Locavore In Training

After a rough start this morning, today turned out really well! Since the majority of our fall cleanup wasn't ever done and we've had more rain/snow than should be possible, our yard is a giant leaf-covered mudpit. It's a sad, sad state of affairs. I may have contemplated moving away rather than dealing with it.

Not much was accomplished before lunch, so when we broke for food there was conversation about how to get it done/not doing it/hiring a crew to handle it. So, Jay and I dealt with it the best way we know h0w - he went off to play video games and I ran away to check out the community garden. That's how normal people handle things, right?

Anyway... Turns out the community garden is another hidden gem! Tucked away from most of civilization near lots of woods and wetlands, it's a surprisingly flat, dry "farm" within view of a river. No idea what river, though it's located on the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary... so maybe it's Jug Bay? I'll have to ask someone next time I'm there!

I was immediately briefed on the farm by the leader, Lloyd, given paperwork listing the rules, required tools, and member contact information. I'm also now in possession of the planting schedule and chores, so I know when to show up. Brief it was, and I was thrown pretty much immediately into work. Today was all about potatoes, onions and peas. I missed the potato planting, but I ended up helping to hill them. Planted a row of sugar snap peas and half a row of onions before helping to tidy up.

What a surprise when I ended up home - Jay did a ton of the yard cleanup while I was gone! The front yard, which is much drier than the back, is all ready for the Spring chores. Guess I won't have to run away from home after all!

Between the CSA and community garden, I'd better quickly learn how to  process and store all the extra produce! With some luck, and skill I don't have, I can probably put up most of the produce we'll need through the year. My Ball canning book arrived, now I just need to find a common-sense guide to freezing as well. Speaking of gardening, I'm still debating on if I should try to set up a small garden here. I don't need it, but I'd like to have herbs on hand. (Yes, I do have my aerogarden for that... shhh) Maybe some lettuce, swiss chard (because I already have some  of both that overwintered) and kale as well. I probably won't need the 2 3'x6' raised beds I bought though... at least not this year. Maybe I'll set one up as a 3' x 3' and see what happens!