Transplanting time

Towards the end of May is full-on transplanting time. This season, as we settle in to the new garden, transplanting is less of an all-at-once rush, instead, we’re staggering the planting dates from about the third week of May to early June. Here, Jordan and Marijke—brother and sister, gardening together—put in another 100 or so tomato seedlings, working quickly to beat the next round of rain. Jordan digs a small hole that’s filled with compost and dried alfalfa, then Marijke pops in a plant. The white fabric in the photo is floating row cover, protecting earlier transplants from the risk of frost. On sunny days the cover is pulled back, and replaced in the evening if the weather forecast calls for a chilly night. Tomatoes get extra care!