Issue #198. FEBRUARY 2024.

Happy Valentine's Day <3

I bet if you were a fruit, you'd be a cute-cumber... ah ha ha...

Sorry not sorry to all you fine-apples for a cheesey Valentine's Day plant pun. Feel free to use this pick-up lime anytime... I'm done, I promise.

I hope you are having a beautiful day filled with lots of love whether it be for your partner, your plants, or yourself. Days like today are great reminders to focus on what brings us joy, and light, and love. Whatever that is for you today, embrace it.

In this week's newsletter, I'm sharing with you my 8 favorite spring crops to grow, and why. And, my Spring Shop is open for online ordering! Read more of those details below.

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The Patio Farmer is here for YOU!

​Schedule a Consultation for Spring. There are only a few remaining times left for February Consultations. Book time today!

​Take my Spring Gardening Basics Class. I'm back on the SkillPop schedule for 2024. My first class is on 2/27 at 6:30pm at Camp North End.

​Join the waitlist for my masterclass. Six S's to Success is my brand new, online masterclass that will debut next month, on the first day of spring (3/19). Join the waitlist for a special invitation to a virtual, pre-launch event on Monday, 3/18 and get first dibs on the course materials.

​Take your growing journey to the next level this spring. Plant Club by The Patio Farmer is a great way to join a community of growers and hone in on your food growing skills. There are four membership levels so you get to decide the amount and kind of support that's right for you.

​What Food Should You Grow at Home? If you're looking for a little inspiration for your spring growing space, take two minutes to take my new multiple choice quiz to help you find what food you should grow at home. Share it with a friend, too!

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The Forecast:

Below is a list of what can be planted now in the greater Charlotte area / USDA ag zone 8a - and as long as the soil ain't frozen!

Seeds: Tomatoes, Peppers & Eggplant (inside); Peas (snap, snow and shelling), Onions

Seedlings: Fruit Trees / Plants (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries strawberries, and more!), Perennial Herbs (rosemary, lavender, sage, thyme, oregano, mints, chives, and more!)

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Episode 21

10 Tips for Building Raised Beds

Episode Description: Spring is right around the corner! As I've been having lots of Consultations with clients this month building raised beds has been top of mind. So, I decided this week I would share with you my 10 tips for building raised beds. ​
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​You can find The Growing Space Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! If you enjoy this week's episode, be sure to give it a like, rating or review and be sure to share it with a friend. The more interactions my little podcast gets, the more people I'm able to reach!

Listen to The Growing Space Podcast

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Now Open:

The Patio Farmer's Spring Shop

Wee! You can now shop my spring 2024 seed collection! The online store is OPEN! Here are a few things to keep top of mind as you peruse the collection,

• ALL seeds are open pollinated and / or Certified Organic
• ALL seed packets come with a custom plant tag to help you keep track of when you can expect your first harvests
• ALL seed packets are available for shipping, and home delivery (February - May)

I'll be adding more supplies, and SEEDLINGS, later this month. I'm making my first plant run to Windcrest Farm next week! Stay tuned, and in the meantime, shop for seeds!

​Shop for Seeds

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My 8 Favorite Spring Crops

(and why!)

The spring growing season in the greater Charlotte area (USDA hardiness zone 8a) runs from mid-February through early June. During these months, we can sow, plant, tend, and harvest cool season crops that grow through frosts and light freezes. Think leafy greens, root vegetables, bulb vegetables, and perennials like asparagus, berries, and herbs.

Of course, come mid-April and early May, we can begin planting our summer vegetables or crops that produce a flower before setting fruit. Summer vegetables can be planted or sown through early July. These vegetables do NOT tolerate frosts and freezing temperatures. Think tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, green beans, basil, okra, peppers, etc.

See the overlapping window of time for tending and harvesting spring crops and beginning to plant summer crops? Hmm...

Some cool weather crops take longer to grow than others. Broccoli, cabbage, brussels, and cauliflower take the longest amount of time to mature (3 months and sometimes a little longer). I like to save these for fall when I don't feel as crunched for time to get another round of things planted.

