Is it too early to sow?

it was a warm day, yesterday

above freezing

my grandmother's birthday

the sun was shining

glimmering off the thawing lake

birds were singing

soil was squishing

i was itching

to get into the greenhouse

-

Early January, and it feels like Spring. Could be a dream; it's tempting. Pull all the debris, left by winter's kill. Fill the wheelbarrow with compost and dress the beds.

Brassicas linger in the air. Beware of the smell - rotting cauliflower leaves tell of a time when things were lush and green. In between rows of fallen corn stalks and husk, enough moisture for the whole season. Leaves on beds, beneath the maple planting.

From their tall view, perhaps they see Spring ringing.

Feeling the call to put seed into soil.

Put my feet into boots and hands into gloves. Crawled under the house to turn the water back on. If just for a day, at least I can say I had the pleasure of washing the winter blues away.

Greenhouse was dry, still parched from summer's heat. Turns out rehydrating the soil would be a greater feat than flipping a valve. I dug and I raked, breaking up soil chunks. Sprayed water in between rounds and gaped at the insignificance it had on the dusty beds.

How did we get here? How are things so dry? The field outside is borderline muck - with a little luck, perhaps we will be germination-ready before this warm spell is up. Sending good vibes and love to the soil, spilling watering cans into trowel-dug trenches. Mixing, misting, raking, listening for signs of absorption. Sun-soaked endorphins.

A balance of elements and man-made implements.

Jakoby came in with the fork. Give it some water and air overnight, it just might mend.

And yes, he was right: today's soil is a different sight. Moisture has soaked in, with only a few dry streaks trailing the rake. Scuff, water, rest, repeat.

So I sit here with our seeds, in anticipation of their great journey. Perhaps it's a little early to sow. I'll know when it's time, nature does not rush. Best practice right now is to prep the beds and ensure the moisture sticks around. Too much, and we'll have a frozen ground.

Visualizing late winter herbs and greens; with the return of light (and this [temporary] return of warmth), my heart is joyful in knowing it's going to be a great season.