As we all wait patiently, or impatiently, for Spring there are things we can do this month to be ready. This chore list was taken from UGA vegetable specialist Bob Westerfield’s Vegetable Garden Calendar.
Indoor Chores
This is the time to start your seedlings indoors. Peppers and eggplants take about eight weeks to grow from seed to transplant size. Tomatoes will take about six weeks. For detailed information about indoor seed starting visit our January 2015 post on seed starting by Amy Whitney.
Check in with your local UGA Extension office to see what type of classes are being offered near you. Agents plan their trainings on what you want to learn! There is also an upcoming events page on our website.
Outdoor Chores
Now is the time to repair any raised bed materials and think about adding compost. If you haven’t done a soil test in the past three years get that done now.
Make early plantings of your choice from the following: carrots, collards, lettuce, mustard, English peas, Irish potatoes, radishes, spinach and turnips.
Use “starter” fertilizer solution around transplanted crops such as cabbage.
Replenish mulch on strawberries.
These chores will keep us busy until the temperatures warm up!
Happy Gardening!
Becky is a Georgia Certified Beekeeper and works with community and school gardeners to increase beneficial insect habitat.She is the coordinator of the Great Georgia Pollinator Census, happening this year on August 19th and 20th, 2022.She is also part of UGA's Native Plants and Beneficial Insect Working Group.
- ParSLAY the Day! - June 12, 2024
- 6th Annual Great Southeast Pollinator Census - May 28, 2024
- Are you ready for Pepper Palooza? - July 5, 2023
What do you suggest to use for indoor seed containers??
Hi Nicole, Plastic is easy to clean, reusable, inexpensive, and holds moisture well. You can purchase one of the inexpensive seed starting systems from your local hardware store or big box retailer. They will last for several years. Also, you can use the bottom of plastic milk jugs or even the plastic containers given out, with lids, from fast food restaurants. Good luck with your seeds. Let us know how they work!
I’m often using newspapers and egg cartons for my seed starters. It’s much better than plastic and it’s kind of recycling – instead of throwing all newspapers to the garbage, I just fold out of them small seed starting “containers”. Got some nice ideas from you post, for my next year garden planning. Greets!
Thanks for your comment! Do you have a special set of newspaper folding instructions we could share?