On my mind and in the garden this week...

I know if feels really good outside for most of us in the Southeast but don't get too happy and start putting those young seedlings in the ground. Remember to make sure each type of seedling is planted in the right temperature, and that is SOIL not Air temperature. Just like on a hot day in the early spring at the beach, the water can be freezing - the same with your soil. For most of us the soil has not warmed up enough yet for our seedlings to thrive in the ground. The same goes for some seeds that you might want to direct sow. Check your seed packages for ideal temperatures to sow into the ground. Trust me, it is worth waiting a couple more weeks and plant right than to lose your hard work by planting too early.

For those of you who attended our last few classes, we discussed composting directly in your raised beds, pots, even in the ground. I shared using the simple wire trash can like you can purchase at the dollar stores, but here is a neat way to do it as well using PVC piping. Check it out!

While it shows holes being drilled in the pipe, you can also purchase PVC piping with holes already in it. Let me know if you try this!

I also wanted to share this great comparison of using methods and products to enhance and support your gardening but making choices that support the environment. We have talked many times about the importance of biodiversity in the garden and in the soil. The products we add can enhance that biodiversity or actually kill it, leaving you with dead soil. And remember, your soil feeds the plants that feed you! So we want soil that is very much alive, thriving with nutrients, and organisms that help to keep it healthy. Like it says at the bottom, "The stores sell the problem and the solution. Know which is which!"

Finally, for those of you who love to make your own herbal products (look for the kitchen herbalism class coming in April!), here is a handy chart that describes how long natural herbal products should be kept. Remember, not only is time important, but where you store your products is important too. Heat and light degrade herbal products faster. So find a cool, darkened place to store them. But make sure your items are dated as well so that you do not use them when they are no longer effective, or may even become unhealthy for you.