Here is the promised post regarding what to check out if you want to start any activities from the book prior to our meeting on Feb. 21st. To start out, check the list of plants to start indoors in January on page 11, and the much larger list on pp 15-16 for February. Please note that in February there are 3 different methods to start your seedlings - make sure you are starting the right one in the right way! (If you are not eager to start seeds this year, you will be able to get transplants of most of these plants later in the year. For now, just relax!) If there are any kinds of veggies or flowers listed that you would like to grow this year from seed, read on!

First, read “A Note on Varieties” on the page before page 1. (It’s not numbered.) If you buy any old seed, you don’t have any guarantee that it will do well in your garden. By choosing a specific variety suited for our climate you greatly increase the odds for a successful harvest.

If you have never started seeds before, read “Extend the Growing Season” on pg 3 at least through “Cold frames” on pg 4 to learn the basics of different seed-starting methods you might use. Also read “Good Starts: Tips for Starting Seeds” on pg 10. Seeds will germinate without lights, but get in the habit of checking them daily, because as soon as they sprout they should be moved under lights or they won’t grow properly. Seed Houses (companies) are listed on pp 11-12.

If you want to start any of the seeds listed under January, get them started right away. They will be a little bit behind, but should still be okay. (See paragraph below re: special potting soil for seedlings.) Don’t forget the wise advice - start small, and build up to a bigger garden as you get more experience. Planting too many plants as a beginning gardener can lead to discouragement when you can’t keep up with all their needs at once. Concentrate on your favorites!

If you plan to plant any seeds outdoors in February, read the first three paragraphs of “In the Garden” on pg 14. As it mentions, peas are planted directly into the ground in February - traditionally on President’s Day. You don’t have to follow that exactly though, especially if it is very wet at that time. A “new” type of pea that is not mentioned on the list is a sugar snap pea, which is sweet and is harvested when the peas are plump in the pod. They are eaten pod & all, usually raw, and they are delicious! Any variety sold by Territorial Seed, for example, will do well here. If you are sowing seeds indoors and you don’t want to use a commercial seedling mix, see pp 18-19 for “Potting Soil Pointers.” Indoor seedlings have a better germination rate if sprouted in a finer soil mix.

Ok, that ought to carry you through until the meeting 2/21, where we will be covering all the material through April. If you have any questions about planting prior to that time, please post them to this forum topic (so they will all be in one place) and we will do our best to answer them! Have fun and see you the 21st!