Early Spring Ritual

Most years I start quite a few perennials from seeds and put them under lights in the basement. My husband built a very nice light stand for me. But since we now have a greenhouse too, I thought I would try to start some of the annuals that I usually spend so much money on. I've already planted some Lemon Gem marigolds, Cut and Come Again Zinnias, some heirloom tomato varieties, sweet peppers, and a bunch more. I also got some seeds for cotton and indigo, just for the fun of it. I get most of my seeds from Pinetree Gardens. They have a good selection, and their prices are reasonable.

Here I am pricking out seedlings into packs. I really enjoy this process. I just use a pencil to dibble a little hole. My husband wanted to know why I was doing this on a kitchen counter instead of  the potting shed, the greenhouse, or the bench on the porch. Well, it was cold outside!

I finally couldn't stand it and went out to do a little raking. Had to see what was greening up under those leaves. Rick was cleaning out the chickens' nesting boxes. And look who came over to see what we were doing:

I'm so glad I braved the cold!