Many of us are impatient to get out into the garden and start growing. But we have at least a few weeks before the growing season begins, especially in our colder microclimates. Here are some tasks to keep our hands occupied that feel like gardening -- long before we dare put the first seeds or new plants outside. Not all of these are relevant to every garden or gardener. But working on just one or two can jump start your gardening year.
1 - Buying or gathering up seeds -- an obvious choice and the most tempting when those seed catalogs arrive in your January mailbox! You can purchase seeds online or from a local shop, but a less expensive approach is to check the Grow Flagstaff! Seed Library, maintained by the Coconino Master Gardeners Association at the USDA Cooperative Extension office here in Flagstaff. There’s also a smaller seed library offered at the East Flagstaff Public Library on 4th Street. Simply looking at the array of species and varieties offered in these local seed libraries might convince you to try something you haven’t before.
Laura Huenneke is a retired plant ecologist, biology professor, and university administrator. Taking the Coconino County Master Gardener course in 2018 improved her gardening skills dramatically.
Gardening questions can be sent to [email protected] or submitted to the Master Gardener Hotline: 928-773-6115.
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