Winter Prep for your spring Gardens

Feb 6

It’s been a chilly few weeks here in Zone 7a, leaving most of us trapped inside and dreaming of our upcoming gardens. As temperatures continue to drop below 20℉, February is the perfect month to start planning your garden.

Ordering Seeds, A New Garden Design, and Seed Starting Methods!

Spring kicks off our 2nd growing season here at “Chateau De UhOh”, and I’ve narrowed down some important steps that are helping me prep for my 2021 garden.

1. Ordering Seeds

Like many other gardeners, I too lose my mind when the seed catalogs start pouring in! Ordering seeds can be a dangerous game to play! Here’s how I approach the task….

Inventory

Make a list of what you have.

This step is to help ensure that you aren’t ordering seeds that you simply have no room for.

`I like to categorize my list according to where things will be planted in the garden.`

I find it helpful to keep in mind WHERE plants will live because spacial awareness is important for mature plants!

(If you don’t have space for 6 tomatoes this year, only get 2 and save rest for next season.)

2. Garden Design

Putting pen to paper can be a huge help when visualizing your garden space.

In this sketch, you can see a rough idea of what I hope my vegetable garden will look like. We’ve already measured the space, and I was sure to include those dimensions on the sketch. I chose to mark some other structural pieces that I hope to add, which will help me remember to leave room for them in the garden. (Fences, Arbors, Fountains, etc.)

In my opinion, planning isn’t only thinking about what I want to plant, but how I want the space to look in the end.

It doesn't take much to build your own raised beds!

3. Seed Starting Method

You can save a lot of money by starting your own seeds.
It’s a great way to try different varieties that some stores don’t carry.

It’s not hard to start your own seeds, but it does take some extra supplies. This year I am trying 2 different methods of seed starting.

Winter Sowing Method

This method is ideal for anyone lacking the indoor space to experiment with seed starting. Not only is this method great for seeds that require a cold period, but I like to think it creates stronger seedlings by allowing them to grow in a little mini greenhouse.

Check out the video below for more info on Winter Sowing!

LED Shop Lights

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A post shared by Broadway Gardener (@broadwaygardener)

Last year, I watched this DIY Seed Starting Shelf being built for my birthday!

It’s a simple shelving unit with LED shop lights attached, and perfect for my seedlings.

Humidity Dome

It’s helpful to use a humidity dome while waiting for your seeds to germinate. I believe it helps keep consistent moisture, which your seeds will appreciate.