Happy Valentine's Day!

Well it's the middle of February and things are really starting up in the seed starting department! If you are going to start any of the following by seed, now is the time to do it:

Vincas

Impatiens

Petunias

I start my snapdragons now, although technically you have another week

You will need to put your coneflower seeds in the frig for 4 weeks before planting

So plant some flower seeds today, dream of spring and have some chocolate! The best way to treat a gloomy-looking February day!

What seeds can I start now?

Okay, here is a list of things you can be starting by seed: Parsley,thyme,oregano,chive,basil,dill, cilantro,leek,Spanish onion,celery,kale,lettuce,cauliflower,broccoli & cabbage. You don't need a fancy set-up to do this...I use a large table in the basement covered with an electric blanket, topped with a big plastic shower curtain liner. Above the table John has hung those shop lights with fluorescent bulbs in them (we have replaced one bulb with a grow light, which you can buy at Lowes or Home Depot) My table is big enough to need three of these lights. John has them hooked to chains with S-hooks so we can raise and lower them. You want to keep the light pretty close to the plants to prevent them from getting leggy. I'm going to post some important sites to look at this month in a separate area. One of my favorite books is "Week by Week Vegetable Gardener's Handbook"

You can get a copy on amazon for about $10 and it is well worth the money. This book will take you week by week through the whole year, letting you know what you should be doing based on your first frost-free date. My date here in West Chester is: April 25th. Tomorrow I'll tell you about my Aerogarden and how to start your seeds with one.