By Karen Keb Acevedo

Once again, it’s time to begin! You know what I’m talking about. Spring is (almost) here and it’s the perfect time to put all those winter plans you made to practical use. I know, this is the year when it’s all going to get done, right? We’ll all have perfect, bountiful gardens, free from pests, and we’ll all have new storage sheds built and ready to accept all our junk.

Yes! (Those are my dreams, anyway.) It’s amazing how we entertain these notions of farm perfection, but I guess that’s what keeps us all going.

This issue of Hobby Farms is overloaded with projects for your to-do list:

Build lambing jugs, if you have expectant ewes (page 70). Check.
Learn how to use and make soil blocks (page 98). Check.
Succession plant the garden (page 78). Check.

If this is your year to ramp up the garden and start producing some serious food for your family, invest the time to learn all you can about doing things right. I’m finally going to rip out the old, decrepit railroad ties that have been holding my raised beds together since moving to Kentucky three years ago. I do realize those are far from perfect! I think I’ll also look into the soil blocks Kelly Wood describes, as I’m always game for a new gardening task; one that will simplify transplanting is all the more intriguing.

My favorite feature in this issue has to be “Planting Seeds for the Future” on page 72 about Jere Gettle of Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. I love the story of his life ... how Jere, as a kid fascinated with gardening, launched his own seed catalog and company at the age of 17 and by the ripe, old age of 28 is now arguably America’s most successful gardening entrepreneur. I was lucky to attend Baker Creek’s Heirloom Garden Show in Mansfield, Mo., in August of 2006. It truly made an impression on me.

You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time when you attend one of Jere’s festivals and it’s guaranteed to be an event you’ll never forget. It was a weekend of music, food, education, seminars, fun and, of course, an abundance of heirloom vegetables!

I am honored to be speaking at Baker Creek’s 8th Annual Spring Planting Festival, May 4-5, along with regular HF contributor, author and radio-show host, Jessica Walliser. If you’re anywhere near the area or within driving distance, please come by and enjoy the festivities. We would love to see you!

And finally, don’t miss Sue Weaver’s short piece “One of the Guys” on page 20 about adopting wethers. Wethers are friendly and fun-loving, and aren’t subjected to the nuisances of hormones like does. They make perfect pets and they’re cheap to acquire. What could be better? I love my Pygmy wether, Albert!