As temperatures have soared into the 50s, 60s, and even 70s, snow has melted and gives a peak back at the garden. Though we are not half way into March, it is time to start thinking about early cool weather plants. Some plants really thrive in cool temperatures and a light frost may actually make them sweeter. Members of the Brassica family, like cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower, actually love cool weather and will start to suffer as we get to typical “gardening” season. Also peas and spinach like this earlier part of the growing season, so don’t be afraid to think about getting these seeds and plants ready for the garden to extend your season.
Depending on where you live, it might also be time to think about starting seeds for your typical summer garden. The Old Farmer’s Almanac has a planting calendar that can look up suggestive times to start seeds and transplant them in your garden. Of course, paying attention to your weather is also an important factor, since a late winter frost (or snowfall like the madness of last year) can easily ruin a crop. Penn State Extension also offers a number of resources for how to start or expand your garden. Living in the northeastern part of the state (just outside Scranton), I tend to go by my wise father’s advice that we never really start planting until after Memorial Day and Father’s Day is actually a great time to get out there. However, some of that advice does cut into the season for those of you near the Schuylkill campus.
If you are thinking about getting a jump start on planting, make sure to check out our current seed bank offerings.
Happy Gardening!
Mary Ann