It’s February 14th (Happy Valentines Day) I’m in zone 5b (with the last frost date around May 24th) And we are in the middle of a false spring - and it is lovely!
But … is it too early to start some seeds?
The Hoophouse
The soil temperature inside my hoophouses is 38F and the cold-loving plants like to have 45F for germination. It’s close!
The air temperature fluctuates from freezing over night, to 100F in the day, if the sun is shining brightly.
So … my plants need to like cool soil for germination and can tolerate cold nights.
What I’m planting
Apparently, what I can get started right now, either to go out into the Hoophouse soon or to have the slow-starters ready for when the weather does warm up, includes :
Cabbage
Carrots (I’m waiting to direct sow)
Cilantro
Onions
Peas (I will mostly direct sow)
Parsley
Rosemary
Sage
Kale
Lettuce (I’m waiting a bit because I still have my lettuce in the hydroponics system)
I might be pushing it. It might be a little early, but I can always start more plants next month. I will either have a bumper crop or I will learn what not to do!
Seed-starting trays
I’m using the self-watering system from Lee Valley for my seeds. I like that I don’t have to worry as much about forgetting to water the soil.
Once the seeds have germinated, sprouted, and formed their first true leaves, I will transplant them into 4” potting cups. Then, the next step will be the garden.
By the time they are ready for the garden, the garden will be ready for them.
I’d love your input on my timing and what I could be starting - and I’d love to follow your seed-starting journey. - Debbie
