The time to start thinking about the seeds you want to plant for spring is…now.
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There are a lot of things I love about having a vegetable and herb garden at home:
Sustainability. It doesn’t get more local than eating from your own backyard.
Knowing exactly what goes into your food. If eating organic produce is important to you, you can select organic seeds or starts, use organic soil and compost as your base, and choose natural fertilizers and pest control measures.
Growing what you love. A near-unlimited supply of mint leaves and cucumbers? What is this, heaven?
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All that garden goodness comes from careful (and early!) prep. Three questions to start pondering now:
1. Where will you grow? If you’re planning to use pots, barrels or raised beds, double check that they’re made from safe, non-toxic materials. You’re creating a mini ecosystem when you start planting. Take extra care to ensure you’re not introducing potentially harmful chemicals to the veggies and herbs you'll ultimately be eating, the soil or your water system.
If you're planting directly in the ground, consider testing your soil. I live in a neighborhood with a well-documented history of lead contamination in the ground, but knowledge is power: you can always opt for container gardening in the event that your soil isn't suitable for growing food or herbs.
2. Seeds or starts? Do you get satisfaction from creating things from scratch? Sounds like you’ll be growing your garden from seed! Are you busy/lazy? Best to go with starts, the baby plants that you can scoop up from your local garden store and drop right into your soil later this year.
If you're going the seed route, you'll need to get them started indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date in your area (hence why February planning is key!). That way, they'll be hearty enough to plant once spring weather arrives. Enter your zip code into almanac.com to find your last frost date. Spoiler: If you're in the northeast, that's now-ish.
3. What will you grow?! Or rather…what won’t you grow? Fruits, veggies, herbs, edible flowers? Seriously, send me a picture.
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Your Farm in the City by Lisa Taylor and the gardeners of Tilth Alliance is a magical book to kickstart your city garden (or any garden, especially if you're going somewhat small or just starting out). I've had it for years and consult it every growing season. Recommend!
DISCLAIMER 🚨 This book contains a section on raising farm animals. Reading this book may cause vivid, recurring fantasies about having your own brood of Silkie chickens. Sway is not liable for this affliction.
