Well, a few weeks got away from me there…
Between the pandemic and the never ending snow…time has no meaning lately.
First the snow.
It’s good. Really good for plants. It insulates them from both the cold and the drying effects of winter winds. It also soaks the ground and provides moisture for plants in the early spring. It’s needed for some seeds to sprout too!
It’s also bad. The weight of snow on various woody evergreens can break branches or permanently deform the shape. Best to get out there as soon as possible when safe, to knock off the snow off plants.
Seeds and plants - now is the time to order. Actually, last month was the month to order. The pandemic caused an increase in demand with everyone being home and decreased production by limiting the amount of staff allowed to work at the same time at the seed companies. Not too late to order. You may have better luck at some of the smaller companies than the big ones that everyone knows about. Seed starting starts in earnest next month for most things. I need to clear off the dining room table. Thank god my spouse doesn’t know about this blog…
Next - taking stock in what you have and what’s in good condition and what needs to be replaced. Once you can get to the garage thru the snow…I need to count how many of what I have. How many seed pots. How many next size up pots to transfer the seedlings to. How many planters do I have. Do I have extra tools I don’t need? Do I need a tool I don’t have? Stakes and cages - do I need more? Do I want more? I saw an interesting way of dealing with tomatoes. With a net. I haven’t decided if it’s a good thing or a pain in the ass…
What am I REALLY going to plant? AKA, how badly will I over buy….hahaha…that ship sailed on seeds. However, I have ordered grafted tomatoes online and may limit 1/2 the garden plot to tomatoes. Tomatoes are my first love and are placed on a pedestal because of there is nothing better than a just picked one.
And squirrels. What are my combat plans for squirrels? Red Xmas balls definitely, but what else? More research is needed.
What next? Working on that seed swap!