Grow Doug

Here's how we start seeds in February.

Screen the compost so it's fine and holds moisture evenly. Pre-wet it in a bucket before filling trays. Sow thin. Cover light. Label immediately because you will not remember which is which.

Keep trays warm until they sprout. Then give them actual light. Not window light. Grow lights close enough that seedlings stay compact.

Water from below. Let the trays sit in a shallow basin for 10 to 20 minutes. Dump the extra. Steady moisture beats soaking.

Once true leaves show up, thin to one plant per cell. Snip the extras at soil level. Don't pull them or you'll disturb the roots of the keeper.

Right now we're starting onions, leeks, celery, and peppers. Tomatoes wait until mid-March. Cucumbers and squash wait until mid-April.

Starting too early backfires. Big seedlings aren't the goal. Strong ones are.

Full guide just went up on the blog. Link in bio.

Winter doesn't mean the planters have to sit empty!

Steph's been out foraging and repurposing her summer pots into something beautiful for the season. A few evergreen clippings, some pieces collected over the years, and suddenly those planters have a whole new life.

It's simple, it's sustainable, and it's a great way to keep things looking alive even when the garden's taking a rest.

We're shaing a video next week showing exactly how she put it all together, but for now... consider this your sneak peek!

Do you dress up your planters for winter, or do they get tucked away until spring? We'd love to know what you do with yours.

Not too late! With the ground still workable and snow holding off, now's your window to get Renu into your soil. This fall application works through winter to deliver nutrients when your soil needs it most, setting you up for a stronger spring. Don't wait for the freeze, get it down while conditions are perfect!