February 11, 2000

     Herald of Spring

With the lengthening days we can now hear spring music outdoors, as five types of birds declare that one season slides into another and the awakening season is on the way.  Cardinals, black-capped chickadees, white-breasted nuthatches, and blue jays are vocalizing their special spring calls and woodpeckers are drumming.

Meanwhile, local merchants have set out attractive flower and vegetable seed packets, a good sign of spring.  People with visions of garden-ripe tomatoes and bright zinnia flowers in their heads are already gathering the packets and taking them to the checkout counters.  As these packets are handled, looked at and thought about for weeks, it no doubt helps some gardeners make it through the winter.

More fascinating than the enticing packets, of course, are the seeds inside.  Each one is a miniature plant, an embryo surrounded by food and a protective coating.  The seeds are alive and will germinate when conditions are favorable.  You may provide those favorable conditions by indoor seeding of cabbages or peppers about April 1, or you may wait and let nature provide these conditions after you seed other species directly in the garden.