January Rest with Spring Intentions

     Here it is , mid-January again. This time of year can really get to you. Long nights and cold days without very much sunlight. This is so hard on some people - especially us outdoors people! To us, feeling couped up is an understatement.

      I try to make the best of this time of year by evaluating last year and planning for the seasons ahead. Not just in life, but in the garden as well.

     We at the store have been ordering seeds and flowers for the greenhouse. We’ve also been laying out planting deadlines and refining our care tactics for the growing season. It takes a lot of planning and thought to bring it all together!  

With each day of planning, anticipation for spring is already building in me.  

     Next week in the greenhouse we will be starting pansies for spring. It will feel great to get my hands in the soil again! For my home gardeners, now is the time for this. Here are some tips for starting your own pansy seeds at home.  

Supplies:

pansy seeds

refrigerator

seed tray

your favorite seed starting mix

room temp to warm water

mister or spray bottle

plastic wrap

a warm window

optional: grow light

       Pre- chill your pansy seeds in the refrigerator for 3-5 days before sowing. This aids in the germination process by mimicking winter for the seed and then breaking the dormancy period. The technical term for this is "cold stratification".  

     Prepare your seed tray with soil (be sure the soil is moist) lay the seeds on top and lightly cover with soil. Mist soil until it is damp.

I like to cover my seeds during germination with clear plastic. It creates a humid environment for the seed. Then place in a warm window. The seeds should sprout in 7-14 days. During that time, be sure to keep the soil moist with a mister. Its important that the seeds do not dry out!

     After the plants emerge, be sure they get plenty of light. They can get leggy if they lack this, so a grow light is a great idea.  

     Pansies and peppers are two plants that require a long growing period. 12-14 weeks until they are ready to go outside. So, if you want to give either of these a shot on your own, you better get planting! 

     For anyone else feeling the winter blues, I see you. It's fine to be a hermit and hibernate. We need this rest period just like nature does. Before we know it, we will both be blooming again!