Northern & Central Midwest
January, 2010
Regional Report
Make Your Indoor Seed-Starting Calendar
Pull out last year's calendar and transfer your transplant seeding dates. Or, make a list of transplants you will grow. Start with your last average frost date and figure out the "set-out" date for each variety. Then count back the number of weeks needed for indoor growth and put the seeding date on the calendar.
Plan for Outdoor Seeding
Transfer outdoor seeding dates to a new calendar. Or, start with your average last frost date and note the earliest date you can seed carrots, beets, peas, and other seeds outdoors. Be sure to make note of successive plantings also. Seed carrots and lettuce every two weeks in spring. Seed beans every two weeks through summer.
Note Plants with Winter Interest
Take a daily walk outdoors and make note of those trees and shrubs with unusually attractive bark or fruits. Make notes to add some of them to your landscape to help add another element of beauty to your winter landscape. Look up the plants now to find out their cultural requirements.
Gather Supplies
Get ready for vegetable transplant seeding. It's not quite time yet, but make sure you have all the supplies you need, especially your seeds. Check light fixtures and replace bulbs; wash and sterilize pots and flats; stock up on seedling mix, and replace your plastic grow covers if necessary.
Grow Some Succulents
For a pick-me-up in mid-winter, pick out a succulent or two. Not all succulents need full sun, and most need very little attention for an attractive display. All have interesting stems and foliage with plenty of texture, and many will even bloom if given the right conditions.
