The Gardening Year Has Begun

The gardening year has already begun. My hands are delightfully soiled, and seeds are tucked snugly into trays, starting to sprout under warm grow lights. Seed packets cover tabletops and spill into counter corners, while journaling books and scrap papers overflow with goals and intentions for this year's garden. Birds and squirrels have been making their presence known lately, scouting for food—so I've filled the bird feeders and now watch them visit the future garden space. I'm already planning to share this year's harvest with the nature surrounding me.

I'm crossing my fingers and whispering prayers that everything I grow succeeds: that tiny seeds become fresh foods, warm meals, and beautiful flowers to share. Every time I plant a seed, I give it a little whisper of hope—that it will sprout and that I'll be able to tend it gently through the season.

My cabbages are ready to go into the ground. Rows are starting to form, and next up will be collards, potatoes, kales, lettuces, and maybe some sweet peas.

When starting seeds, I like to sow heavily in larger pots, then separate the seedlings once they develop their first true leaves. I prick them out carefully and transplant them into individual pots to grow on until they're ready for the garden. I keep them warm and tucked into moist soil, fertilizing with fish emulsion about twice a month.

I also have an oscillating fan set up. Once the seedlings are large enough, I start giving them gentle movement to help strengthen their stems before they head outdoors.

I'm hoping for a beautiful and fruitful garden this year. Since I'm starting from scratch in a new area, it's hard to predict exactly what will happen. I've moved up one hardiness zone, which means warmer weather and a longer growing season—I'm absolutely thrilled about that! But the little details remain a mystery: how much water they'll need, how quickly the soil dries, when the real heat arrives, and just how humid things will get. It's all another exciting experiment.

What are you most excited about this gardening season? What are you planning, and what are you looking forward to the most?

Share your dreams with me.

Until next time,

Serena