It’s Almost Spring…Right?

I hate this weather. The cold locks up my hands and I can’t sew or crochet. Even baking is a chore when it’s this cold. Despite this, Connor’s many attempts to lure me away have failed; I can’t seem to leave. Minnesota has always been my home, and I don’t know if that will ever change. I know what comes after the dark and coldest nights. When the snow melts away and fresh life pops up everywhere, I feel an internal resurgence of life and I love it.

This year we are growing a garden from seeds, joining the winter resistance movement in full force. The research and preparation is in high gear as we prepare for our first garden together. Connor put together a spreadsheet, which he enjoys too much, and we’ve ordered the beginnings of our in-house greenhouse setup. In fact, the greenhouse arrived and was built with all the loving assistance the twins had to offer (none). Ironically, their ability to help was equal to or greater than our combined gardening skills.

The truth is, I know almost nothing about gardening. When I was a kid, my mom took us to the local nursery and let us grab whatever sounded good. I remember planting a garden with copious amounts of vegetables. It was perfection with little to no effort. I am quickly learning that my childhood memories had rose tinted glasses. While gardening doesn’t have to be crazy intense it does seem to be harder when you choose to start from seed, especially in USDA zone 4b.

Armed with nothing more than the internet, a supportive friend, and a large sense of whimsy, 2022 is going to be a series of planned and unplanned adventures. We hope you’ll follow us and our garden through this journey to learn from our mistakes and share your experiences in the comments below! These cold, locked up hands are aching to get started.

 

An opened rectangular box sits on a wooden floor. To the left is a baby in blue and white pajamas looking down at the box reaching in. In the box is the unassembled greenhouse. You mostly see clear plastic with green edging folded and stacked neatly.
An opened rectangular box sits on a wooden floor. To the left is a baby in blue and white pajamas looking down at the box reaching in. In the box is the unassembled greenhouse. You mostly see clear plastic with green edging folded and stacked neatly.
An aerial view looking down toward a wooden table. On the table poles, clips, and other assembly pieces are sorted into piles for easy assembly. Behind the table are two black chairs each with white and blue highchair seats on top of them.
An aerial view looking down toward a wooden table. On the table poles, clips, and other assembly pieces are sorted into piles for easy assembly. Behind the table are two black chairs each with white and blue highchair seats on top of them.
A picture of the greenhouse assembly when almost coompleted. The only poles left to add are the ones that will form the roof. To the back left of the photo a man with a purple shirt and blue jeans is adding said roof poles. A toddler is sitting inside the greenhouse frame as daddy works. In the backround you see a very messy livingroom with a second toddler watching the TV on the wall. Both babies are in blue and white pajamas.
A picture of the greenhouse assembly when almost coompleted. The only poles left to add are the ones that will form the roof. To the back left of the photo a man with a purple shirt and blue jeans is adding said roof poles. A toddler is sitting inside the greenhouse frame as daddy works. In the backround you see a very messy livingroom with a second toddler watching the TV on the wall. Both babies are in blue and white pajamas.
A picture of the finished greenhouse. Fully assembled with clear shower curtain like cover and zipper door. It is placed on our front sun porch. Grey tiled floors and beige walls with a big window at the back of the greenhouse. Empty and ready for planting to begin.
A picture of the finished greenhouse. Fully assembled with clear shower curtain like cover and zipper door. It is placed on our front sun porch. Grey tiled floors and beige walls with a big window at the back of the greenhouse. Empty and ready for planting to begin.
The Peoples' Garden

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