You might think it is too early to even begin to think about gardening but there’s a time to sow and a time to reap. And that time varies depending upon your location – spring arrives considerably earlier in Miami, Florida than it does here in Northeast Ohio. The proper time for gardeners to begin their work varies according to climate and the kinds of plants they choose.
This mild winter has mother nature as confused as us – I literally saw dandelions growing in the yard and WEEDS growing in the flowerbeds and let me remind you, it’s February!. That doesn’t mean you should start weeding and mulching but in Northeast Ohio, February is the month to plan your garden!
Read seed catalogs, review performance of all varieties grown last year, and plan for the upcoming growing season. Shop early for seeds from catalogs and garden stores since the early shopper gets the best choice of seed varieties.
Take inventory of supplies, such as seeds, pots, flats, and potting soil.
Lay out the garden on paper, rotate crops and develop a planting schedule. Be sure to be realistic in evaluating time available for gardening.
Start onions and leeks from seed now and at the end of this month, cabbage family crops. They’ll be ready for setting out in April. Onions from seed are generally firmer and longer-lasting than from sets.
Start parsley indoors now, too. You may think you have successfully wintered-over the plant, but it is a biennial and will soon go to seed.
Check your stored root vegetables for decay.
Test germination of leftover seeds in moist paper towels and discard bad seeds.
And dream of sunshine, spring rains, warm summer days and delicious vegetables.
