Yes, winter has re-arrived. It is cold, snowy, and blustering. So, of course I just want to stay inside all the time, and stoke my wood stove. Winter is good planning time, and it is also time for those who want to start their seeds to be about gathering the supplies. Although it is too early to actually start those seeds.
I found that if you start your seeds too early they are leggy and sappy when it is time to plant out. You want “thrifty” plants. Strong rapidly growing, but not leggy and sappy. That is a hint for when you buy the nursery plants, as well. They make the plants show blossoms many times for buyer attraction, but that isn’t what you want for good seasonal growth. I always pinch those little first blooms off when I plant out the transplants, so the strength can go to the roots.
I don’t plan to start any seeds this year. At least that is my plan,now. I have that wedding coming up and I am not sure I will pay proper attention to little plants. I will be paying attention to what I can do with florists flowers at that time.
I still can’t believe I am intrepidly volunteering to make the flower arrangements, and am a little nervous about the timing of getting myself ready and having the flowers look fresh from arranging them early. I dislike the way roses sometimes flop at the neck, although I read up on some tricks to handle that.
Reading- that is all I really want to be doing at this time of year.
Perhaps you would enjoy my Winter Season page. It also links to my winter gardening tips.
