Comfrey was blooming yesterday as well as feverfew which is early for us. It has been very dry and warm comparing to other years so it seems nature is a bit a headed; my spinach already bolting. With that in mind Saturday will 30's (3C) Saturday morning. I have several tomato plants up over a foot tall so might need to start the poly tunnel heater Sat morning to keep them happy. Cover crop of cereal rye, hairy vetch, triticale and red clover is coming along nicely. Will terminate in about two weeks to plant corn and pole beans. My thought is that the clover will remain as a living mulch.

Answer below

Earth Day 2026 is Wednesday, April 22. The theme for this year is, “Our Power, Our Planet.” How does Earth Day impact you; what are you doing special? Is Earth Day a Special Day?

Instead of just planting, I’m thinking about building an system—something that holds moisture, builds soil, and creates its own microclimate over time. In a zone like 6b, where we get swings in temperature and periods of dry weather, structure matters just as much as what you plant. It starts with simple things: - Sun, wind, land planing - Plant specific zones - getting trees in the ground - adding organic matter - slowing water down - giving roots a place to establish From there, it’s about layering—letting shade build, soil improve, and the system start to support itself. It’s not instant, and it’s not perfect, but you can already start to feel the difference when you’re working toward something more.

Someone once asked me "what is the difference between stacking and multi tasking?" My answer was that we try to never take an empty wheelbarrow. Does someone have a better description of stacking in a permaculture context.