A new season begins…

What’s happening right now

Spring is here! We have had such unseasonably warm weather as of late. So different from last year. Crocus are blooming. Daffodils are starting to bloom as well. Tulips are almost ready. The season of rebirth is upon us. I’m really excited for this next growing season! I’m adding some additional grow space so right now I’m busy amending the soil to get it ready. Compost. Lots of compost.

In January I attended the Utah Cut Flower Farmer Association (UCFFA) annual conference. It was great connecting with other farmers from across the state and exchanging ideas. I followed that USU small farms conference. There are always opportunities to learn and grow (pun intended). If you attended the Salt Lake Home and Garden show, you may have seen me volunteering at the USU Extension Master Gardener help desk. Never a dull moment! Seed starting has monopolized most of time lately. Sweet peas are ready to go into the ground. It’s always something!

More Grow Space! Inside, seedlings under grow lights. Outside, we’ve ripped out even more lawn, which is good because I need more dahlia space. I need more rose space. I need more zinnia space. I need more…. You get the idea! But seriously, I really wanted to add some more perennials and shrubs that could serve a dual purpose of cut flowers and attracting pollinators. I’ve been able to add approximately 600 sq ft over three areas so I’m excited for these new beds! Getting the soil healthy is always the biggest challenge and you have to approach it as a long term process. Improving soil structure, drainage, nutrient balance, ph levels—it’s definitely a process.