Cabbage, just planted
I confess that, a week ago, I felt as though this all might be just a game of Doomsday. As the news gets worse, everything has started to feel more and more real. After thinking about it for a while, it seems likely to me that food is even more important than avoiding the virus, though both, obviously, are the top priorities. With food in mind, Ken finished planting the spring garden today.
The calculus may change according to the situation, but right now the protocol is to go out for fresh foods (and as much storage food as possible) at the early-morning seniors-only hours that many stores have scheduled, including Whole Foods and Walmart. At that hour, the shelves should be better stocked, and there should be fewer people in the store.
I got out the books on foraging today. Who knows how bad this might get? Wild foods might be a great help.
As always, please comment with ideas and reports from your part of the world.
Burning brush on the garden plot
The old tiller gets a workout.
Ready to plant. The soil here is naturally red. The dark color is from all the organic material that has been added to the garden over the past 11 years.
Ken’s visit is most timely. Cannot think of a better place than Acorn Abbey to shelter in place. The vibes of that special place comes through in your posts and photos, if that makes sense. Stay well, both of you.
It’s a good time to go back to our roots. We had comfort food tonight. Pork ribs in the oven, turnip and mustard greens, purple hull peas, cornbread (no sugar!). And lemon lime congealed salad with pineapple, cottage cheese, and pecans. Helps to fight the effects of cabin fever.
Hi, Jo… By pure coincidence, Ken was on a speaking tour of schools and universities in this area. A shorter visit was planned, but circumstances obliged him to stay! It was an amazing stroke of luck, for me, certainly, and for him as well, I think.
James: That all sounds so good! Let’s just hope that we can continue to stock the supplies for that kind of good eating…
Surprised you haven’t started practicing no till farming.
Do you plant arbitrarily by calendar or do you refer to the Almanac or local lore? I had an uncle who planted on Good Friday every year. It’s interesting!
Hi James: Usually we just plant with the weather here. We try to plant just before a warm rain is expected. Anything to avoid having to water things!