It has been a long winter here on the farm. We made it through the ice storm ok, losing power for under two hours and we also lost two pine trees by the pond. We were very lucky!Our seeds arrived from Baker Creek this week and I was so excited. Spring IS coming, and the sooner the better. I ordered lots of tomatoes in different colors. I also ordered cukes, watermelons, leeks, pumpkins, corn, peas, carrots, and I will be growing LOTS of herbs. I have found that I enjoy growing herbs and I plan to expand my herb garden to at least twice what it was last year. I have started 3 trays of seeds so far, but I am just beginning! I am starting flowers, tomatillos, brussel sprouts and peppers indoors right now.
The animals did well through the winter and we now have a broody hen. The hens have started laying more eggs (thank you girls!) The geese have started laying eggs and we expect the ducks to follow any day now. We hope to sell baby ducks this year, and maybe some geese too. Last year we hatched out 4 ducks and one goose!
Right now I am reading The Plant Propagators Bible by Miranda Smith, so once you are ready to go beyond seed starting I highly recommend it!
Here are some links on seed starting. Have fun!
http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/articles/ten-seed-starting-tips.aspx
http://www.humeseeds.com/indoor.htm
http://www.savvygardener.com/Features/starting_seeds_indoors.html
Where do you order seeds? I get my seeds from Bakers Creek and Seed Savers Exchange. But there are other great companies. Here are a few!
http://rareseeds.com/
http://www.seedsavers.org/
http://www.fedcoseeds.com/
http://www.johnnyseeds.com/
http://www.wellsweep.com/
And then of course you have to prepare your garden for spring! If you don't have a compost pile start one now. Lay cardboard out on the area that you want to grow on and put some rocks on it so it wont blow away. Warm days are coming, before you know it you will be in your garden planting food! Until then read lots of good gardening books and magazines while wrapped in a nice warm blanket.
