It’s been a strange winter here in the northeast. We’ve seen minimal snow, unseasonably warm temperatures, and, at least in my home garden, annuals and perennials that have continued to produce well past their typical expiration date. We had a dusting of snow in early January, and I had to dig through it to harvest some carrots. As tempting as it may be, don’t assume we’re in for a winter that’ll stay mild and prematurely set out your spring crops.

If you’d like to get a jump on spring gardening even though it’s not quite spring yet, here are some things you can do to prep:

Start planning: Early planning means your garden will be ready to go once the ground truly warms back up. You can start scouting for optimal growing locations in and around your home and yard if you’re looking to start or relocate your home garden. The key is to ensure the proposed planting area will receive at least eight hours of sunlight every day. Keep in mind that the sun will track differently from spring to summer to fall, so choose an area that maximizes sunlight throughout the growing season.

Dirt check: Soil, water, and sun are the three keys to a successful garden and harvest. Ideally, soil is dark in color and smells rich with good drainage. If you’ve been planting in the same area for a while, consider supplementing with fresh topsoil, compost, or organic fertilizer. If you want to get more advanced, take a soil sample to your local nursery or cooperative extension, or try a home testing kit from a big box store or online. You’ll want any soil enhancements in place before planting.

Sow seeds: Many popular varieties of vegetable garden plants can be started indoors using a simple peat pot tray, and the seedlings can be transplanted in the spring. This includes tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, certain types of lettuce, and spinach. Root vegetables, such as potatoes and sweet potatoes, can be started as bare roots in vases of water, developing roots that’ll eventually turn into your harvest. When using peat pots, place one seed per pot, water thoroughly, then tent with plastic wrap and place in a warm, sunny area. Check daily to ensure the peat stays moist and remove the plastic wrap once the seed has germinated and is pushing up against the plastic. Enjoying some gardening activities in the dark days of winter can help lift the spirits and stave off the winter blues, with the added benefit of your garden being ready to go once spring rolls around.

featured editorial brought to you by Acer’s Florist & Garden Center

It should be made official; January is houseplant month. There’s a feeling of emptiness in the post Christmas season after the Christmas tree comes down. The home immediately misses that big beautiful, lush green tree that took center stage in so much celebration. A home’s interior can feel as stark as the winter scenery looks outside.

The easy way to chase away these winter blues is to add some green back into the scene.  Nothing adds visual beauty to an environment faster than houseplants. They’re an inexpensive way to add texture and drama to a room by creating a living space that’s relaxing to be in with a low to moderate investment of money and time.

It’s easy and fun to make your own private sanctuary; and whether you have a green thumb or black one, there’s a plant to match your skill level at growing things. It is wonderfully therapeutic to care for another living thing, especially one that only gives you rewards. Caring for a houseplant is a natural antidepressant. It’s a reminder to tune into your environment and is an exercise in hope.  In an age, when everyone is plugged into a life among electronic gadgets, seeing greenery helps us feel calmer and more relaxed. There are practical benefits to houseplants as well. 

Houseplants are good for your health. They refresh the air we breathe by releasing oxygen. They also filter out harmful toxins given off by the furnishings and carpets we live with. Increased levels of oxygen means improved levels of concentration, productivity, and creativity.

Houseplants add to our overall happiness and longevity. Without plants we wouldn’t exist at all; yet many of us take them for granted. However, there is no denying their importance to our well being; so, the more you add to your interior spaces the better.