First Week of Spring

At long last, the winter is OVER! (Sort of, there are flurries here today...) Signs of life are beginning to appear once again!

It's going to be a busy spring this year! Last week, we picked up our Agri-Fab Disc Cultivator . We're planning to expand the garden area to the full fenced enclosure (about 1/8 acre or so), but will have to wait a week or so to get started between ground thaw/mud and having to borrow a hitch from my Dad. Our ATV has the ball hitch, the cultivator requires a sleeve... 

This past week, I also got 3 types of sweet pepper, 3 types of hot pepper, cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and 11 types of herbs started indoors. Surprisingly, the broccoli came up in only 4 days time! I'll be starting tomatoes this coming week, and hope to get peas, onions and greens in the ground next month. I'm very excited about all the new medicinal herbs we're adding to the fold. I'm going to have to pick up a second seed starting shelf!

It's been warm enough to walk around outside with just a light jacket (save today, snow flurries...), there are signs of life everywhere! Under the protection of fallen leaves, I've found thyme and oregano, and irises. The lilac bush has already gotten buds as well. I regret not planting some daffodils this past fall. I am hoping that my sage bush made it through the ridiculously cold February temps. No sign of life yet. 

The Cheepers and Lil Duckies are about a month old now. I am amazed at how fast the ducks have grown! The smaller (presumably female) Andie has already begun quacking! They are MUCH more messy and require more maintenance than baby chicks, but they certainly have entertaining personalities! Our adult hens have begun laying eggs steadily again as well. 

Tomorrow we're aiming to do some spring cleaning in the barn, and some more pruning. We already cut back the pampas grasses and rose bushes, but have some damaged/dead branches to remove around the grounds as well. Have a great weekend!