Fulfilling Friday: It starts with a seed

Growing up in the South, I found summer gardening to be a way of life. Knowing where my food comes from, the chemicals used on it, and true shelf life are all things that I start to care more about as I get older. Most people aren't thinking of summer in February but now is the time to start planning your garden and starting your seeds. Here is a realistic gardening timeline in Zone 8a and 7b (the county I live in is technically both).

February/March

Maintenance Time!

Now is the time to prune bushes and trees.

If you have fruit trees, now is the time to start their fertilization processes so that the blooms with be bigger and yield more.

Start your seeds for your summer garden indoors. You can use grow lights or a window with direct sun to get the plants growing strong! Make sure to keep seeds, especially the roots, well watered or misted to ensure strong root systems.

March

I progress my plants in three different stages so that they get used to being transplanted and I have healthy size plants to go in the garden. The soil you use at these beginning stages is so crucial! I suggest a potting soil for vegtables.

I start with seeding pots

Then Progress to 3 inch pots

Then Red Solo Cups

Then I use the double cup method. Cut three holes in the bottom of a red solo cup, you are going to place the cup with holes inside one without, but before you do, place a marble in the bottom of the non-hole cup. This method allows for drainage and water to get soaked back up by the roots.

As the warmer temperatures start to creep in, it is important not to jump on the outdoor planting quite yet.

Mid-April

Generally, the last frost date in our area is around mid April. Once that last frost date clears, you can begin planting your new plants outside. You can use this link as a place to check your area's last frost date.