dark furrow

the worm moon is coming or just passed. some called this the crow moon, for the sound that breaks the silence at the end of winter. the sap moon, because the maples are running. the ground is unlocking. ❧ leeks and potatoes into a slow pot with thyme ❧ check the sky for tomorrow. red in the west means fair weather. ❧ the line storm. it comes at the equinox, when winter and spring argue over the same ground. the old almanacs expected it, marked it, planned around it.

the moon is in its last quarter. pull weeds, turn compost, cultivate the soil. this is a killing time, good for destroying what you do not want. the weeds will not come back as fast. ❧ if the crickets are chirping, count the chirps in fourteen seconds and add forty. that is the temperature in fahrenheit. the old farmers did not need a thermometer. ❧ a simple fire cider: apple cider vinegar, horseradish, garlic, onion, ginger, honey. steep for weeks. take a spoonful when you feel a cold coming. ❧ early spring foraging is mostly greens. the land is generous before the heat comes, offering what the body needs after a long winter of stored food.

spring remedies are about waking up. the body has been indoors too long. bitter greens and sharp roots shake the dust off. ❧ dandelion greens, before the flowers open. bitter and good for you.