Other cool weather crops can be quite speedy! Radish, pac choy, and lettuce are particularly quick (less than 30 days). Kale, collards, carrots, beets, peas, and cilantro can usually be harvested 6-8 weeks after sowing (or sooner if seedlings are used).

So, for me, and my growing space, I like to prioritize crops that grow FAST in spring. This way, I can enjoy the bounty of the cool season without feeling too much pressure to rush into summer planting. Below is my list of EIGHT spring crops I love to grow, because of how quickly they mature, as well as a few other reasons.

1. Kale - top of my list because I'm simply obsessed, that's all
2. Snap Peas - the sweetest snack with the cutest little flowers
3. Radish - wonderful companion plants, with bright bulby roots!
4. Arugula - also a great companion, "cut and come again" crop
5. Lettuce - crisp and refreshing, lettuce is a cool season charmer
6. Pac Choy - these mini cabbage heads are a stir-fry delight!
7. Cilantro - did you know cilantro and coriander are the same plant? Have you ever had fresh coriander seed? Put that in your pickle jar this summer!
8. Edible Flowers - two years ago I fell in love with bachelor button and calendula... I now sow these every spring!

What are you top spring crops for this year? What are you planning to grow?

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Apply for PREMIERE PRACTICE

The Patio Farmer's top-tier, 1-on-1 coaching service

The first cohort for PREMIERE PRACTICE by The Patio Farmer kicks off in March! Apply before 2/29 for your opportunity to participate.

PREMIERE PRACTICE by The Patio Farmer includes,

• 1-on-1 Coaching Services from March - September
  • ​Weekly visits to your growing space from Farmer Erin (each visit will last up to 45 minutes)
  • Summary notes of each visit posted to the client portal with harvest recommendations, and any recommendations for maintenance between visits
  • Tracking milestones throughout the seasons as we grow, and celebrating them!
• $100 non-refundable credit towards products and supplies each month ($700 value over the course of the contract)
• Membership to Plant Club by The Patio Farmer at the KNOW level ($203 value over the course of the contract)
• GROWTH: 52 weeks of intentions, reminders, and advice for growing food at home ($35 value)

​$599 / month-to-month OR $3,894 / prepaid (half off your first month!) As a premium service, there are a limited amount of spots available for spring. PREMIERE PRACTICE is available to residents of the following zip codes - 28202, 28203, 28204, 28205, 28206, 28210, 28211, 28226, 28270, 28277, 28105, 28078

Frequent Asked Questions:

Why does the program last 7 months?

PREMIERE PRACTICE runs from March through September so The Patio Farmer can support coaching clients through the three main growing seasons for zone 8a (Charlotte, NC). In March and April we will plan, plant, grow, and harvest spring vegetables together. In May, June, and July we will plan, plant, grow, and harvest summer vegetables together. In August and September, we will plan, plant, and grow fall vegetables together. Fall vegetables can generally be harvested through the new year!

What services does The Patio Farmer provide during weekly visits?

Visits can include Consultations, Seasonal Installations / Plantings, Watering, Pest Inspections, Pest Treatments, Disease Inspections, Disease Treatments, Trellising, Pruning, Harvesting, Feeding, Weeding, and Plant Removal (only edible plants). The Patio Farmer is here to help your food growing space thrive! The Patio Farmer works exclusively with edible plants, with a few exceptions.

Do I need to be home for each weekly visit?

Nope! As long as your growing space is accessible without special entry requirements (or these can be provided to The Patio Farmer), you do not need to be home at the time of service.

Can I participate in weekly visits?

Yes! Ideally one, and up to two, visits each month will be scheduled where we work together to maintain your space. The first visit is usually a Consultation to go over your goals for the seasons, what you want to grow, etc. It is recommended that each seasonal planting / installation visit be done together as well.

Will you send me notes after a visit?

Yes! Upon completion of each visit, The Patio Farmer will send a summary of tasks completed, notes, and any recommendations for next steps.

Read more about PREMIERE PRACTICE and apply for your spot in the program by visiting my website.​

Apply for PREMIERE PRACTICE

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Enjoy the rest of your week, my friend! And thank you for spending a few moments with me today.

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