Temperatures are rising here in north west Montana and the sun has been shining for a few days now. Snow is melting and we are officially in "mud season". Our daffodils at the OneAcreWood are just starting to break the surface in the sunniest spots and my husband spotted a Robin yesterday! The Equinox is officially on Monday, March 20th, just before the new moon, creating a super auspicious opportunity to really dive into the intentions you have set for year. We will be moving onto the homestead this Spring and now that we'll be living there full time, I plan up my gardening game!
My daughter and I have pulled out our seeds and will be starting them indoors this weekend! This is how we begin our gardening season when there is still a foot or so of snow on the ground. Last year I borrowed some pots and things to start our seeds but this year I invested in a soil blocker. We will be mixing our seed starting soil ourselves and using the blocker to create "pots" for the seeds to grow in. From what I've read, the main benefits of soil blocking are that they allow your plants to develop stronger and more resilient root systems, more oxygen can get into the soil and water is spread more evenly through the soil block. All of this greatly reduces transplant shock when it's time to put them in the ground. This actually gives your plants a leg up and when you live in a zone where the official growing season is less than 100 days, the better the foundation you can give your seedlings, the more likely you are to have a healthy, successful garden! Our medicinal garden was so successful last year and I am hoping that everything comes back healthy and strong. We will be planting medicinal herbs anyway just in case. This growing zone is brand new to me and I'm so curious to see what pops up in the garden.
Gardens aside, I have been teaching yoga twice a week at the school here in Noxon and it has been wonderful to wear that hat again! I've met some sweet women who have attended every class and sharing this space and practice with them has really filled my cup. I've had several requests to continue teaching once the adult ed classes conclude at the school in April so I have decided to lead an eight week series on Mondays, offering both a morning and afternoon class to accommodate most people's schedules. In the past, once it really warms up, families around here get super busy and are less likely to commit to a weekly class. We'll see what happens when we get there. Practicing yoga again has done wonders for my own body and I want to keep at it!
Last weekend I participated in the Spring Wellness Expo in Caldwell, Idaho. One of my best girlfriends, Blackbird Healing, organized the event and invited me to have a booth. My oldest daughter joined me and we worked together to share herbal info and products. I sometimes struggle with words when put on the spot but this time, I felt very confident in conversation and I actually received some compliments. It was a HUGE success and really confirmed that this green path is the one I'm supposed to be on.
The school year is winding down, prom is this weekend and visits from friends are planned for the Summer. It's going to be a busy one!
Sending you green blessings and gratitude always,
Sarah
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