When to Plant in the Midwest:
Springtime often plays a cheeky game of peek-a-boo with gardeners, tempting us to wait until the last frost before we begin our planting escapades. But I’ll not be fooled this year! In the green-thumbed battlefield of zone 7, the time to dig out our seed trays has already sprung. A full 6-12 weeks before frost dares to make its final curtain call, we can start our Spring garden.
Armed with an arsenal of seed-ready trays (these are a great option https://amzn.to/42CajiC) and trusty grow lights that won’t break the bank, (I use these https://amzn.to/3SVvqcA )the race to germination is well underway. Oh, and what’s this? My Yarrow has already poked its head from the soil, whispering promises of a medicinal garden—how exciting!
What to Plant in Your Spring Garden:
Forget the complacency of sticking to Midwestern vegetables and the usual herb suspects like basil. This year, I’m on a quest to learn the secrets of plants that double as both pantry staples and healing agents. Thin raspberry bush for fruit jam and leaves for tea, or roses for bouquets with dried petals for that evening soak. Imagine sprinkling a dash of sage over your pot roast, while sipping on some homemade lavender lemonade.
And brewing on the horizon? A potential tea garden! Who knew a simple cup of tea could be grown among your landscaping, ready to comfort or invigorate with its fresh-picked leaves? So, keep a sharp eye on those germinating seedlings, for they hold the secret to your future.
Whether this is your first foray into the gardening world or you are a seasoned grower — remember, each little sprout is a step toward cultivating a garden, but also a treasure trove of flavors and remedies. From the deepest of root vegetables to the heights of trellis climbing squash, we are going to start this Spring garden off with a bang. So, let the dirt fly and let’s get growing! 🌱🪴🌿