Finally, the fireworks, wind, and, rain (mostly) have stopped. Fireworks banged banged into the wee hours of the morning on New Years Day. Winds howled in the upper 20’s until midday New Years Day and then laid low all the rest of the week. Rain abated for one solid week allowing for all type of work to be done.

Late to start the day, once Boxes in Fields was up and moving, the first two weeks of the New Year started off with an explosion of work. First carrots were pulled in a rainbow of colors.

Rye grass was trimmed to the dirt in one box, tilled under a few days later, and then planted at the end of the week with more colorful carrots. These late winter carrots might bolt from the heat before they are full length but baby carrots are everybody’s favorite carrot anyways. Did you know the majority of baby carrots in the grocery store are not true baby carrots? They are full size carrots shaved down to baby carrot size. Carrots are too costly of a crop to grow for true baby carrots. Full sized carrots shaved down allows for shavings to be used in other sources of carrot from baby foods to dog foods, from juices to powders, from sweet to savory. Saw that on a cooking show on TV once and it stuck with me ever since.

Unlike last winter, this winter has been mild and the garden is holding strong. Mustard green plants are taking a hit from winter bugs (who knew they even existed) but they are producing at exceptional rates. Rye grasses are thick and healthy, not experiencing any bug/weather related issues, and hopefully are chocking out the nematodes. The third box will be left to grow until it is time to plant for spring gardens.

Taking a break from gardening for duties in the Work Box, the Planner used a new tool to help quickly secure the lights electrical wiring. Having great difficulty welding over head and having a crap load to more to weld, the Planner ordered (after three years worth of discussion) a stud welder. No welder needed, just an electrical outlet and this stud gun. It was amazing. So simple and easy even the Kid could handle it. Having secured all the overhead electrical wire for the lights in place, the Planner then used the stud welder to attach the bolts to run electrical wire for the outlets. Holy-e-moly. Four plus years since the boxes were joined together the Shop Box has been brought up to modern working conditions. Overhead lights and plugs on the wall. No more tripping over extension cords on the floor in the dark. Hot dog!

The weather has been so fabulous this month that by the last week of the month the mustard greens and the carrots are starting to bolt. Not necessarily good in terms of potential heat for the year. Have read bolting produces a bitter note to the greens. As mustard greens are already bitter I cannot see this making them inedible. Carrots on the other hand could become tough and stunted in growth. Gonna give these a few weeks to see what happens before any rash decisions will be made. Harvesting my own seeds (yes, these are heirloom varieties) does have a nice appeal don’t you think?