Winter can be just as busy for a gardener as the summer!

There are many things we can do while the ground is frozen to get ready for a productive spring.

• Clean and sharpen tools. Fix or get rid of the broken stuff and budget for what you need to buy.

• Schedule Seed starting dates. If you’ve been starting seeds for awhile you probably already know when you want to start what seeds, but if you’re just starting or are adding a new crop to the list be sure to check when you need to start the seeds. Planting dates come fast!

• Clean pots. If you grow your own plants from seed this one is important, though not always fun.

• Plan garden plots. Do you want to start a kitchen herb garden or just need to do some crop rotation? Maybe up your growing space? You’ll have a higher chance of success if you plan before you plant.

• Look at plant and seed catalogues, which is sure to get your imagination going with all sorts of new possibilities for the next  growing season!

• Research and learn new techniques to try like aquaponics or grey-water.

• Do you sell your produce in a farmer’s market or CSA? Try designing a nice label or signs to advertise your business, or learn some new marketing skills.

Or just enjoy doing some completely unrelated hobby while the ground takes a rest. The busyness of spring will be here soon enough. 🙂