Why, yes it is. It is a great time to start planning your garden and deciding the seeds you will be starting inside.
It’s always hard for me to decide when to start planting for the spring and summer seasons. I get excited when the days start creeping into the 40s and the sun is shining. And, we have a great window spot that gets wonderful morning sun…all which make me eager to get planting.
For those plants that need this type of jump start (think tomatoes, peppers, tomatillos, and other plants with longer growing requirements) I like to start many of my plants from seeds and I have used all types of containers to accomplish this, from milk jugs and plastic bottles to Jiffy pots.
When planting, pay attention to having the following:
- good soil
- water
- drainage
- fertilizer
- warmth
- and sun.
How rewarding it is to germinate plants from seed!
Once your plants are well established, make a transplanting plan well in advance of planting these seedlings outdoors. This will include what is called “hardening off”, basically acclimating plants to a new climate that includes fluctuation in temperatures. Start with a few hours outside for a few days and work up to longer periods over several days. Once plants have acclimated, you are ready to transplant.
I started seeds last year in early February and I was transplanting some plants By early March. I created an advantage for my plants by turning some of my garden boxes into cold boxes, creating a miniature greenhouse. I built tops for my garden beds using clear plastic sheeting inside a wooden frame. The plastic lets light in but helps keep cold out. With our colder nights March, I cover my plants at night with the cold boxes and uncover them during the warmest hours of the day. If it’s a cold day, I leave the plants covered all day. I have been growing turnips, bok choy, spinach, and kale all winter using this method of leaving the covers on all day and night.
Need help getting started? There are many experts in the Treasure Valley with a wealth of knowledge. I applaud the nursery experts at D&B Supply stores and have worked closely with Jamie at Goldfeather Gardens to plan my own garden using our garden beds.
“My garden is my most beautiful masterpiece.”
– Claude Monet