Even though we are currently in the grips of winter, it is always refreshing to dream of Spring and Summer. This post will cover some gardening planning, as well as getting ready for another great Winter activity, the Great Backyard Bird Count.
It's hard to believe, but many stores are already displaying seeds. I find January and February a great time to search for seeds, since the interest is fairly low, therefore the selection is great. When gardening season arrives in May, it is often harder to find as good a selection. Also, for those tired of winter and needing something to look forward to, this will serve to brighten up the cold winter days.
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| Selection of Seeds and Seed Catalogs |
As seen above, I have already received some seed catalogs and also have purchased some seeds. So now is the time to look through your seed box to see what you need for the coming growing season. Since gardeners tend to be creatures of habit, you will more than likely return to some of your favorite varieties, although it is always good to mix in a few new ones each year to evaluate them.
As you look through your seed box, there are two questions to ponder. First of all, you may be wondering how long seeds last, in other words, when are seeds too old to be considered viable. Although this is not an exact science, through my many years of gardening experience, I have found that most seeds are good for 2 growing seasons. So, for example, this year I will throw out all seeds labeled for 2015, and keep those from 2016 and of course the current year.
Secondly, probably the most common question is, where is the best place to buy the seeds? The two main sources are seed catalogs (most have websites), and of course local stores.
There are many seed companies to choose from, a few of which are shown in the photo above. I didn't receive nearly as many catalogs this year probably because I order very little from them. The reason being is that the seeds are generally much more expensive from a catalog (or website), although some do run specials. I normally purchase most seeds from local stores and garden centers. The one main exception is for specialty varieties, for example heirloom tomatoes. The catalogs are excellent for any special or unique varieties you may be interested in.
Below is a listing and links (caption of each photo) for my favorite seed companies and a new variety for 2017 from each.
New For 2017: Gladiator Hybrid Tomato
"Gigantic ‘Gladiator’ is the hands-down champion in the arena of ‘Roma’ tomatoes. With an unbeatable armor of vigor, flavor, aroma and yield, it bears a bounty of oval 8 oz. fruit on the patio or in a small garden. Its dense flesh and tangy taste make ‘Gladiator’ victorious for imparting rich, robust flavor to paste, sauces, soups, salsa, or ketchup. Strong roots conquer enemies such as blossom end rot."
New For 2017: Sweet Hearts Hybrid Grape Tomato:
"High sugar content and pliable skin make for a really delicious bite!"
"Sweet Hearts was bred in Japan by one of the premier seed companies in the world, and we are honored to make it available to home gardeners this season.
Once you grow your own grape tomatoes, you will never look twice at those overpriced supermarket specimens in the clamshell packaging! Sweet Hearts is out to win your heart!"
New For 2017: 42 Days Tomato
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One of the world's earliest maturing tomatoes. In the past, early ripening tomatoes have tended to lack in flavor, but not this one. Round, 1 ounce, cocktail-type fruits are bright red, have very few seeds and are bursting with excellent flavor. Believed to have originated in Mexico, but it performs well in both cool and warm locations.
Ripens just 42 days after transplant."
New For 2017: Damsel Tomato
New! Late blight resistance and excellent flavor.
Damsel produces 10-12 oz., globe-shaped fruits with beautiful, pink skin. Shares flavor qualities (sweet, rich, and tangy) with traditional pink heirlooms, such as Brandywine and Pruden's Purple, but is more resistant to disease. Compact indeterminate plants require minimal pruning. Damsel is the first commercial variety available from independent breeder EarthWork Seeds, who produced the seed in California.
High resistance to late blight, nematodes, and verticillium wilt. Indeterminate.
New For 2017: Mountain Merit F1
"Mountain Merit is a medium-large, 8-10 oz. tomato produced on a determinate plant that has a high level of
resistance to late blight. It has good adaptability, deep red colored, firm fruit and also offers intermediate resistance to early blight and Nematodes. Resistance to TSWV will also make this an appealing variety for Southern growers to use."
New For 2017: Chef's Choice Green Hybrid Tomato
"Tangy sweet flavor and
unconventional, attractive green fruits. Now joining the ranks of the 'Chef's Choice' hyrid tomatoes is this unusually colored, bright yellow-green variety. This award-winning tomato has all the flavor and wonderful texture of its orange and pink counterparts, but also offers an interestng treat for the eyes! Impress your friends with this one-of-a-kind color and flavor sensation that is sure to become a staple in all your favorite dishes. Flattened globe-shaped fruits are 6-7 inches in diameter and weigh between 9 and 10 ounces."
Great Backyard Bird Count
As mentioned above, the Great Backyard Bird Count is fast approaching. This year's count will be held February 17th to 20th.
To get started, below are instructions taken from the
GBBC website:
Join Us for the Next Count, February 17-20, 2017
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!
1.
Register for the count or use your existing login name and password. If you have never participated in the Great Backyard Bird Count or any other Cornell Lab citizen-science project, you’ll need to
create a new account. If you already created an account for last year’s GBBC, or if you’re already registered with eBird or another Cornell Lab citizen-science project, you can use your existing login information.
2. Count birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the GBBC. You can count for longer than that if you wish! Count birds in as many places and on as many days as you like—one day, two days, or all four days. Submit a separate checklist for each new day, for each new location, or for the same location if you counted at a different time of day. Estimate the number of individuals of each species you saw during your count period.
3.
Enter your results on the GBBC website by clicking “Submit Observations” on the home page. Or download the free
eBird Mobile app to enter data on a mobile device. If you already participate in the eBird citizen-science project, please use eBird to submit your sightings during the GBBC. Your checklists will count toward the GBBC.
So register for this great event, and have lots of fun with your family participating in this great worldwide research project.
Finally, a few bird photos and a nice sunrise photo. Thank for visiting and stay tuned for more info on the Great Backyard Bird Count, winter sowing, and much more.
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| American Goldfinches |
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| Mourning Doves |
