Spring dreams

It's starting to feel like spring is around the corner. We had a 50-degree day yesterday--though we're back to snow again today--and it feels like it won't be long now. I completely ignored the stack of seed catalogs until the past few days, because it just didn't feel like time yet. Now it does.

I'm such a gardening optimist this time of year. My list is HUGE--over $200 worth of seeds--but it will have to be pared down somewhat. Of course we never get everything planted, let alone harvested, but this time of year it's nice to dream anyway.

This year we'll be ordering mainly from two catalogs: Baker Creek and Fedco. Fedco is a new-to-us source but it looks very reasonably-priced. We prefer to purchase heirloom, non-hybrid seed and are actively avoiding companies that purchase seed from Seminis, which was acquired by Monsanto in 2005. You can see a list of catalogs that carry Seminis products here. Unfortunately, one of our former favorites, Johnny's, is on the list.

I've heard old-timers say that they always planted peas by the end of February, so we're hoping for a warm day to stomp a few in the ground.