It’s that time of year to think about what you want to grow in your garden. A few seed catalogs have arrived already to piqué my interest, not that I need any help. Last year I went a little nutty and started my tomato seeds in mid February which is way too early. Don’t do that! I should have started them a full month later to transplant outside in late May. That’s the typical last frost date in our area which is Plant Hardiness Zone 6. Find your Zone here. So instead I had these giant plants towering over their pots sitting scattered on window sills through several offices at work. It was a blast watching people do double takes as they walked by; they looked like marijuana plants. Some people questioned me, others just stared, some come back around again rubbernecking like they’re looking at an accident. Am I the only person who grows veggies at work? I doubt it.
To avoid the plants becoming root-bound, I had to plant early. It was the first week of May which seemed fine when it was 85 degrees. But it quickly turned cold and we had many frost warnings all the way ‘till June. There were way too many trips to the garden to cover the plants with Agribon row covers to keep my little babies alive and thriving. It’s kinda like having a pet – keeping plants healthy. Maybe before someone is allowed to buy a pet they should prove they can successfully start, plant and harvest tomatoes, just like they do when people want to have a baby they recommend that they keep a puppy for a year first.
So heed my advice: check you hardiness zone; buy seeds and starts intended for your particular zone and follow the directions unless you like racing to your garden in the cold nights to cover your plants. Be sure to buy some heirloom seeds. It is very important that we support biodiversity of plant species. Read why here. Many catalogs sell them, like Amishland Heirloom Seeds, Johnny’s Seeds, Fedco Seeds, Heirloom Tomatoes, and more. Grow your own and have fun with it. If you are actually eating vegetables in August, maybe next year you can have a pet.
