In the Garden: seeding inspiration

from Front Porch Fredericksburg Magazine March

fredericksburg sketches

In the Garden

seeding inspiration

By tina will

March! A wonderful month when we enjoy longer days and warming trends, but gardeners have to resist the urge to work a soil that may be too wet and cold. Soil temps need to be in the 50's at night (40's for some crops). Consider using clear or black plastic to warm the garden soil more quickly. Cool weather crops will have been started by many, but still need protection if temps get too low. Some people are having success starting seeds in plastic milk jugs. These act as small cold frames, for cool weather vegetables like peas, spinach, chard, carrots, and brassicas. VCE publications from ext.vt.edu give helpful information: VA Home Garden Vegetable Planting Guide, and Mulches for the Home Vegetable Garden (Publications 426-331 and 426-326 respectively). Because the goal of Master Gardeners (MG) is to reach the public, it was very gratifying to hear about and see the Seed Swap response on Facebook, and from people who attended our Feb event. Both vegetable and native plant seeds were enthusiastically collected by gardeners, attesting to the increased interest since the pandemic began. Many people were happy to find old seed catalogs and vintage gardening b o o k s because they have more 'how to grow' information and classic botanical drawings than newer catalogs. More than 150 attended and found it well organized by Master Gardeners Joan Pope, Arlene Wilkinson, Linda Kline, about fifty MG volunteers, and VCE/MG Coordinator, Lisa Ellis. So, what does one do with those seeds received at the Seed Swap? MG Tracy Blevins gave a talk on "Understanding the Seed Packet'. Read the packet carefully, or check on the internet using a prefix of 'ext' or 'edu' to get to the research-based information. Some seeds need 'scarification' (scratch the surface), others will need very cold temps before they sprout. If you are not sure, or can't find the right information, ask a Master Gardener. Our VCE/MGACRA has a monitored helpdesk: VCEStafford.helpdesk@gmail.com. Many people have become new gardeners, or better gardeners, and are seeking sources of good seed to grow what they want. January's heavy snow storm reminded me of the value of having garden produce stored for use during winter. I was not prepared when the local grocery store, without power for two days, could not sell their produce due to the too long interruption of the required safe temperature. I had not anticipated such a restriction on vegetables and fruit, and though I do understand, I find it a shame that so much perfectly good food could not be purchased. The lesson for me: grow more of my own food. Does your landscape struggle with too much shade? Our April 2nd Symposium at Gari Melchers Home and Studio is themed: Made for the Shade. Three speakers will address this topic:

Bryce Lane, Jenny Rose Carry, and Geoff Rinehart. Register online or by mail by March 25, 2022; schedule, speaker information, and registration form at: https://www.mgacra.org/2022symposium.html. Encourage your friends Cold Weather Flats Ready, photo by Susan Van de Putte to join you; it's always a good investment, and you may help inspire another to begin the gardening adventure.