It’s that time of year again, folks. The time of year when I start having to go 3 rounds in the ring with myself every day because it is TOO EARLY to start seeds. Our last frost won’t be until the end of May. The few times I have started seeds now, at the beginning of February, the seedlings have been gangly and weak and the transplant was terrible. So I’ve learned my lesson. But the days are getting noticeably longer, so anytime we have temps above freezing like we did today my hands get itchy for some soil.
I was talking with a patient of mine last week, and he may have given me the key to getting through this time of year. He was telling me that right about now is when he would normally be making his own seed tapes, for seeds like carrots that are really too small to place accurately by hand. He used toilet paper and white liquid glue. Then my coworker told me she uses toilet paper and a baking soda-water mixture in a spray bottle. So now I’m feeling a little foolish and late to the party, but I’m also excited to give this method a try.
Speaking of patients and coworkers, I started a new job. It’s a step up and the money is decent, but the commute is 1.5 hours each way. That’s going to seriously cut into my weeding time. No decisions are being made yet but… I’ll be honest, it’s a long drive. Thankfully we haven’t had too many bad winter storms.
I am very excited to see how little Bug does in the garden this year. He was determined to help last year, and about the only thing I had growing last year were mint weeds, so he was able to pull plants out of the ground almost indiscriminently and he was very cute. I think this year he might approach actually helpful, getting on towards his second birthday. We’ll see. I think next year I’ll do up a separate little garden plot just for him, if he ends up as interested this year as he was last year. If he has no interest, obviously, we’re not going to try to force him, but last year he couldn’t be kept away and he loves to help feed the rabbits and the poultry and the dog, and unload the dishwasher, so I imagine his helpful little self will want to be in the garden too.
Anyone have tips for gardening with a toddler? Leave them in the comments below!