It could be snakes.

Or spiders, or just fill in the blank of whatever you loath.

Here in the Far North, we have ash.

From past experience I have noticed that the lupine thrive after being ashed. Keep an eye out for them this spring and see if I am correct. The ash adds trace minerals to soil, but don't count on miracles, you still need to compost.

Last Thursday I had a perfect day: skied at the McNeil Canyon Trail System late morning and worked in the greenhouse the rest of the afternoon. It really doesn't get any better than that.

The tomatoes, cucumbers, basil and four heads of buttercrunch lettuce are all looking very grateful to be in the greenhouse and out from under the lights in the guest room. These plants are all in their planting boxes where they will remain for the duration.

I have tried basil outside with mixed results. But it is always gorgeous in the greenhouse, so that is where it stays. I broadcast the seed in a shallow four-inch-by-three-inch container. When they are still tiny I pull them apart and plant them in clumps in the growing container in the greenhouse. They seem to like the clump action, so clump it is. I have tried single plants in a pot with mediocre results. But the clumps really win.

The greenhouse containers are about a three-foot square and eight inches deep. Each fall I fill them with finished compost to have them ready for spring (or whatever you want to call this). The electric heater is keeping the temperature from dropping below 40 degrees.

I really need to rinse the ash off the roof, it's blocking the light.

There are Brandywine and Sungold tomatoes as always. They are the favorites, the must-haves, the can't-live-withouts. Then there is always one that I have never tried before. You never know, it may become a must-have. I was in the bookstore and a seed packet of tomatoes was glued onto the cover of a sample book that had been sent by the publishers. Was that good timing or what? I was offered the seed packet. Presto, there is my never-been-tried tomato, Angel. We'll see.

The cucumbers are in their container, but I fear this may be too early for them. I fear this every year. You would think I would get over this by now. I only put in two plants, nestled together. That really is plenty for the two of us and anyone who stops by at cucumber time. These two plants will crank out gorgeous fruit all growing season. I will rig up a trellis for them as they need support for their very vigorous and bountiful vines. Halibut line works quite well for any and all trellis projects. Keep that in mind.

The pansies that I broadcast are up and running. They have been transplanted into three-inch square pots. You may question the size of these pots but think about it: What if we can't plant on Memorial Day? What if these little plants have to hang out in the greenhouse far longer than was at first anticipated? They will have plenty of room. They will actually thrive in their three-inch digs. They will be gorgeous plants. I know this.

The catch to starting seeds early, possibly too early, is the potential for them to become root bound. This is the condition that plants experience when their gardeners get too excited about gardening and ask too much of them. Those overzealous souls will have all of their vegetable seedlings started already, in generous four pack containers (not the tiny six packs). Because you never know, this just might be the May that we can plant them out the second week of May instead of waiting until Memorial Day, or later at the higher elevations.

But just in case, the overzealous gardener will have larger containers at the ready to transplant the seedling into just in case a volcano erupts, or it snows the second week in May (certainly not unheard of), or the wind is blowing a million miles as hour for weeks on end. It will be your contingency plan. Be ready.

I think you have guessed: All my cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage (red) and Brussels sprouts are seeded into four packs. Lettuce (three different kinds) is being started, four at a time every 10 days.

This is what will get direct seeded (seeds go into the ground outside): spinach, radish, lettuce (mixed), carrots, chard. That's about all. The rest gets a jump start. Even the potatoes. They will get cut and dried a bit before they hit the dirt. The peas will get soaked and this year it is my intention to get them started in four packs. They seem to produce later and later each season. I want peas.

Onions, which I have tried from seed without much luck, get started from sets. These look like little onions. But this year I am going to start them in four packs instead of just sticking them in the ground.

Same goes for garlic. I no longer overwinter garlic. I start it in the greenhouse in flats and transplant. I am going for the glory this season. I want food. I want this all to work.

Get your supplies ready. Floating row cover is essential. I cover the entire vegetable plot with this. The seedlings in particular appreciate the added protection.

Mount Redoubt will not stop us from gardening. It may slow us down, but not stop the action. Get your supply of dust masks and keep them handy, you will be using them all growing season.

Rosemary Fitzpatrick has been gardening with gusto in Homer for 30 years. This year marks the 19th anniversary of her column.