Does February March?… No But April May!
At last we are having a nice dump of snow and hopefully we’ll get much more especially in the mountains. Temperatures in the daytime are still a little high but hopefully the snow will remain. I have received at least a good 6 inches over the last 24 hrs and it is still lightly snowing. I’m sure the ski hills will be happy.
Tomorrow I will get out and blow it all where I want it in the yard which is actually one of my favourite winter chores. All the seeds I have planted are doing well and I am seeing signs of life. If you are planting some flower seeds for yourself be sure to follow the planting instructions as many flowers should not be covered with soil as they need light to germinate.
If in error you have covered the seed lightly stir the soil in an attempt to lift them to the surface and as they start to germinate continue to do this as they will sprout if they become exposed. Even if it is a long time since they have been planted. Also many seeds need to be Vernalized which means they need to be put in a refrigerator for a period of 2 weeks and sometimes more to encourage them to sprout faster and with high numbers of the seeds germinating. Some of the seeds that require this treatment include Verbena, Chives. Batchelor Buttons, Delphinium, Asters and Eucalyptus. Some of these seeds actually need to frozen.
Some plants in the garden need this treatment as well and are considered cool weather crops and should be planted as soon as the soil is workable. These include such plants as Carrots, Beet, Celery, Parsley and Onion.
With not much to do yet in the greenhouse and yard I find myself with a bit more time on my hands than I like. This causes me to watch way too much News and it appals and amazes me. The latest laughs I’ve had was a report on the ideas that companies that produce fake beef for consumption. They’ve figured out that perhaps the addition of animal fat will improve the flavour. But not dead animal fat.
This was not elaborated on in the news report which of course leads my vivid imagination to think that they will obtain it through liposuction and although I am a carnivore this method of improving the flavour better than beef products will certainly not encourage me to change my habits. Another issue that is causing my poor little mind to overwork is the idea of brain implants and AI, artificial intelligence. These practices in the wrong hands will surely be an issue in our future. Ah but for the good old days when A I meant artificial insemination.
Happy Gardening!
Samantha Nason
BS Ranch & Greenhouses
250 547 6567
sam1nason@gmail.com
