Unofficial start of spring arrives in Seattle on Saturday

SEATTLE- The squish of mud boots on soggy wood chips is one of the most notable sounds you hear at at the Seattle Tilth's Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands in deep southeastern Seattle the last few days. It's been a wet winter and during this sunny break between storms, there are lots of smiles on the workers and volunteers under the giant tent they've set up for the big event this weekend. The Seattle urban agricultural non-profit is hosting their first of two edible plant sales this Saturday, the last weekend of winter.

This is a new location for Seattle Tilth's Edible Plant Sale. In previous years, it was held in the Wallingford neighborhood in Meridian Park, adjacent to their headquarters. Not only did the local non-profit want to expand their reach into other parts of the city, they also wanted to be able to provide parking for the popular event. Near Meridian Park, the cars would clog neighborhood streets for the March and May plant sales. The parking on-site at Rainier Beach Urban Farm is for handicapped people only and those picking up plants they've already purchased. So, plan on walking a bit from Rainier Beach High School through Beer Shiva Park to the plant sale.

For sale on Saturday: dozens and dozens of varieties of vegetables, many kinds of edible flowers and herbs, along with fruiting vines, canes and trees all to get your garden growing this season.  Garden educators will be on hand as well with lots of advice and suggestions of what plants grow well together and what kind of needs they'll have in terms of sun and water.  Growing your veggies from plant starts are an easy way and quick shortcut to get into gardening since the often painful part of growing your plants from seeds is getting them past the "hardening stage" where they're ready to go into your garden.

My top 5 tips for a fun event:

1. Bring a wagon or a plant flat. It's 0.5 mile from parking to the event. Buying a flat though is only $1. While the pick up area is convenient, Cloverdale is a narrow road. It will get very crowded.

2. Dress for it. Rain is in the forecast so boots and a hooded jacket will keep you dry and warm.

3. Leave Fido at home. This is busy event so dogs, unfortunately, are not allowed.

4. Go in the afternoon. I know you're afraid you'll miss out on "the best" stuff-- but honestly all of their starts are pretty awesome. Going in the afternoon means you'll miss the busiest time which is 9-11:30a.

5. Take a minute to chat with the garden educators. They know so much-- and the advice is free!  Where plants end up in a garden, and when they're planted, are important to the success of your harvest.

Also you don't want to be afraid of the rain in the forecast.  They've prepared for it with a giant tent that provides 7,000 square feet of coverage for the soggy forecast for Saturday. Temperatures will be chilly in the 40s for most of the event. The forecast high for Saturday is a chilly 51 degrees.  For a complete list of all the vegetables (13 pages of them!), herbs and flowers and all the details you'll need for Saturday. Here's the link to Seattle Tilth:  http://www.seattletilth.org/special_events/marchedibleplantsale