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Health & Fitness

Garden Catalogs Galore!

Garden catalogs are omnipresent this time of year. Get going on your wishlist planned.

My sister asked me today if I am going to consider other things to fill my time now that the "gardening season is over, right?" Oh, my. I don't think there is a season when I am not thinking of SOMETHING to do in the garden ~ every time I go outside. What about you?!

 

I am definitely stockpiling my garden catalogs to review during football games or during any TV down time for me. Now that there are gobs of opportunities online also, I also take some time to look online for specials which might make my life extra special in the springtime! Here are a few things I have learned over the years, that might be helpful for you too.

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1. Fall bulbs can be planted into early December because, here in Virginia, our true winter weather hits in late January/early February. Those bulbs need cold temps to hold off growth and react to the increasing daylight of the spring. So, hopefully, you have taken advantage of a few sales this fall!

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2. When looking at catalogs or online, those plant pictures looks SO wonderful, don't they? Based on my experience, the plants I have ordered live/bareroot just don't do as well as buying plants in my own local stores. Even after many years, some of those plants just are not as strong and vibrant as ones I have bought locally.

3. Time to plan for spring and summer planting. To do this, you have to evaluate the successes and failures of the previous growing season. I am personally looking for seeds and figuring out how they will all fit into my vegetable garden this year! Example: last year I planted organic edamame seeds. I can't locate them at this time of year, but I will keep on looking because they were AWESOME!

4. In addition to thinking of what you want to plant, you may be thinking of only planting non-GMO and/or heirloom vegetable seeds or only organically produced plants for your gardens. This is the time to research growers and providers for the plants you desire to make your gardens spectacular. Request their catalogs so you don't have to be sitting in front of the computer all the time!!

 

I wish you luck as you wish, plan and execute a great new garden for you and your family in 2013!!

 

Molly

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