For those of you who were around last summer you know that I became OBSESSED with spending time in the garden. If you weren't around, I have an old Menards credit card bill for $800.00 I would be happy to email you a copy of. This year in my efforts to save money (and start gardening sooner) I have decided to grow from seed. The benefits to growing from organic seed is that you can ensure the plant has been organic through every step. Menards (I can't stay away from that damn place) currently has 'Grower Starter Kits' for sale. They also carry organic 'Burpee' brand seeds. You can also find Burpee seeds at www.burpee.com. The website is fabulous for heirloom varieties and rare plants. My favorite Burpee plant is the Mr. Stripey Tomato from England. This tomato is not only beautiful and easy to grow, but the best tomato you have ever tasted - no salt necessary. As a gardener my favorite ego boost is having people ooh and ah over my veggies and flowers. Out of the 40 or so Mr. Stripey tomatoes we grew last year I only gave out two. One to my mom and one to my boss (I am such a kiss ass). Ryan and I just couldn't part with them :)
This year we are taking things to a new level. Purple carrots, blue radishes, and edible flowers are only the beginning of it all. I am blessed to have Fridays off from work every week. Today after the gym, I hit Menards, came home, and began the planting frenzy. Here is a good website to walk you through the indoor growing process: http://www.gardenguides.com/3021-starting-seeds-indoors.html
I decided to plant our seeds in an all organic seed soil from Pro-mix. The consistency is just dry enough that you don't have to worry about seed rot. Seeds should be kept away from drafts of doors and windows. I chose the top of my refrigerator (the fridge gives off a nice heat) and a "window seat" area near a heat register to house the mini green houses. At the end of the growing season this year Ryan and I are going to shop around for a medium size green house for the backyard. I think he likes the idea of me having less time on my hands in the winter : ) I will keep you all posted on the growth of things and I would love to hear about everybody's garden.
February checklist:
If you plan on having an organic garden this summer there are a few things you can do to get a jump on the season.
1. Plant seeds soon to allow them to have enough time to root and harden to the outdoors.
2. Begin a compost pile if you don't have one. I like to save all my garden "trash" and mix it with food scraps like coffee grounds, banana piles, etc. Red worms make an excellent addition to this in the spring. Red worms eat paper and leaves. Their pooh is fantastic for plants. Plants LOVE pooh. However, never include dog or cat pooh in your compost.
3. Start deciding what you want to plant this year.
4. Research what plants grow well with other plants. Some annual flowers such as, Nasturtium, are not only edible but will also keep away insects that like to eat cucumber plants. They are also a beautiful and fragrant vining flower.
5. Plot out your garden on paper (this is super fun for me). I have plotted my veggies about 6 times. I am driving Ryan crazy, but the more research you do - the more you have to change it.
6. Decide how you will keep rabbits and other critters away from your plants.
Here is a list of what we are growing this year(I try to grow more than one variety of everything):
Basil
Bush Beans
Pole Beans
Soybeans
Beets
Cabbage
Carrots
Cilantro
Chives (they have a beautiful flower and make a nice border for the veggie patch)
Corn
Cucumbers
Lettuce
Melons
Nasturtiums
Onions
Oregano
Parsley
Parsnips
Peas
Peppers
Potatoes
Radishes
Squash
Sunflowers - if you grow for the seeds make sure to protect them from birds with mesh
Tomatoes
Turnips
Strawberries
Blueberries
I am sure we will add a few things along the way.
I would love any questions or comments - have fun in the soil!
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