Gardening in January?

Yes, that’s right, I have begun my 2010 gardening journey.  I look out my windows and see snow, but in my heart, I am planning the tilling, planting and joy of gardening for summer 2010.  One of my new favorite websites is Seed Savers (www.seedsavers.com)  Seed savers is a wonderful website that  sells heirloom seeds and plants.  Heirloom seeds and plants are non-hybrid, you can let some of your crop go to seed, gather and save the seeds and plant them the next year.  I remember as a young girl, on the farm in Colorado, watching my dad collect, dry, and label the seeds for the next year.  In my childish eyes that was such a boring thing to do, now in my grown up eyes it seems amazing.

I have ordered several packets of seed that I can’t wait to plant, and several types of heirloom tomatoes I can’t wait to bite into.  In my planning is an amazing herb garden as well.  I have saved so much money this winter using the pesto and basil I froze last fall, not to mention the beans, carrots, corn, beets, plums, and raspberries. 

If your budget has been cut, like mine has, you might consider a vegetable garden, it is a real money saver, not a time saver, but I have more time than money.  The best result of all this gardening though, is the superior taste and quality of the produce.  Another big plus is the time with your family in the garden, teaching the children to work, to respect the earth and watch the miracle of growth. 

If you thought you might try a garden this summer, it is time to start planning.  The Seed Savers selection of seeds sells out fast.  Although it is winter, I feel all warm just planning my summer crop!