Though not much has happened aboveground, somehow the vegetable plants all look stronger after several days of rain. Water from the hose never seems to have the same nourishing effect as a good rainfall. In any case, I can only hope that the vaguely healthier look to the plants (are the stems straighter, perhaps? the leaves greener?) are signs of strong, healthy root growth that will support the plants through the summer, whatever the weather may bring.

I have more lush green kale and crisp, bright radishes to bring to market tomorrow, and it looks like the garlic is just starting to put out scapes! Those should be ready in another week or two, and before we know it, I’ll be digging the garlic itself. For now, I’m pulling lots of weeds – the rain makes them both more abundant and easier to pull – and laying down mulch to lock in moisture and discourage further weed growth.

Come celebrate the sunshine tomorrow at the Broadway Community Market and support local vendors. There are some beautiful radishes and deliciously mild kale with your name on them! You’ll also find fresh flowers, herbal products, gourmet lemonade, thoughtfully made gifts, and more.

See you at the market!

It’s a drizzly day, and I’m tempted to add “dreary” to that, but that feels unfair. Knowing what drought feels like, I’m more appreciative of damp weather. And those who know me well know that I despise being damp. Nonetheless, I donned boots and raincoat and hat and tromped outside this morning to pull radishes and cut kale, and not only did I not melt, but I enjoyed it! The radishes, bright and shining in the drizzle, slid easily out of the loose soil, and the kale felt crisper and fresher than ever.

So, let’s stop calling gray, rainy days dreary. Look to the plants: they’re celebrating! This life-giving water makes leaves lush and roots plump, and later in the season, fruits wonderfully juicy. You don’t have to go outside and get wet, either. Make yourself a cup of hot tea (or chocolate, or coffee, or whatever makes you happy), get cozy, and admire the raindrops on the windowpanes.

Tomorrow, though, please do brave the drizzle (don a raincoat and boots, grab an umbrella), and come celebrate the rain with us at the Broadway Community Market. I’ll have fresh, crisp, radishes and kale to share with you! You’ll also find garlic salt and practical and fun crocheted items, along with all of the delightful offerings of my fellow vendors (flowers! baked goods! children’s books! lemonade!). After all, there’s no such thing as bad weather.

See you at the market!