Can I....

During the 2011 De Soto Farmers' Market season I was asked if I would assist in the planning of a farm tour for the Missouri Farmers' Market Association. I LOVE going on farm tours so it didn't take much arm twisting to obtain my agreement for this project. So, over the course of several Saturday mornings I sweet talked a few of DFM's vendors to be a part of a farm tour in January 2012.

Summer and fall ended along with the market season. After the first of the 2012 year I contacted the vendors to remind them I would be out with a "bus" of people later that month. Good thing we followed up because some thought that it was just fun summer talk! Times and best routes to and fro were discussed. It wasn't long before RSVPs started arriving to our fearless leader Debby Campbell. It turns out we weren't just bringing a "bus" of people - but a FULL bus with cars following.

On January 27th, 50 people boarded a Huskey tour bus that departed from De Soto headed to Fletcher and through the town of Ware not far from Frommit with a final destination in Dittmer. We toured Big River Alpacas, Cyndi Lou's Produce and Single Creek Draft Horse Farm. It was a crisp winter day perfect for petting alpacas, sunning in a high tunnel and tapping a few maple trees. There was a downside for me - being one of tour guides I didn't take my own photos! Lucky for me I found some posted on MFMA's blog.

I am very grateful to have met and become friends with so many of the folks I vend with at De Soto Farmers' Market. They may not be many in number, but those that do vend are creative and passionate about what they do.

Is it winter or spring?

Folks always say if you don't like the weather in Missouri wait a minute and it will change. Well, that saying holds true this week! Two nights ago I heard peepers peeping and tonight I had Jack Frost nipping at my heels. We have had a mild winter which allowed us to move full steam ahead with rearranging dirt in the garden beds and laying out the framework for a small hoop house.

Front Garden will be home to tomatoes, peppers,
 cucumbers and corn.

However, today was cold and dreary. A great day to start seeds indoor! The beautiful seed packets from Baker Creek Seeds were pulled out and the hard task of picking which would be first to start this year began. After much discussion, the lucky winners were Emerald Giant, Red Belgian and Sweet Chocolate peppers along with Kentucky Beefsteak, Black Cherry and Ozark Pink tomatoes.  Tomorrow S has heart set on starting flowers.

New Permaculture Garden

Amidst the seed starting it dawned on me I still had things to order for spring planting.  The fruit trees, conservation, and potatoes orders have been placed, but not the asparagus, onion, or strawberries!

I have a feeling March is going to feel a whole lot like Christmas when all of our packages start to arrive. We are giddy with anticipation!