Issue #197. FEBRUARY 2024.

Spring is almost here!

Just under a month and a half to go until the first day of spring is here! Can you believe it?! Weren't we just celebrating Thanksgiving??

Spring is such an exciting time of year. It's full of new promises, new starts, new growth, and many happy moments of seeding, planting, watering, watching, harvesting, and snacking.

We often think of the start of the new calendar year as a time for setting intentions, goals, etc. but energetically, these tasks feel more suited to spring, the season of new beginnings and emergence from our wintry minds.

This year, I've set a goal for me and my growing space. I want to start planting my spaces just a smidge earlier each season. As you might imagine, as The Patio Farmer, my personal growing space usually takes a back seat. I usually find myself scrambling to get stuff planted or get things fed or pruned or weeded or what have you. But this year, I'm being intentional about making my own growing space a priority.

What is your intention for the growing seasons ahead?

What are your goals for your growing space this year?

In this week's newsletter, I've jotted down a few important spring dates for you to keep in mind plus a few top of mind considerations for spring planting as we inch towards the new growing season!

Want to schedule time for a Consultation before spring gets here? Use the link below to find time to meet this month!

Schedule a Spring Consultation

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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)

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 20:

Meet the Plant Families - Rosaceae

Let's learn about the rosy, perennial fruits of the Rosaceae plant family! Members of the "rose" plant family make excellent additions to any size growing space you have, and are perfect to plant in spring.

In this week's episode, we'll talk about the drupes, the pommes, and the "drupelets" as well as specific information to know BEFORE you add them to your growing space.

Where can you listen to The Growing Space Podcast?

• ​Apple Podcasts (with an iTunes subscription)
• ​Google Podcasts​
• ​Spotify​
• ​YouTube (for free / without a subscription!)
• ​Amazon Music / Audible​
• ​iHeartRadio​
• ​PodBean​
• ​TuneIn / Alexa​
• ​PlayerFM​
• Samsung Podcasts
• ​Podchaser​
• ​Boomplay​
• and, on my website​

As you listen, be sure to download, like, rate, subscribe, follow, review, comment, etc., or just pass along the link to my little pod. The more people know about it, the more I can help others in their food growing journeys.

pssst... I have a whole SLEW of guest interviews / content prepared for my little pod this spring. I can't wait to share these conversations with you!

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Spring Dates for Your Calendar

Below are a few milestones / important dates to keep in mind for February, March, and April!

February:

​Plant Club membership makes a great Valentine's Day gift for your special someone. In February, we're starting tomatoes from seed. In March, we're growing lettuce. And in April, we're growing cosmic carrots! Save 10% when you sign up for an annual subscription!

​The Patio Farmer's online "Spring Shop" goes live next week! Soon you can order seeds, spring seedlings, plant food, and more for home delivery!

​Take a SkillPop Class! I'm back on the schedule for spring, y'all! Join me on 2/27 at Camp North End for Spring Gardening Basics.

March:

​Join the first cohort of PREMIERE PRACTICE in March. PREMIERE PRACTICE is The Patio Farmer's top-tier, 1-on-1 coaching service. Limited space available for spring. Learn more and apply for a spot on my website!​

​Join the waitlist for Six S's to Success. This is The Patio Farmer's brand new masterclass that will go live on the first day of spring (3/19)! With 8, self-paced modules you'll learn the six key elements of successful food growing. Joining the waitlist gets you access to a special, pre-launch event on 3/18. Plus, you get two free gifts from me (a $135 value!).

April:

Our Last Average Frost Date is April 5. This date has a a 30% chance probability of it being the actual last frost date. Keep this in mind when you're planning your summer growing space (ie: planting tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, etc.). I usually plant summer veg in early May!

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3 Considerations for Spring

In helping YOU be prepared for the spring season ahead, these three things are coming up top of mind to pass along.

1. The "spring" growing season typically runs from mid-February through early June. This window of time includes seeding / planting as well as harvesting / pulling plants to make room for summer vegetables. The "summer" growing season typically runs from mid-April through the end of September. Note the overlapping months!
2. In spring, we can grow edible crops that don't mind a frost or freeze. This includes leafy greens like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, kale, collard greens, swiss chard, lettuce, spinach, arugula, etc. as well as root vegetables like carrots, radish, turnips, beets. You can also grow herbs, peas, onions, and plant new edible perennials (like artichoke, asparagus, berries, and more) in spring.
3. If you are interested in growing spring, summer, and fall vegetables this year, you may consider planting crops this spring that grow a bit faster than others. Kale, collards, chard, lettuce, spinach, radish, cilantro, and others are faster to mature than say, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and brussels sprouts. You'll be able to fully enjoy the harvests of spring before getting your space set for a summer filled with hearty production of tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, etc.

If you're looking for some quick inspiration or guidance on what crops are ideal for you and your growing space, spend two minutes taking my quiz, What Food Should You Grow at Home? If you found it helpful, be sure to share it with a friend!

What Food Should You Grow at Home?

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Feeling inspired this week with a new page in my pollinator calendar and the very first asparagus spear sighting of 2024!

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