Setting up the hoop house
February signals the cleanup of the hoop house, a time to order necessary containers or rejuvenate and sterilize existing ones. Directly sow peas and lettuce into the soil, shielding them with a frost cover, and maintaining a consistently moist environment without saturation. Initiate potatoes in pots and revitalize overwintered plants with fertilizer.
Regrettably, my gardening joy was dampened as voracious voles feasted on all overwintered carrots, and cabbage, sparing only the resilient rosemary and pungent garlic. Miraculously, a lone parsley plant survived, elevated and out of reach for the rodents. This unfortunate turn led to an array of traps, strategically placed with the possibility of reinforcing the perimeter.
Steering clear of poisons, I prefer to leave captured pests to the natural predators like foxes and hawks, prioritizing a toxin-free garden environment.
As winter expenses mount, I’m plotting a plant exchange or yard sale to offset costs, quite literally selling portions of my yard. In the upcoming month, I plan to propagate elderberry, raspberry, and blackberry. Applying repellent around the base of the blackberry plants is on the agenda to deter ravenous bunnies.
Light on Light
Despite the hustle within the hoop house, I carve out a serene moment for a quiet sip of morning coffee and a brief escape from the tumultuous morning news on mainstream media. Life has become overwhelming not just for me but also for many family and friends, fortunate enough to afford journeys to far-flung destinations. However, through contemplation, I’ve come to realize that nothing is more expansive and all-encompassing than the space within our minds.
In the midst of chaos, a morning ritual becomes an affirmation that life, with its richness and abundance, is accessible if we can unlock our minds, share knowledge, and pool resources. Amidst the challenges, these quiet moments become a sanctuary, reminding us to appreciate the wealth found within the vast expanse of our own thoughts.
February marks the tail end of a winter characterized by low light and seasonal affective disorder. The hoop house emerges as a therapeutic sanctuary, offering respite from biting winds and providing a comforting escape. Spending several hours within this shelter becomes a grounding vocation, allowing us to connect with nature and find solace in the warmth it provides. Amidst the challenges of the season, the hoop house becomes a haven, nurturing not only plants but also our well-being during the final stretches of winter.
