The robins are back.
It’s still February, but with the warm stretch we’ve had, it suddenly feels like spring is closer than we think.
The girls are feeling it too. We’re back to 8 out of 10 laying, which feels like a big shift after winter. I suspect Dot, our Silver Laced Wyandotte, will be adding herself back to the list any day now. Her comb and wattles are brightening up and her whole demeanor has shifted. If you know, you know!
Betty is molting and I think she’ll be my last one of the season as the days continue to get longer. She’s our Black Sex Link and my best girl — head hen with the gentlest spirit. She never bullies, never pecks unnecessarily, but heaven help anyone who gets aggressive toward me. She’ll step in immediately. I love her for it.
Down in the basement, I started celery, cabbage, cilantro, parsley, and dill this week. They’re under lights on my wire racks — no heat mats, just domes during germination and a fan once they’re up.
There’s something fulfilling about seed trays all lined up and labeled. Even if it’s warm outside, it’s still early. This is the slow, foundational work before spring takes off.
We had a good rain on Saturday, and that was enough to make me ambitious! I’m sowing carrots, spinach, and green onions directly in the garden this week. I may toss in a few beet seeds too. The raised beds on the north side dry out a little faster, so I’m starting there. If it works, great! If not, I’ll replant.
That’s gardening in Missouri.
I tried my hand at radish greens last week and they are phenomenal. They carry that classic radish heat but somehow feel delicate at the same time. I’ve been making a higher-protein egg salad toast for breakfast (adding cottage cheese for the extra protein) and can’t wait to top it with them this week. I’m growing arugula sprouts for this week’s microgreens — stay tuned to see how they do!
I’ll also be making granola bars for the week. If I end up documenting it, there may be an extra post coming.
With this warm weather, it’s almost time to dig out the hummingbird feeders and give them a good cleaning (I also clean them before putting them away for winter). If spring keeps pushing early, I wouldn’t be surprised if we spot one sooner than usual — and I’d rather be ready. We’ve had several return for years now, and they depend on the feeders if they arrive before things really start blooming.
The robins are back. The eggs are coming in. The days are stretching. The sun is getting warmer.
Hopefully the sun is shining wherever this finds you and you’re getting your own glimpses of spring!
Until next time, I’ll be between the coop and the kitchen.