Now that we are indoors for our Ohio winter hiatus, it is time to start formulating ideas for the gardening season that’s just around the corner. Garden seed catalogs will be coming in the mail and will be full of ideas for us to consider. The colorful pictures will be very enticing and the great descriptions will paint a picture in our minds of all the delicious meals to come.

Some of the plants shown are those grown from seed like annuals, perennials and vegetables. Many of the seeds are extremely small. Don’t sneeze or they’ll be gone. Growing some plants from seed is the preferred way to go. Others, due to the time it takes the plants to get ready for the garden, would be better to grow from transplants that have been started in a greenhouse. Peppers for instance, take several weeks before they are big enough to be transplanted outdoors.

When we look at the catalogs, we find that there are shrubs and perennials that are available bare root and can be shipped fairly reasonably through the mail. Deciduous flowering shrubs and trees can be planted this way as long as you are patient and have time for them to grow. Fruiting plants purchased from the mail order houses ‘bareroot’ will normally give you good results if they are not abused during the many times they are handled before they arrive at your home. The roots must not ever dry out nor be exposed to warm temperatures or they will begin to sprout and grow before they are planted. This is not good for the plants.

Most people want sure results and aren’t interested in waiting years for their plants to mature. If you are in this group of gardeners, it would be better to come into Meadow View to check out the tree and shrub varieties available in early spring. In fact, one good idea is to call and ask us if we will have what you are looking for when it is time to plant. Don’t be afraid to ask us about some new varieties you have found. If we don’t have them, we may be able to get them.

Gardening can be rewarding in many ways especially if you are growing your own vegetables. Nothing tastes better than fresh produce. If you only have a few containers on the deck or patio, grow your own tomatoes, cucumbers, beans and lettuce. Your senses will really savor their flavor and your body will enjoy their many health benefits. All you need is full sun, a source of water and some time to get everything planted in one of the professional potting soils.

MVG Inspired - Bee and Butterfly Approved!