Ahh ~ Spring!

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade. ~Charles Dickens

How did Dickens know what March in Michigan is like. While this picture was taken in May last year, it is a reminder of what is coming. With the first day of spring our bulbs are barely poking their new leaves out of the ground. The frost still lies deep underneath. Today is sunny, the breezes are chilly, and the buds on the lilac and cherry tree are swelling. The Robins are coming out to play.

Today is the perfect day to take a walk and observe Mother Nature's rebirth as the world around us is showing the first signs of reawakening after a long winter's sleep. In the greenhouse and house our seeds are sprouting and seedlings are getting their first true leavings. In a few short weeks they will grow into plants for the garden. It's time to start thinking about starting your annual herb and vegetable seeds. Depending upon where you're located, and your last frost free date is they should be started about 4 to 6 weeks prior. Growing our own plants from seeds is a wonderful reminder and reconnection of what life and the earth is about.

Starting seeds is a great project to do with children. You don't need anything fancy. Let them make a mini greenhouse for their seed. Take a pop/water bottle and cut it one third of the way up from the bottom. Punch a few holes for drainage in the bottom (you can place it on a saucer or make one of foil). Fill the bottom with a soiless potting mix (peat based mix) and plant your seed according to it's depth directions. Water then place the top part of the bottle on top. (You may need to make small cuts around the edge of the bottle top (like fringe), so that the bottle top stays on.) Leave the cap off the bottle top so it can breath a little, otherwise it may stay to wet. Clear plastic containers that open & close from the grocery also work well, as do McDonald's salad containers for instant mini greenhouses. Place in a sunny window. Water only as needed. Most annual seed only take a week to 10 days to germinate. The kids will love watching their own little seedling grow. For more great kids (and big kids) projects, like starting seeds outdoors, check out the Winter Sown website. They even offer free seeds!

Happy Spring!