Soap, plants, and Farmers Markets

This has been a fairly productive week:

Lauren and I made our first batch of soap on Tuesday, just a plain recipe with no add-ins so that we could experience the basic process.  It turned out great -- cut nicely and is curing on top of the hutch.  Lauren took over on Sunday with our second batch -- a smaller batch with ground lavender buds as add-ins.  It looked and smelled beautiful and I can’t wait till we get to cut it.  We are also thinking about trying hot processed soap so that we can use it more quickly -- there isn’t the same curing time with HP soap.

I bought 16 Sweet Lavender plants-- as well as some rose geraniums from Pearson and then ordered 126 Grosso plugs from Mountain Valley Growers for our next field.  I’m not sure when the plugs will get here but hopefully soon!  I'm ready to plant!

Lauren and I checked out the Bishop Farmers Market on Saturday.  It’s a very small market which I think is perfect for us right now and feels less intimidating than some of the larger San Diego markets.  I was able to meet our contact, Sue, who showed me where we would be setting up.  Our first Saturday will be next week on July 4th!  Independence Day!  That seems very appropriate somehow.