Early Spring is the season of new beginnings, new life.
This is my first gardening season in Oregon, different from Vermont this time of year in every way…but one. It’s the time of caring for seedlings.
What I’ve learned so far about Early Spring gardening here is the importance of water management. Too much water will drown a seed, or a seedling. I sowed all but the spinach seeds inside.
Spinach germinates best at around forty degrees, Oregon winter night temperature. Spinach seeds were in covered pots outside, not directly into the compost/peat mix soil.
Once outside, the tender seedlings need to be protected from direct rain.
The plastic covers protect delicate leaves from hard rain, and browsing deer. Oregon weather is lot of rain and wind this time of year. Hard on seedlings, but not impossible.
The seedlings are all leaf and no stem at this stage. Leaves help prop them up. Leaves also absorb the impact of raindrops, and prevent dirt from splashing onto the tender leaves.
Another way to use this time of year is a wall garden. I started the peas inside them and moved them outside when they were about six inches long. They are thriving on the wall. Good drainage, sheltered from the wind, and good sun…and they make an interesting entryway.
Not to worry, basil seedlings will do better in a day or two…and there are more inside just in case. The chamomile will be moved into the flower bed as soon as it’s a bit bigger.
There are three empty pockets still available for hardening off the squash seedlings still in the studio.
Part of Early Spring is getting into the habit of tending the garden as part of your daily routine. Try to water your garden at the same time every day. I enjoy greeting the day in the garden.
Tending seedlings is very nurturing, calming to your mind and spirit. Your body benefits from working with dirt and seedlings, too! Its not just about the fresh vegetables you’re creating.
Your skin absorbs minerals in dirt that boost your immune system. Ask any gardener and they will tell you that they crave the smell of dirt in Early Spring…their body needs it.
It doesn’t matter if the garden is inside under lights, in windowsills, or outside. Tending seedlings as the light increases outside is superb for your body, mind, AND spirit.
Perfect way of getting past the winter blues.
