An early spring report from 97 St. Mark's Place

Text by Donald Davis 

Photos by Kelley Ryan 

This is an early planting report on the regenerative (no turning of the soil) tree plot in front of 97 St. Mark's Place. 

This information may help guide others who are trying to deal with rat burrowing. When the rats dig, they toss dirt and kill any seedlings before they have a chance to grow.

Last fall, we tacked chicken wire directly on top of the soil, successfully deterring the rats from burrowing. The last rat to make an effort was found dead last November after trying to crawl beneath the wire. We chose to leave it in situ for the winter. Recently, what we presume to be hyacinths have begun to sprout from the carcass (future generations of humans take note). 

Our perennial crocuses have emerged through the chicken wire hexagons after a tremendous upward push of the soil. With minimal guidance, the leaves have erupted. Last year, these guys suffered from the rat dirt. They look fine now, well on their way to flowering.

We have planted most of the plot with seeds that have worked well in this soil and light in the past. A second batch of winter rye, which grew over the winter, was planted, along with lettuce, sunflowers, and bachelor buttons. 

With the rain, we should see some emergence in a few weeks. You still have a few weeks to prepare your anti-rat efforts before the official planting season. 

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• Regenerative agriculture in the East Village