Hands in the Earth

"Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens. They are the most vigorous, the most independent, the most virtuous, and they are tied to their country and wedded to its liberty and interests by the most lasting bonds. As long, therefore, as they can find employment in this line, I would not convert them into mariners, artisans, or anything else." --Thomas Jefferson

In the past few days, the San Joaquin Valley has had wonderful, steady rain.  At times it came down hard.  Sometimes it turned to hail.  Mostly, it was simply steady and sweet.  The earth is soft and rich and easy to work.  Weeds slip out without a fight.  Root crops slide out without breaking.  This is the best time in the garden.  Everything from puttering (my favorite) to hard labor is a bit more enjoyable after this latest wash.

Some baby onions were pulled for the kitchen and some worn out heads of lettuce were removed to the composter in anticipation of sowing onion seeds.  Green onions are easy to grow but whenever green onions are needed in the kitchen, I grab any variety of onion seed that has sprouted and needs a little thinning.  Bunching, red, yellow, or brown onions all work well.  I don't even remember what variety is pictured above because I did such a poor job of labeling the rows this past fall.

Same with the labelling for the carrots.  Don't know the variety of these twisted carrots; but they will be cooked up tomorrow with many more of the same along with some peas and onions for Sunday dinner.

The heat is on the way; but until then I'll enjoy the cool of the snow up in the surrounding mountains and the soft, sweet soil to work for the hardy summer garden.