All of a sudden, it feels like ‘winter work’ is past due. With temperatures heading into the 60s for a few days, late-winter garden projects take on some urgency. Tomorrow, I’ll get 800# of seed potatoes from a grower in Wisconsin, and start them pre-sprouting (chitting) in the heated greenhouse. We’re midway through onion germination, and moving into spring lettuces, kohlrabi, scallions, and beets.

I’ve been doing soil prep in the unheated hoop house we use for growing cherry tomatoes and a few early and late greens. First, I took out all the 2020 drip lines that had been damaged by rodent chewing and wear and tear. I then spread several types of compost and soil amendments (keeping the soil nutrients balanced in an enclosed hoop structure is a little tricky). Next, I put the broad fork to work. This heavy-duty tool is great for aerating the soil without inverting the soil layers, especially in a high-traffic area like a hoop house. I’d love to use it on several acres a year (outdoors) but haven’t mustered the employee energy to accomplish that yet! The tines are thick and strong, and you stomp them down until they are buried 12 inches into the soil. You then use the two long handles to ‘wiggle’ the tines around, creating a little air space all the way down. Without turning the soil, you pull the fork back out and do it again 6-8 inches down the bed.

I broadforked my way up and down the hoop house, getting a good workout and enjoying the warmth of the day. Since the above-ground water lines can’t be used until we’re past the threat of freezing temperatures, I have to get creative about watering in this hoop house in March and April. This week, there is enough snow around the structure that I’m just shoveling snow onto the dry soil. It melts within a day and will help some early spinach and radish seeds along. Later, I’ll be hauling water buckets in the truck. It’s all a bit tedious and not very efficient, but I consider it winter work, and I’ve got a bit more time this month than I will mid-season.

I hope you can get outdoors and enjoy the spring-like weather (watch for robins, bluebirds and red-winged blackbirds this week). Out here at Patchwork Green Farm, we’re preparing for another season of growing vegetables, and we hope you are signed up to share in the bounty! To head to Patchwork Green’s store and to purchase a CSA share, click here. Until next time!