Sunday, February 15, 2015

Spring Thoughts

Outside, the snow is almost at the top of the garden gate, but inside, seeds planted a few days ago, are warm and cosy. The earliest packets opened are leeks and onions although, generally I don't start onions as we have Egyptian Walking Onions, perennial in their own way.  But every spring I regret that decision especially last year when I bought some Ailsia Craigs from a local vendor in Tantallon. He was kind enough to share the variety name and I await the seeds. You know how you read some onions are so sweet you can eat them out of hand, well that's how I felt about those Ailsia Craig Onions apparently named after a perfectly round island off the coast of Scotland ;-). But, as I had some New York Early and Northern Lights leek seed, the urge to plant now prevailed. They are on their way to sprouting.
This dead part of winter is when I crave fresh green pea shoots so I've started a pot of those as well. As I've written about how I do this, you might want to go to this older post of mine here if you are interested to try.  When they sprout and grow a bit, will post a photo. Although I am trying to be a bit more frugal with seed buying this year, a trip to Halifax Seed Company is always in order, especially when friend blogger Marguerite comes over from Prince Edward Island. It's our go to place to enjoy and share together, when we can make it happen.  So here's what jumped into my pockets and before anyone says anything about the packet of squash and my plan to not grow any this year...in my defense I have to say, it is considered a compact variety.  Well we will see about that heh!
The excitement builds with the handling of every packet. Are those Northern Lights leeks really going to be that blue? And will the peas really be ready in three weeks? Where will I put the Sunshine Squash now that I've committed to growing it?

If you have the same snowstorm today we are having, and winter is getting you down, down, down.....think Spring green thoughts and maybe enjoy getting your seeds out, and your hands dirty inside where it's snug and warm.

6 comments:

  1. The snow is still blowing and blowing, and apparently will blow all night. I didn't get to plant my onions today but will be doing so tomorrow. I need a bit of green right now, can't even see the trees for the snow. loved the visit Brenda, it's always a treat. In addition to my Halifax Seed purchased I'm now I'm buying seeds with a vengeance. Just got my Seeds of Diversity catalogue and my first order is in. William Dam is next. Let spring come soon!

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  2. I think all of Nova Scotia is buried! We drew up our plans with many colourful markers yesterday. Today the girls and I seeded some more flowers and jalapeƱos in our jammies with hot chocolate, we can't even find our tunnels under the snow anymore!! I love your pea shoot ideas, maybe a project for the next big snow day. Stay warm!

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  3. Wow - that is some snow fall - it does look beautiful though - although I am sure you will be glad when it decides to move on and you can see a bit of green again. I love those leeks they will look so colourful in the garden. I haven't bought any veg seeds yet - I just can't make my mind up what I want to grow this year - but planning is half the fun isn't it. Good luck with the pea shoots, they make a nice addition to a salad so fresh tasting - almost better than the peas themselves. Keep warm!

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  4. good to have thoughts of Spring to keep us all going!

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  5. It has been so incredibly cold here that thoughts of spring and seed packets are most welcome!

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  6. I wish you were my neighbour here on the Island. I'd love to see what you'd do with this climate - you are amazing with what you have in NS!!

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