Sweet Peas

On a happy note, I have sent in most of my seed orders. I didn’t get a lot this year as I kept discovering boxes of saved seeds and seeds from the last year or two. So far, most of the seeds that I have in various boxes and bags seem viable, and I will also have some to share at the annual SGHS plant sale in late May.

Now that I have most of the seeds that I want, it is time to finalize my garden plans. I need to find a place for all of the new vegetables that I want to grow. I need to decide what areas to expand, and where I can put new pots. On top of everything, I have set aside a small area to turn into a meadow! For the next month, I will refine these plans, gradually introducing reality into the mix. I have a limited area for sunshine crops, and, of course, my tomatoes take priority. Another plan I need to make is what seeds will be started inside. Very few vegetables actually need to be started early; most can be directly sown. If you are not sure what to do with your seeds, the seed package should have all the information you need.

Sweet Peas

If you read your seed package, it will indicate if the seeds are perennial, annual, or biennial. In this case it is an annual. It will tell you where to sow the seeds (sunny site, good drainage) and when (April to early May in cool soil). It will list extra tips (soak seeds overnight before sowing). It will tell you how to sow the seeds (1/2 inch deep, 2 inches apart). It gives an approximation of germination (14 days).

Sow Outdoors April – May
Bloom Time July-September
Locate- Full Sun
Height – 24 inches

Reading your seed packages will give you a great deal of information, and you will notice that a lot of the packages suggest the seeds be planted directly into the garden. When it comes to tomatoes, it is my personal preference to start seeds indoors. I have planted them directly and it does work, but I like to have my fresh tomatoes as soon as possible.

The too-many cats have been lounging by the living room windows studying the birds and squirrels that are visiting the feeders. If I am lucky, they will soon be watching the snowflakes and lazing by the wood stove. Judith. All Veggie Bites are available at the SGHS website: (https://sites.google.com/site/sghortsoc/)