Order your supplies. Even in the middle of the winter, there are seeds and pots and all kinds of great finds. Ocean State Job Lot has a wide array of seed packets, pots and starter kits. To find a location near you, click on http://www.oceanstatejoblot.com/home/default.aspx. Don’t expect to find everything but it is a great place to get some odds and ends for short money and put you in the spring mode of planting. Get an early start on your seeds and you’ll be ahead of the game.
Clean up broken branches before they freeze to the ground. You’ll be one happy camper in the spring knowing you chipped away at this never-ending process.
Save ashes from your woodstove or fireplace and disperse them selectively around your garden. Ash is a good soil amendment but don’t overdo it. Wear grubby clothes. It’s a messy job; never do it on a windy day.
Continue composting. A few compost containers are always useful during the winter months. There is no sense wasting good coffee grinds and vegetable peels; your usual kitchen suspects. The winter breakdown process is longer so a few cookers for the compost is handy and smart. Position them close to the house with a shoveled path. Don’t find excuses not to compost. Your garden will love you for it.
Take a class or attend an industry event. Even if you aren’t in the field, there are plenty of classes and events that are available to gardeners. Get your notebooks out and learn some new tricks of the trade firsthand. The friendly environment is enough to make it worth your time. We are also in the midst of flower shows and exhibitions. Keep your eyes peeled and spend a weekend enjoying the forced beauty of spring.
The inspirational thought for the day is by Sally Berger. “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” No excuses. Get out your winter checklist and get a jump start on spring. Annie
Photo by Greg Bilowz
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