Weather isn’t exactly normal for anybody right now, except the recent snow in the Northeast. Here in the midwest, I am typing this with a window open in February. This is not normal. I feel bad enjoying it, knowing that climate change and people are likely the reason, but the amount of yard work I got done over the weekend has me conflicted!
Side note: Careful what you wish for when you think it will be great to have lots of trees in your yard!
I have spring fever something fierce right now and feel like I am counting the days to daylight savings and longer evenings. I am also dreaming of gardening and fresh produce. If you enjoy fresh produce from your yard or your local farm means you might have to plan and prep while it is, usually, still cold outside.
Now is the time to start thinking about starting seeds indoors, prepping your beds, and signing up for CSAs (community supported agriculture). CSAs are typically subscription based services offered by farms. You sign up and on an agreed date you pick up a box of field-fresh produce. As the beds are getting planted, farms that rely on CSA subscription as a revenue stream start planning for the number of shares they will sell so early March is typically when sign ups start.
If you are looking for a CSA in your area the easiest place to start is a google search for CSAs in your area or go talk to a farmer at the winter markets. I am a big fan of CSAs and it can really make you get creative about what’s for dinner. The last time I subscribed to a CSA I was in California and I had a blast trying to make sure I used everything.
I was giving it some thought this year and reached out to some friends to see what is around. I was excited to see there are not only vegetable CSAs, but meat as well. If you live in Indiana this is a great resource for local Community Supported Agriculture. Search around a little at the site while you are there. Sherry has put a lot of time and energy into creating a resource for all Hoosiers. The site will continue to grow as she meets more people.
Now if you live in Indianapolis, are a little unsure about a CSA, Growing Places has just the option for you. A shorter commitment so you can get your feet wet and an easy spot for pickup. As of Mid-February the application to apply has not come out yet so keep checking back or get on their mailing list so you don’t miss out.
If like me you are interested in growing your own vegetables you have some thinking to do about the soil, starting plants indoors, or buying them at a garden center when the time is right. I am personally and going to do a combination of the above to get my plants, but there is a third option for Indianapolis locals and not a lot more time to act on it so I wanted to make sure it got mentioned.
If you don’t have the space, the knowledge or the confidence to start your own plants this is a great option! They will start them for you and you will receive non-gmo, organically grown starts to put in your garden. I got the herb package last year and loved the convenience and that I knew exactly how they were grown before I took them home. That isn’t something you can get from shopping at the garden center. That March 1st deadline is fast approaching so be sure to get on it soon.
Do you know your garden plans for the summer? Got any tips for a first-time seed starter?
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