As winter’s icy grip tightens, it’s easy to feel like spring is a lifetime away. Here in West Virginia, we’ve been hit with an arctic blast and a polar vortex that’s keeping us indoors. But instead of letting the cold weather get the best of me, I’ve been using this unexpected downtime to get a jump on the gardening season. Spring may feel far off, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start prepping for it now.
The first task on my list was cleaning and sanitizing my germination racks. These racks are crucial for starting seedlings indoors, so it’s essential to ensure they’re in top shape. I gave everything a good scrub, getting rid of any lingering dirt, mildew, or old plant material. I also took the opportunity to disinfect the surfaces, ensuring a clean environment for the delicate seedlings that will soon take root. With the racks cleaned, it was time for maintenance. I checked the lighting system, making sure the grow lights were working and properly positioned for optimal growth. A few bulbs were showing signs of wear, so I replaced them with fresh ones. It’s a small task, but it makes a huge difference when your seedlings are getting the right amount of light. I also took stock of any trays, pots, or other tools I’ll need when it’s time to plant. Better to be prepared now than scrambling later. I didn’t stop there, though. Since I had some extra time on my hands, I took the opportunity to upgrade my germination racks. I added a few more shelves to accommodate additional plants, as I plan on expanding the garden this year. The new shelves also provide more space for airflow, which is essential for keeping everything healthy and preventing mold buildup. While the weather outside may be frightful, I’ve been productive in getting ahead of the game. By taking these steps now, I’m setting myself up for a smooth transition when the weather finally warms up. Hopefully, spring isn’t too far off, and soon I’ll be able to get my hands back in the dirt. Until then, I’ll continue making the most of this cold snap and getting everything ready for the growing season ahead. What are you doing to prepare for spring? If you’re stuck inside due to the weather, there’s no better time to get your gardening tools, equipment, and seedlings prepped. Winter may feel long, but the payoff in the spring will be worth it!
0 Comments
|
Author: Kozue MayeI'm the co-owner of Self Mayed Homestead in Preston County, WV, where I run a farm-to-table catering business and teach gardening and cooking. With past experience in event planning and desert farming, I helped my community win the 2024 WV Statewide Gardening Challenge. ArchivesCategories |