Last frost for us is mid-late May. I usually get started plants from the local farmer's market, but I want to try different varieties of tomatoes. The ones that are available here a tasty for hot house tomatoes, but I want ones that taste like the ones grandpa used to grow. The ones I've tried haven't done well. Even the grafted ones were pitiful. I chalk it up to user error.

I would love to start a lot of stuff inside, but I'm on batteries off the grid, and I'm looking for a super efficient full-spectrum lighting system. I'm glad that it seems the "long dark" is over, and the PV arrays are generating more power these days, I still don't want anything that uses more than 50 watts. Maybe I could do artificial lighting just to extend daylight hours? I don't know. I still have research to do. I should have paid more attention to the horticulturists at my old job. I am sending my soil away to be tested as well.

I would love to do a cold frame outside, I have some old single-paned windows that could easily be utilized. As far as creatures gnawing plants, I would have to lock down any greenhouse so the chickens can't get at it. This time of year they are crazy for anything that hints at being green.

My fruit trees (zone 4 and 5a peaches, cherries, pears, and plums) and strawberry (v: Sparkle) plants should be arriving mid April. It'll be several years before I get enough to preserve, but it's exciting. If I get to my in-laws early enough, there's a woman who specializes in old-timey tomato varieties. I am keeping my fingers crossed. I'm thinking about keeping bees too, but one step at a time.