A couple of weeks ago, I started my seedlings for the spring. I have to admit that I went a teensy bit overboard with my excitement of Spring and now am the proud owner of about 72 seedlings. Some people buy new shoes for Spring. I buy seeds.
Everyone knows in my house not to bother me during spring seedling planting. I am in my own world and am like a kid in a candy store. It is a ritual for me. I awaken my seeds from their refrigerator slumber in the middle of February and lay my seeds over the floor. (Yes, they have their own designated drawer in the refrigerator.)
As my seeds yawn and stretch, we greet each other as old friends. They smile back at me since they know it is time to start their magic. Honestly, for me, growing plants from seeds never gets old. I marvel each time when a seed turns into a small plant. It is truly magical.
Since I plant so many seeds, I started making seedling markers out of expired credit cards. Somehow they know when it is Spring. “Take us out. Take us out,” I hear them call as if they were awakening from a winter hibernation. I also have a designated drawer in my kitchen for my garden. Would you think I am a little obsessed?
Spreading the markers all over my countertops is like finger painting. Names like lemon balm, tarragon, collard greens, and lettuce pop up through the mix of markers. What a beautiful sight. If you are a gardener, you absolutely understand my excitement.
There is a method to my madness as I methodically match up seeds and labels. 4 Broccoli, 4 cauliflower, 5 spinach, 7 radishes, 3 eggplants, and the list goes on. In less than a week, the seedlings start popping their heads up. The radishes are already three inches long!
Spring has definitely begun in my house.
As I peek around the Green Sisterhood network, I see a lot of interesting spring related topics being discussed. Be sure to check out:
- 7 ways to use shampoo by Lisa of Lazy Budget Chef. How many of us have umpteen shampoo bottles in our closets? Check out my favorite use: how to make daily shower cleaner spray.
- While you are cleaning up your kitchen, here are some fun ways to repurpose old keys by Mizar of the Green Diva. I love the necklace idea.
- As I pruned my raspberry plants yesterday, I couldn’t help but think of Stephanie of Good Girl Gone Green’s raw vegan raspberry and chia seed jam recipe. Sounds delish, doesn’t it? Start growing raspberries. Mama needs to make that jam.
- While you are Spring cleaning your closets, consider making a memory quilt out of old T-shirts . (Tutorial provided by Karen of ecokaren.) Karen also reminds us to be mindful of the environmental impact of purchasing inexpensive clothing in her review of Elizabeth Cline’s book. Believe me. Her article was an eye opener about the textile industry.
So what plans do you have for Spring? Anyone growing seeds or planning a garden this year?