Hide and seek spring

Just when it seemed safe to go outside, an early iteration of the spring monsoon is upon us.  The early garden near the house was actually almost too dry over the past weekend, but Nature seems to be determined to make up the difference in rainfall over the next several days.  The beets, carrots, spinach and green onions will get all the moisture they need to germinate.  The problem is the temps are barely getting into the 50s during the day and falling into the 30s at night.  Meanwhile, the local crows have arrived and are investigating the garden for seeds.   The onion and leek crops have started to grow in the cold frames behind the barn and the brassica transplants look good.   It seems the long cold winter is only gradually giving way to a reluctant spring.  Any local farmers looking to get an early start will be doomed to disappointment and the certainty of 18 hour days when the weather finally breaks.   The rest of the world just experienced the hottest January-March period on record.  We, on the other hand are breaking records on the other side of the climate ledger.  It's hard to feel the hot breath of global warming when you need to put on a coat to go check the mail in April.