Mid-winter Greens

Six weeks ago I purchased a bag of fresh spinach at my local indoor farmer's market. Although it made wonderful salad, the cost ($4.50 a bag) inspired me to start my own indoor greens. I soon planted spinach, swiss chard and leaf lettuce in bowls and placed them on my lighted plant cart. This week I'll begin to harvest some of those tender greens. Why didn't I think of this in November?

Meanwhile, my chickens have spring fever, too. They rush the door when we open it, nearly tripping over each other trying to get outside unless, of course, it has snowed again. Snow brings them to a dead stop at the threshold, where they contemplate how badly they want to brave the weather.

Here they are enjoying leftover salad greens from the grocery store.