We are having an unseasonably warm winter, and despite it being the middle of February, the only snow left on the ground is in the shade of trees or buildings. I'm not going to complain, I prefer a mild winter. The geese have been enjoying continued foraging, despite the grass being dry and dead. We did lose one goose last month to a coyote (rest in peace Goose-Toph, mother of our five yearling geese).
It's about that time to start thinking about winter sowing and selecting what seeds to start for our garden this year. Our future here is uncertain given personal and financial issues, but I'm going to keep functioning as though I'm staying and hope that things will work out as we go. I'm not sure if I'll be winter sowing or just starting seeds indoors this year. Maybe a combination of both would be best.
I have two new small raised beds (5x3 and 4x2, only 10-12 inches deep) that I hope to fill with the old manure I shovel out of the barn in the spring once it all thaws out completely. I also have the pool garden I put together with cloth bags last year. I'm hoping that by starting earlier (and an earlier spring) will help the garden be more productive this year. It'll also help if I can keep the geese out of the garden this year...