Today, I seeded lettuces and arugula in my little window greenhouse.

Built from old windows removed from our farmhouse, this mini-greenhouse is used from late fall to mid-spring. in particular to extend the greens growing season.

We saw one of these simple structures in Lancaster a few years ago, on one of our Saturday drives. And by 6 p.m. that evening, I had one of these for my very own. Not purchased, but built by the very talented  handyman right here at Pinespring. OK, we happened to have a nice selection of old windows around, since we were gradually replacing all those in the old farmhouse. Still, I think that’s pretty darned good when you have a guy who will, with no urging, be inspired by something like this and just go home and make one — that same day.

You don’t need to have a mini-greenhouse, though, to have a crop of early spring greens. If you have a protected area — a little area of bed next to the house, maybe — consider growing a crop of spring greens. Find an area that faces south, a planting area next to a building or wall. Even if this is a spot you use later for perennial flower color, it can be devoted to early greens from March through mid-May.

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