Seeds to Start in March

March is upon us and I think we're all ready to see something green grow!!!
I find it very hard not to start my tomatoes in January. And, while March is still too early for tomatoes there are many vegetable, herb and flower seeds we can start in March. Please be aware that this seed-starting schedule is based on being planted on Memorial Day weekend (the traditional weekend for many Northeast gardeners to put their gardens in).

Tip from the Seed Room: To increase germination success for hard shelled seeds (like morning glory) nick the end of the seed or put in the freezer overnight. You can also soak the seed between damp paper-towels

All of March: Peppers (peppers have a long germination period and they vary with the variety, so be sure to check your seeds packet)

March 2nd: Leeks, Onions and Thyme

March 16th: Lupine, Shasta Daisy, Gloriosa Daisy, Ox Eye Daisy, Purple Cone Flower (Echinacea), Columbine, Carnation, Lobelia, Pansy, Statice, Catnip.

March 23rd: Parsley, Lavender, Cilantro (Coriander).

March 30th: Eggplant, Oregano, Calendula, Baby's Breath, Dianthus, Morning Glory, Moon Flower, Thunbergia, Icepand Poppy, Chinese Lanterns, Spearmint.

Check-out this cool video from UMaine Cooperative Extension

How To Build a Seedling Stand:



  

Bill's Favorite Native Plants: February

Allen, Sterling & Lothrop's nursery manager Bill Kennie has been working with the Falmouth Open Space committee to help eradicate invasive plants from the Maine landscape. Bill believes that it is very important to include native species in ornamental landscape gardens. Indeed, the more native plants a garden has the better--native plants are typically low maintenance, they provide food and shelter for wildlife and are visually in keeping with our native "wild" landscape.

Microbiota Decussata " Russian Cypress"

Height: 1'      Spread: 4 - 6'

Not offically a native but it is one of the hardiest and most versatile evergreen.
Russian Cypress is one of my favorite evergreens (as many of you who know me know already!). It has soft cypress-like foliage that turns burgundy red in the winter.  I have planted several of these in my yard.  When they reach matuirty they can reqally fill a space and are good for sloping areas.  I have planted these in full sun & part shade and they have done great!  The only thing they don't like is wet feet; so be sure to plant Russian Cypress in well-drained soil. It is very hardy and wind tolerant.

Seed of the Month: American Broad Flag Leek!

February:

My mother used to say that her favorite garden was the one she planted in her head in January and February as she poured over her seed catalogs!

While it’s still too early to start seeds indoors, it’s good to keep in mind the seeds that need the earliest start: leeks, onion, thyme.

Leek are my favorite!!  The mild, non-bulbing member of the onion/garlic family, leeks are, seemingly, used everywhere in European cooking.  Their exorbitant price in the US makes them a great vegetable to grow in a kitchen garden.

At Allen, Sterling & Lothrop our leeks are American Broad Flag—an heirloom leek that is strong-growing with long, thick blanched necks and beautiful blue-green foliage.

Try this traditional French Soup, Bon Femme (from Epicurious.com):

• 8oz each of leeks, potatoes, carrots and onions.
• 1 oz butter
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• 32 floz chicken stock (homemade or stock cube) - or water
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Trim the leeks and wash thoroughly. Clean and peel the rest of the vegetables and cut into 1 inch chunks.

2. Melt the butter in a large saucepan or wok until it is hot but not brown.

3. Add the vegetables and stir-fry in a fairly high heat until sizzling and golden.

4. Add the salt and pepper - this gives a much more intense flavor than adding seasoning after the liquid - then add the chicken stock or water.

5. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes.

6. When the vegetables are soft, mash gently with a fork or process quickly in a food processor or liquidizer until all lumps have gone, but the vegetables still have a little texture.

7. If necessary, reheat gently and serve this lovely, creamy soup in bowls with fresh parsley sprinkled on top.

Workshop 2/16: Magical Faerie Garden

Magical Faerie Garden

Saturday February 16^th at 11am

$40

Join Bill & Jess as they step from the “real” world of the greenhouse into the magical world of faeries! 

Using a beautiful, large  glazed bonzai pot (12” x 10” and about 4½” deep) and choosing from an extensive  variety of  delicate woodland plants (like ferns & moss),  you’ll create an unique garden that is perfect for local faeries looking to rest and relax!   

We’ll provide the glazed bonsai pot, soil, moss, natural elements (like river rock, tiny juniper branches etc.) and (of course!) plants!!  Bring yourself and any other miniature hardscape you’d like to add to your garden. We’ll have miniature furniture, wheelbarrows, tools, etc. available for sale.

This is a fun class to take with children; be it parents with children, grandparents with grandchildren, aunts with nephews or any combination thereof!

The class will meet in Allen, Sterling, & Lothrop’s greenhouse and should run about an hour.

 

Cost of the class is $40  

Space is limited. Please call 781-4142 to reserve your spot