The days are getting longer, and overall, it has been another warm winter, so you will see signs of life everywhere signaling these changes. This is an excellent time in most of the High Desert to start arugula, lettuce, collards, broccoli, cauliflower, and other hardy greens, and don’t forget some radishes. Hardy flowers can also be started at this time, including scabiosa (pincushion), calendula, snapdragons, and rudbeckia. Don’t forget the cold-loving annual herbs like dill, and it is a great time to start your perennial herbs like thyme, oregano, and rosemary. Remember, we are going to get at least one or two more cold snaps, though most of the above will not require protection except for in the instance of deep freeze in the teens, especially on clear sky nights.
Here at Moonstruck Farms, we had an unexpected couple weeks off due to this year’s flu bug, so we are just getting back to our regular routine with starting more strawberries, planting more hydroponic tulips, still planting tulips outside along with more daffodils. We are hoping it cools down again, allowing these late-planted tulips and daffodils to root well before sprouting, but if they do not, there is always next year!! Your late-planted tulips and daffodils may be short this year, but they will return next year in full glory! Daffodils are some of the best perennial (return year after year) flowers, and they are toxic to squirrels!! Remember, when planting tulips for your gardens, to stick to the Darwin Hybrid and Triumph varieties, which are well known for returning year after year. We will have some of these available at the market for a few more weeks!
The farmers markets are year around here thanks to our ability to use the community centers. The Phelan Farmers Market is outside and inside at the Phelan Community Center at 4128 Warbler Road in Phelan and is currently open from 2 pm to 5 pm every Monday but will stay open until 6 pm with the coming time change. Remember to follow the markets on Instagram and Facebook for notices. Either market could close due to weather, and this will be posted on social media. The Wrightwood Farmers Market runs on Fridays from 3 pm to 6 pm inside the Wrightwood Community Center. Both markets accept EBT, and the Phelan Farmers Market offers the Market Match grant, which gifts up to $15 in free farm fresh produce each Monday.
