Gardening tips and tricks with Julie

Part 1.

It's the middle of February and it feels like spring outside. It even smells like spring. I can smell the dirt and leaf mold which makes me want to get my hands dirty. This mild weather won't last but it's been a treat.  I couldn't help but look at photos from last summer's gardens and dream. I've been planning my garden layout and making a list of seeds to be purchased. My favorite seeds from High Mowing Seeds, they can be found at the Co-op. I still had to order a few other varieties but I'm basically ready to start seeds but I am holding off until March 1st. Last year I started my brassicas (cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage) on February 15 and my plants were too leggy. I'm trying to be patient and wait. I am planning to stall planting my tomatoes and peppers in the ground until June 1st. Last spring was cold and windy, and my peppers took forever to set fruit. We are in zone 4b, and the last frost date estimate is May 6th to May 21st so being a little cautious makes sense. Stay tuned for seed starting and garden tips in the coming months. It won't be long now...spring is just around the corner.

Julie Malm- Spiral Food Co-op Cashier and garden extraordinaire