Ice World

This winter is colder and snowier than any in recent history. It has given me time to read gardening articles and books, review last year’s successes and struggles, and brainstorm about this growing season. The weather is also allowing ample time for me to create more permanent plant labels, with UltraCal 30, silicon molds, acrylic paint, and protective gloss. It is a creative outlet focused on the garden when I cannot get my hands in the soil.

January Tasks

  • Update annual Smartsheet 
  • Read through last years notes on the garden
  • Inventory seeds
  • Make new garden and planting plan 
  • Plan separate herb garden
  • Look through catalogs, magazines, and books for ideas, plants, and seed
  • Order new seeds
  • Add new seeds to Smartsheet, include notes about stratification and direct or indoor sowing
  • Set up heat mat and grow lights 
  • I built the table we keep collapsed in the garage to add additional space for plants in the sun room. Last year I kept the grow lights on all year – the plants loved this and have rewarded us with flowers and incredible growth. 
  • Clean out seed starting trays (1 part bleach and 9 parts water – soak for 30 minutes then rinse)
  • Plant Rosemary and Tamarillo 

January 2, 2023

The weather is colder than normal this winter, with more snow than we have seen in six seasons here. I found some silicon molds online and have been filling them with UltraCal 30 in order to create painted stone garden labels. I purchased some metal stakes to hang the labels on. 

January 12, 2023

I planted Rosemary and Tamarillo  seeds in 2 3”pots, along with some Zombie Plant seeds which need similar conditions (80 degree, moist, bright light)

New seed purchased from Baker Seeds:

  1. Agastache – Anise or Hyssop
  2. Ageratum –  Mix
  3. Basil – Lemon
  4. Basil – Genovese
  5. Bean – Blue Lake Bush 274
  6. Choy – Yellow Heart Winter
  7. Tatsoi – Green
  8. Butterfly Pea – Blue Queen
  9. Coleus – Pinto Mix
  10. Cucumber – Richmond Green Apple
  11. Cucumber – Mexican Sour Gherkin
  12. Lemon Balm – Limoncello
  13. Lemongrass
  14. Marshmallow
  15. Tweedia – Heavenly Blue
  16. Okra – Bowling Red
  17. Viola – Antique Laeta
  18. Viola – Laeta Fire
  19. Poppy – Amazing Grey
  20. Rosemary – Rosy
  21. Sage – Broad Leaf
  22. Salpiglossis – Grandiflora Mix
  23. Snapdragon – Oriental Lantern
  24. Snapdragon – Cherry Twist
  25. Pumpkin – Connecticut Field
  26. Stock – Sakura No Kagayaki
  27. Tamarillo – Dwarf
  28. Water Cress – Aqua Large Leaf
  29. Mint – Marvelous Mix
  30. Cosmos – Apricotta

January 15, 2023

  • Zombie seedlings emerge (2 from 5 seeds planted)
  • Bought plans for a new cold frame S will construct. The price of wood is extraordinary. 

Seeds purchased from Botanical Interests:

  1. Bells of Ireland Seeds
  2. Cat Grass Seeds – Conventional
  3. Catnip Seeds – Conventional Heirloom
  4. Fountain Blend Cleome (Spider Flower) Seeds
  5. Mexican Tarragon Seeds
  6. Zeolights Calendula (Pot Marigold) Seeds

January 22, 2023

  • Rosemary sprouting (very tiny seedlings)
  • One Tamarillo seeding