Where Do Gardeners Go in Winter?

Get your supplies ready for planting times
Later, of course, the gardener can actually start planting those seeds in flats. This is a happy time in the gardener's winter because we actually emerge with dirt under our nails - that universal badge of honor that we wear with such pride. And until that time comes, we can do several things. If you're new to seed starting you may want to read this guide by Green Print's editor Pat Stone.

First, we can take out all of those seed packages and arrange them by dates when they should be planted. Put them into a shoe box or file box by date and them place them near a calendar where you also write down which seeds can be started. This Grow Guide will help you determine exactly what date to start your veggie seeds.

Second, make sure you have all the needed supplies. You may have old flats and trays from last year. These need a good washing in hot water and bleach to remove any fungus or disease that may cling to them.

And of course you can always go shopping for new flats, new potting mix and anything else you need to get the garden season going.

• Check the lights in your seed starting area. Do they need replacing?
• Might your seedlings benefit from a propagation mat that will keep them warm at the bottom?
• If you use fertilizers is your supply up to date?
• If damping off is a problem do you have plenty of cinnamon, chamomile tea and other helpers?
• How about a fan to insure good air circulation and to help toughen up baby seedlings so they are prepared for outdoor winds.

With your supplies all on hand and ready, you can be gardening as soon as your calendar says those plants with long germination periods are ready to plant.

Try Forcing Bulbs
It's way too late to force bulbs for the holidays, but some bulbs force easily and fairly quickly. No one says paperwhite narcissus should only be forced for the holidays. The same goes for amaryllis. They have a very short span between planting and blooming, so if you start some every week you'll have flowers until the crocuses come up in the yard.

Other plants that have relatively short chilling needs include

• Anemone blanda - 8-10 weeks
• Crocus - 8-10 weeks
• Galanthus
  The copyright of the article Where Do Gardeners Go in Winter? in Virtual Gardening is owned by Carol Wallace. Permission to republish Where Do Gardeners Go in Winter? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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