Ever since I started growing vegetables by seed, I concentrated on finding companies that offered only those that were not chemically treated or genetically engineered. It just made sense!
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All of the seed packets from Renee’s Garden Seeds truly explain everything you “need to know to grow.” Not only will you know when you will be able to harvest that pepper, but when to plant it, how, where (best sunlight conditions), and the height and special information about that particular variety. Their focus is on the true pleasure of growing from seed and the selections offered and cookbooks are sure to please both the new and seasoned gardener.
Her selections of organic and Non-GMO seeds make it difficult to narrow the choices down! Why add organic compost to your soil, plant to enjoy special varieties not available in stores or local nurseries, and then grow chemically treated seeds? That said, I have ordered many packets of flower and vegetable seeds from Renee’s Garden Seeds for over two decades and have had great harvests. A years-long favorite are her Jericho Romaine lettuce seeds which also happens to be my Siberian Husky’s absolute favorite!
I had the pleasure of meeting Renee Shepherd when we were both speakers at the Philadelphia Flower Show! What a powerhouse of a woman and what a selection of annual and perennial seeds from her quality-focused seed company.
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As an Amazon, BestNest, and Plough & Hearth affiliate I suggest products that I love and/or have researched and I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases you order by clicking on the highlighted and underlined links.
Not only gardeners have noticed that this winter has been the warmest one on record and that snowfall has declined all around the planet due to climate change. And we also know that “Mother Nature” sends unexpected surprises that have caused many a magnolia tree to have all blossoms drop and early attempts of planting vegetables to fail.
What can we do? Try one or two. Never plant ALL of your lettuce seeds or ALL hardened tomato or pepper plants ahead of your usual/normal/tried-and-true time. For me, mid-or the end of May has been the earliest time for the soil to really warm up and the night temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit/10 Celsius. Why? Because I once lost EVERY pepper and tomato plant I had so carefully nurtured indoors and hardened off so patiently. Ever since, I hold off and wait. An attractive and accurate outdoor thermometer, placed so that you can easily read it from inside, is such a help.
TIME FOR THE BIRDS In the meantime, I am making sure that all of my garden tools and supplies are ready – easily seen, clean, sharpened, and in their designated place in the garage. My outdoor focus is on the birds now and just refilled the feeder this morning with sunflower seeds. Until they have more to eat in the garden, I do make a point of making sure the feeder is kept full.
Both woodpeckers and birds really enjoy swooping in for some suet. I have never bothered with “Hi-Energy” branded ones since the regular berry and peanut butter suet cakes have been the favorites for “my” birds. It is so much easier to fill when you hang up easy-to-replace suet holders.
Of course, birds also need clean water and both a stream and pond are here for the birds where I live now, but my favorite birdbath was one I had on my deck that was viewed from the kitchen and dining room window. It was so easy to refresh and clean. This is perfect for birdwatching on porches, balconies or decks, the wrought iron bracket has C-type clamp that holds the bracket to the railing without need for drilling or permanent mounting.
A word about buying quality. Although I have had large dinner plates, pretty glass saucers, and cement birdbaths, there is one material that I must suggest. I have owned the same copper birdbath bowl for over 20 years. It is so easy just to blast water from a hose to clean and fill and is loved by the birds since I place a flat blue rock in the center for the birds to easily land and perch on. You must make sure it doesn’t easily tip over and this birdbath certainly fits the bill.
Can not help but share this adorable bench to add to your garden. I will be doing a post on bench placement soon since I have used feng shui principals in every garden I have designed. There always seems to be another place to be able to sit and enjoy a view of your bird feeder, flower garden, sunset, or for stargazing.
As an Amazon affiliate, I suggest products I love and also research the best products and earn a commission from qualifying purchases you may order by clicking on the light blue underlined links.
There are so many benefits to having raised beds! It is so much easier to plant seeds, thin out seedlings, transplant and harvest but the unexpected plus is that the soil warms up earlier than it would be in the ground. Having early spring peas and lettuce from the garden are great but even better is that it is so much easier on the back, arms, and legs when the planting beds are easier to tend.
This 3-tiered raised bed is great for growing deep-rooted tomatoes and carrots and shallow radishes.
This Red Cedar Raised Garden Bed is made in Maine without any chemicals and is not pressure treated. Make sure when looking for any product you plan to grow herbs or vegetables in there are no added chemicals added.
Photo: Barbara Hobens – perennial beds at Highclere Castle, Newbury, England Don’t be shy when you plant tulips. A display like this is only achieved by planting bulbs close together.
What do you want to grow this year? Make a list of what vegetables and herbs you want to eat and then decide what to grow from seed or purchase from a local nursery, plant sale, or online. Organic and heirloom seeds are personal favorites.
Starting plants from seeds is easy. Really! You will find that there is a much wider choice of varieties once you start looking at seed catalogs. But… that positive is what will “get you in trouble” because the tendency is to order way more than you have space for! Thankfully, the majority of seeds (except onion seeds) will be just fine for two-to-three years.
SEED STARTING
Warm weather crops such as tomatoes and peppers must be started indoors and sowing some lettuce, herbs, and flowers inside will give them a jumpstart before you transplant them outdoors. Have your garden plans in front of you to make sure you have the space for what is tempting you!
Let’s concentrate first on what you absolutely MUST HAVE on hand to start seeds inside. Following posts will cover how to prepare for growing, the “art of sowing” and how to transplant your seedlings.
As an Amazon affiliate, I suggest products I love and also research the best products and earn a commission from qualifying purchases you may order by clicking on the light blue underlined links.
SEED STARTING ESSENTIALS Seeds need light. Look for a place to put your growing seed trays where they will get direct sunlight; 12-15 hours is ideal. Look at south-facing windows or you will have to use lamps or purchase lighting expressly designed for seed growth.
These lights are easy to clip on to a table and you can set the timer to make sure they are getting as real “fake day” of light.
Heat Mats Seeds need warmth to start germinating and the top of the refrigerator or top of a radiator has worked but a warming mat is a non-draft and sure-fire solution. Here are two suggestions: this one and if you are starting a lot of seedlings, this will make better sense. Be sure to check the measurements of your seed trays before deciding.
Seed-starting soil Yes, there is a special soil that is formulated to make it easy for germination and early root growth. The key to all great gardens is the health of your soil and this seed-starting mixture is a winner.
Seed Pots Grow and plant directly into the ground with these organic peat pots. Tap soil around the edges so the entire pot is in the ground. What a great start for the health of your seedlings!
WARNING: YOU WILL WANT TO CHOOSE MANY MORE SEEDS THAT YOU HAVE NO ROOM FOR! So, make a list of what you really want to be able to just walk out the door to eat or cut to add fresh herbs to your recipes. Wanting to add wildflowers? Even if you have snow, toss a mix where you want them to grow!
One more addition to keeping track of your garden; check out this fabulous garden planner that is wise and top quality.
BARBARA HOBENS 