by Kyara

Though most of us enjoy the chill of the winter months, and the accompaniment of much needed hibernation time, we’re all guilty of day-dreaming of those early spring days, where the grasses are lush once again and all of the sights, smells and sounds are brought back to life. Some may have planted their bulbs, gaining some vitamin D in the autumn sun while ensuring some future color in April. Others may reach for their beloved seed catalogs, drooling over the newest addition to the heirloom family or plotting cunningly how to keep the birds off their raspberries. Let’s extend our hibernation habits a bit further this year . . .

This growing season, 2010 is more than just a new year—it’s a whole new decade—which means it’s the perfect time to rethink and revitalize those thoughts, making our time, money and space more efficient as well as utterly sustainable. Thus, we’ve collected some ideas from previous garden years as well as nods to the future of garden tending, to promote new growth and healthy, self-sufficient food.

• In January, start saving small yogurt containers—these are great for the transition period between indoor seedlings and the final transplant in May/June. Prick a few small holes on the underside to ensure proper drainage.
  
  
• Plan a visit to a wholesale garden store—here you can buy peat as well as perlite and make your own potting mix. Not only is this less expensive, but you can control the amount of perlite in the mix (the more the merrier, as it keeps the peat from drying out quickly and keeps the small seeds in place). Also, you can bag and share with neighbors, family and friends freely! Please note: Vermiculite is quickly diminishing from potting soil mixes, as it has been shown to contain asbestos. Purchase wisely!
  
  
• Once seeds are ordered, you may start them indoors in late January or early February for early spring varietals (cabbages, fennel, lettuces, alliums, kale, root vegetables). The above varietals can also be started outdoors, once the soil is workable and the danger of frost has passed. The average frosts for this region are March 15th (last) and October 15th (first). Many herbs, started from seed, like an early start as well.
  
  
• Come late February, early March, start your summer items and flowers indoors—make sure to note the conditions for different items, ie: cucumbers, tomatoes and melons prefer warmer germination temperatures (no less than 65 degrees) and some seeds like more light than others.
  
  
• Research cold frames, made from discarded wood or windowpanes. Many flora species can be plopped right into the soil in the fall, and kept warm over the winter months. This extends nicely into the early spring, when the occasional late frost can damage leaves.
  
  
• While the seeds are germinating (and you’re watering ever so gently once or twice a day), start outlining a smarter garden plan. Take into account water—from average rainfalls as well as hose distance, and sunlight—most summer plants need a full six hours. Most garden layouts are irrigation hose-friendly, enabling the plant to get just the right amount of water they need—and keeping you from standing, ever so lovingly, over countless beds!
  
  
• While necessity is the mother of all invention, sometimes common sense comes in other packages. Look at what you’ve already got in your space. Gates or a fence? You’ve got a trellis. Not a lot of soil? Allocate herbs and shallow plants in window boxes. All shade, no sun? Start a moss garden, or find some woodland medicinals that love the shade and will end up loving you for conserving them!
  
  
• Use all of that cozy winter reading time to research companion plantings, and really get the most out of your space. Most companion plantings are beyond feasible, and truly bring out the strengths of all plants involved.
  
  
• When planning what items you actually want to grow, organize a seedling swap: If you can focus on raising one or two crops-worth inside, you can swap with someone else who has chosen another one or two plants. This is an easy way to broaden your variety while keeping indoor work to a minimum, as each seed requires such different treatment.
  
  
• At the first moment the soil is workable (this area is march 15th on average) start cultivating the soil. Add much love and compost or humus! This will aid in abiding weed growth during the growing season, and ensure your soil is utterly workable—healthy soil should resemble a dark, loamy cookie dough, before too much liquid is added. If your soil resembles clay, sand, or cement, try taking a season to amend it with some flower species and deep-rooted, nitrogen-fixing veggies.
  
  
• As the months grow warmer, and perhaps you’ve got some little hands that need a task, make your garden system an ecosystem! Encourage birds, bees, and bats not only by what is planted, but by offering housing, too! Check out this cool Bug Hut, and Bat Houses are found at local bird shops (Check out Wild Birds Unlimited!)

• Most of all, have FUN! Gardening is nothing short of a labor of love, and should not be approached like another modern day hobby that can be stowed away in the garage. Finding the right size and pace of gardening is key, and learn much about one variety at one time—over the years you’ll become a knowledgeable source about many types without being overwhelmed by them all at once. Enjoy yourself, one seed at a time . . .