Plan for the New Year

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Becky Wilder, Seeds For the South, Graniteville, S.C. 

Gulf Coast

While youre browsing through the latest seed catalogs, consider ordering a frost blanket. It will provide more protection than plastic against freezing weather. A temporary burlap fence can help block dry north winds, but it wont give your garden much frost protection. Mild winter temperatures make for a great season of cole crops, lettuce, carrots, beets, radishes and edible-podded peas. While youre enjoying these, go ahead and order seeds for summer crops. Youll need them to start a few early-bird tomatoes inside by mid-January. Collect organic matter: seaweed, manure and compost--the more the better. Wood chips can make good mulch, but dont work them into the soil because they will tie up nitrogen while they decompose. Devote some study time to learning how organic matter and composting can build soils. These are keys to successful gardening.

Bill Adams, Burton, Texas 

Central/Midwest

If the urge to garden is strong, and you have adequate indoor light, grow a pot of herbs such as cilantro or basil. Or, plant a tray of lettuce for fresh greens in February! Resolve to plant something new next season. If it doesnt perform as you hoped, just pull it out and try something else. The 2006 All America Selections winners are good to include because they have been tested across the continent for several years. The Purple Haze carrot is sure to add variety and excitement to your garden. Cilantro Delfino has interesting serrated leaves, withstands bolting and has excellent flavor. Aim to use all the produce you have harvested and preserved from this past year by the time next seasons crops are ready. Search for new recipes to make use of what is on hand. This will keep your winter exciting and your harvesting purposeful. Bon apptit!

Connie Dam-Byl, William Dam Seeds Ltd., Dundas, Ontario

North Central and Rockies

This is not the end of a growing season--it is the beginning of a new one. Harvest Brussels sprouts, kale and endive, which are still fresh under the snow and sweetened by the frost. Clean and organize any seeds you have saved for listing on seed exchanges, or throw a party to trade them with friends and neighbors. When communities start growing and exchanging seeds, everything will grow and taste better! Take a deep breath and imagine next summers bountiful garden. Dreaming of what you can accomplish during the next growing season may be the most important gardening task of all.

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