January 13, 2023
Margaret A. Swenson
Can you believe the price of spaghetti sauce? Matter of fact, everything made with tomatoes is expensive. How do we fight inflation?
Our battle ground is a well prepared patch of soil, whether on the ground, in raised beds, or a greenhouse. Even a seed starting tray on the top of your refrigerator can encourage seeds to germinate.
Weapons for this battle to protect the pocketbook include good seed starting soil, a dibble for seed placement, containers to transplant young seedlings, spades, shovels, rakes, and a good pair of gloves.
And our artillery is water.
Many varieties of tomato seeds are available.
A trip to the library gleans not only books, but often seeds to share.
Some favorites include, Early Girl, Beefsteak, Roma, Sweet 100s, and variations of each.
It is also fun to grow heritage tomatoes.
Though I am all excited about planting, the reality is, it is still winter and we need consistent WARM temperatures, which we must wait for.
Usually the best time to start tomato seeds is in late March or about eight weeks before the last predicted frost. Planting tomato seeds too early results in weak, leggy plants that take longer to gain strength in their summer home.
In the meantime, if you must get your fingers dirty, herbs such as basil, which is an annual, parsley, sage, oregano, and mints which are perennials, and even onions can get a good start under indoor garden lighting.
A note about the perennial herbs: when they are happy in their spot, they can become invasive. Rosemary is not a hardy perennial in our area but is delightful to grow from either early starts or purchased plants.
Assessment: that is what is happening in January. Between the snow and rain storms a survey of broken limbs, downed trees and other disagreeable features could be overwhelming. This may be the time to insist a specialist. Call the Spokane County WSU Master Gardeners for a list of Certified Arborists in our area.
After you have warmed up from the trip around your landscape check online or again go to the library. You can print out seed catalogues to further encourage your passion for gardening and while away some time before spring.
Hang in there, all you gardeners, we are all winners when it comes to gardening.
Please contact the WSU Spokane County Master Gardeners
spokane-county.wsu.edu/spokane/
or call 509-477-2181 for more information
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