Unfrozen

Although we are still in the throes of winter, hellebores and snowdrops are beginning to peak through the Autumn detritus around the garden. A hopeful harbinger of things of come. I started seeding a month earlier than normal in the hopes of planting larger, more vigorous plants by May.

February 8th  

This afternoon I followed through with planting tomatoes early and planted 4 each of the following:

  • Golden Jubilee
  • Beefsteak
  • Brad’s Atomic Grape
  • Prairie Fire

I also planted two broccoli. I placed the trays under lamps on a heat mat.

S and I covered the Southernmost raised bed which has remained shrouded in snow with double frost blankets in an attempt to warm up the soil.

February 13th

Another quick moving storm dumped 2-3 inches of snow last week. Today the weather is in the 50s, and it feels like Spring. The grass is still looking very sad.

I seeded peppers today (4 California Wonders, 2 Jalapenos), and planted 6 each of three different kinds of Violas. I also planted six Coreopsis, Aster, and Salpiglossis. I planted 4 Ammi and 2 Black Eyed Susan Vines. I also seeded 2 flat leaf-Parsley seeds, and 32 each of Kale and Napa Cabbage. 

I am still trying to figure out how to keep the cats off the seeds.

One of the broccoli is sprouting already. 

February 15th

All tomatoes barring one of the Beefsteak and Atomic Grape have sprouted.

February 27th

I replanted the two seeds of the tomato varieties which never sprouted. I thinned the other tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage, and chard to one plant per cell. 

Today I planted 6 of the following:

  • Pansy – Got the Blues
  • Pansy – Swiss Giant
  • Viola – King Henry 
  • Viola – Johnny Jump Up
  • Daisy – Zulu Prince
  • Indian Blanket (sent by a friend who collected it herself in her Northern California garden)
  • Wild Bergamot
  • Dianthus – Black & White Minstrels

I also planted 4 dill seeds.

I began stratifying a small 6-cell flat of the following seeds:

  • Bells of Ireland
  • Columbine – McKana’s Giant
  • Orlaya – White Lace