Out in the fields, we’re three weeks away from our first planting day. Preparation is in full swing: mowing down winter growth, clearing debris, and working the soil so it’s ready to receive our small plant plugs. Getting soil structure right at this stage makes all the difference later in the year.

The tunnels are being cleared and prepped for summer crops – beds shaped, compost spread, irrigation checked. A freshly prepared tunnel might not look like much yet, but it represents weeks of planning and the next phase of production.

Our baby salads are responding well to the warmer days. Wabasina – a mild, broad-leaf mustard with a gentle heat – is putting on strong, healthy growth, alongside Purple Frills, which adds colour and a sharper edge to the mix.

The pollinator gardens are also starting to come into their own. Narcissus are flowering now, providing important early forage for insects emerging after winter. Supporting pollinators at this point in the season is critical for the months ahead.