There are several things you can do during the winter weather to get ready for the spring garden.  One thing is to build up and also new above ground gardens.  Which ever garden that you decide to build, you could start it in the carport or garage.  Since it has no bottom it should be easy to move.  Just draw up some simple plans and board it up. Of course, there are lots of designs.  If you are a fan of the Home Town show, on the first new episode of the year, they built the best above ground beds that I’ve ever seen.  Maybe we could get those Erin and Ben to come back over here to give a lesson.  If you missed that episode, it would be a good one to watch.  

Another thing to do is to get ready for chicks if that is on your mind.  They will be arriving in February and that’s not too far away.  Clean the pens, wash up the waterers and feeders, and check the heat lamps.  

You can start gathering up your seeds.  In the last few years, some seeds have become hard to find.  Seed potatoes will be here soon.  Most people like to plant on Valentines day.  If you plant too early,  they will rot in the ground.  Most folks buy the potatoes, cut them and put dusting sulfur on them and let that sit for a while before planting.  

Me, if I was home I’d be sewing on the quilt that I’ve got started and trying to learn how to bake sourdough bread.  So far the bread making has not turned out well.  You can brake a window with it.  Luckily I can piece a pretty quilt.  

(Mitzi Thomas owns Minden Farm & Garden LLC. Watch for her column on Fridays in Webster Parish Journal.)