It’s only the end of January and I am so ready for spring! I know …. I shouldn’t wish away my days but when the sun is shining I just have to be outside in the garden! It is hard not to think that spring is just around the corner!
It was about 50 degrees here Sunday and I spent some time playing in the dirt and doing some early planting.
In addition to our garden plot, we have 6 raised beds across the creek. My husband built these a few years ago when I grew the flowers for my niece’s wedding. We’ve installed clamps on the outside of the beds so we can hoop them with PVC and cover them with row covers. They are the perfect addition to the garden!
On October 11th last year, I planted some Dragoon Lettuce, Red Romaine and cilantro. It was about 2 months too late for true winter gardening since the days were too short to get the veggies well established. But I figured we would get a jump start on spring and have an early harvest. They’re coming along pretty nicely, don’t you think?
This past weekend, I planted another bed with Tyee Spinach, Calypso Cilantro, Tokyo Bunching Green Onions, Touchon Carrots, Baby Beets and Touchstone Golden Beets. Since the weather was warm, the soil was workable, and these are all pretty cold hardy, I figured they would hold over well – and with fingers crossed – we’ll harvest these about the same time we’re planting out veggies into the garden in March or April.
I’ll keep you posted on their progress……
I also spent a little time in the greenhouse this weekend. I wanted to get my flower seeds started for our indoor light tables. I know it may be a bit early, but I am committed to growing most of my annuals for our pots, window boxes and hanging baskets this year. I don’t even want to admit how much I spend at the nursery each spring!
“Instant gratification” is my middle name. If I walk into the nursery or big box store in the next few months and their little beauties are in bloom….. Well, I won’t be able to help myself.
So, this year I wanted to get an early start so my flowers will be blooming and I wont’ be tempted to buy them. I’m lucky that I can hold them over in the greenhouse until it’s time to set them out.
Last year during fall clean up, I took cuttings of impatiens, coleus, and geraniums. They are just starting to bloom – they’ve overwintered well, wouldn’t you say?
I am also trying a new experiment! Last fall, I removed my geraniums from their pots, knocked the dirt from their roots and stored them upside down in a cardboard box in the basement. Have you had any luck with this method? I’ll be excited to show you the results soon!
Have you started any seeds under cover or inside yet? Do you do any winter gardening or holding over any of your annuals? I would love to hear your success stories and feel free to share any tips you have!!
Thanks for stopping by!
