhere, so the seed starting will have to wait until the end of March or early April.
What are heirloom seeds vs organic seeds? “Heirlooms are seed varieties that are at least 50 years old, and you can save these seeds and plant them year after year. Heirlooms are never hybrids or GMOs. Organic seeds are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers.”
So, that’s a little bit about what’s coming this year in the garden. If you’re interested in helping plant my garden in exchange for some space to have a garden of your own, please email me (redgatefarmmichigan@gmail.com) or call me at 231-228-2577 to talk about it. I’m looking forward to a great 2021 both in the kitchen and in the garden!
Stay warm, be well and see you soon! Andria
Red Gate Farm 